Customer Reviews

Dian Ramirez - Pilates Mind-Body Matwork [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have the distinct pleasure of being the first reviewer of this Mind-Body Matwork package. Excellent instruction along with stress-reducing accompaniment. Each of the three videos can be utilized by any age group or fitness level--not necessarily true of other Pilates videos I personally have used. So pleased with the workouts that I have e-mailed the instructor to be advised of any forthcoming videos.

These tapes are getting me in shape! I have heard Pilates is a great workout so I wanted to try it myself. I found #1 to be a super intro for beginners and I have loaned the tape to friends who want a taste of Pilates. I have to stay focused on the movements so I don't get sloppy. When I do the movements as the instructor does, it is more challenging. Pilates is an easy workout if you do the exercise incorrectly or with bad form. The Powermat (#3) is a challenge for me but I am getting there. The music is nice. I like that there is no extra chatter, just instructions that get to the point. The more I use the tapes the more I appreciate that.

I have just begun teaching Pilates Matwork classes at our wellness center in Iowa. The Mind-Body Matwork series are great for our students to use as a home practice in-between their weekly classes. The different levels demonstrated on the videos help students progress to more advanced exercises. The demonstrations are clear, easy to follow and the background music and scenery is wonderful!

I have other Pilates workout videos and I like that these are not just the same old stuff. Also, Diane (the instructor) gets right down to business with her cuing. There is no excessive talking to hear over & over again which makes it easier to concentrate on doing the moves right. She has a pleasant voice and awesome form! I am sure my form is not as good but she makes a good example to follow and stay motivated with. Plus, the emphasis is on doing everything with precision and control. Very user friendly and still definitely Pilates!

I bought these videos over a month ago directly from Dian Nissen-Ramirez (Director) and I love them...more importantly, I use them. They are three separate and progressively more challenging workouts, but are excellent for all levels of fitness. The workouts are each short enough to fit into a busy day, but can be combined when time permits or when you want a bit of a challenge. The exercises are explained clearly, they flow well from one to the next and the music is very relaxing. Well worth the investment.

Dian Nissen Ramirez' Mind-Body Matwork Video Series is an excellent contribution to the new efforts in holistic fitness and exercise. Using her deep scientific and experiential knowledge of the human body and exercise physiology as well as building upon and modifying the classical techniques and methods of Joseph Pilates, Dian takes the viewers through a series of breathing exercises and movements to improve posture, spinal alignment, flexibility, muscle tone, and overall well-being. The tapes include workouts for every fitness level. I recommend the video series for all of those seriously interested in a complete mind-body workout.

Not since Jane Fonda's revolutionary 1980 workout video was released have I benefitted as much as I have from Dian's video. I like it because she does not "jabber". The background music is quiet and relaxing. It is a great way to work out all the stiffness upon wakening in the morning. I highly recommend it for the person like me who is just trying to "maintain" overall flexibility and wants a complimentary workout to their other extracurricular activities, i.e., walking, biking, gardening, etc.

If you have been doing Pilates for a while and you want a challenging workout, these tapes are not for you. I have been doing another tape for 6 months now (The Method: Precision Toning), and these tapes presented no challeging excercises. I will use tape 3 on days that I need a light relaxing workout without a lot of effort. I don't think I will ever user tape 1 or tape two. They are way too easy. The good thing about them is that they are only 30 minutes long and the music is great.

I've been working with a personal trainer on the Pilates method and was ready to get out of the gym and do the exercises I'd learned at home. This set was NOT for me - as nothing looked familiar to what I'd been doing! Bottomline: if you're trying to mimic what you're doing at the gym with a trainer or in a class, this is probably not your best buy. However, if you are looking for simple floor exercises to do - and don't care if they're true Pilates or Yoga or anything else - you should enjoy, as the three tape set is very comprehensive. Another warning: You need some basic training in the fundamentals of mat work to exercise along with these videos. Dian doesn't say alot (which is a plus) but I couldn't figure out if I was doing the exercises correctly.

If you want a fast and furious workout, this video is not for you. But then, why would you be doing Pilates in the first place? The movements may seem slow to some, but they are supposed to be done that way. Fast usually means sloppy.
I have a lot of Pilates videos but this was one of the first good ones. I like how it uses a band too. i have noticed other Pilates videos are now copying what is on this one. This is a good workout for beginners too.