Customer Reviews

Discovering Pilates

5 star:		(94)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While this is a solid instructional DVD, the instruction gets old once you can perform the techniques on your own. You end up doing extra repetitions or just stretching while the teachers explain the movements yet again. For something you can work out to on a regular basis, the fast-moving "Classical Pilates Technique" (mat workout) is a better choice. Either that or you could search for a DVD that has an instructional track and a workout-only track.

I hate to be unfair and give a product I haven't actually bought a review, but I feel as if I should give other viewers of this product a caveat. Plus, a 1 star will hardly make a dent to the 86 out of 90 5 star ratings this has.

Look at the reviews. Pages upon pages of 2 to 3 lines reviews from accounts that have NO other activity (reviews or wish list). Not real-name confirmed, not verified purchases, EXTREMELY similar writing styles. These are very clear-cut patterns and shocking disparities between these reviews and the reviews on other Pilates DVDs.

Rather suspicious, isn't it? I was really excited to buy this DVD after looking at the great ratings, but not anymore. This kind of shady manipulation is intensely off-putting to me, and I hope it will be to other would-be purchasers of this DVD as well.

If you are looking for a challenging pilates dvd, this is the one for you. I have to stop the dvd and take breaks while doing it. He explains every position VERY clearly for good form and also gives you modifications. He has a very calm voice. I am only giving it 4 stars because it is very basic when it comes to background and enthusiasm. It basically shows John and a younger girl performing the exercises. I prefer Ana Caban's beach scenes, Hilary Burnett's calming candle room or something more upbeat and enthusiastic like Mari Winsor's Bun & Thigh sculpting. It's a good workout though if you don't need all the frills. You'll feel it the next day!

Allison

One caveat, I've only done the beginner workout so far. I wanted an instructor that my husband would feel comfortable with (i.e. a man), and something that would be challenging for me while not too hard for my husband. We both enjoy the beginner workout, which I can get through easily but still get a workout, and he can't quite get through yet (he's very much a beginner to working out, much less Pilates). From watching the second workout it looks like it would be a challenge for me.

In terms of the instruction, it's the most clear that I've seen on a Pilates video so far-- it breaks things down in an easy to understand way and makes it possible to focus on the movement rather than the screen.

As a total pilates newbie and a lifelong Klutz I was hesitant to even try Jon Belanger's DVD,Discovering Pilates, afraid that it might end up collecting dust with the rest of my exercise DVDs. Wbat a wonderful surprise to discover that through Jon's expert, yet idiot proof instruction, even my lack of coordination did not hinder my ability to execute every exercise! Okay, at first I didn't look pretty, but within two weeks I had graduated to the intermediate/advanced section. It was a miracle and so effective. A month later, my core is tight as a drum (so helpful in negotiating the Boston icewalks this winter)and I swear I've grown a half an inch. So many people have approached me telling me how great I look and asking if I've lost weight. I smile to myself and say an inner "thank you" to Jon. If you have never gotten into in exercise DVD before, treat yourself and try this one. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.

This DVD provides a great Pilates workout. Very slow and controlled with emphasis on the proper form. The form is described so you really know how to maintain it. I would recommend this DVD to anyone. Great Teacher!

What a great DVD. I try to use to 3 times a week. I really notice a difference. I am stronger and more flexible. I feel better and I think I look better too. I am really glad that I have this DVD and you will be too!!! Try it. You won't believe how great you will feel. It is fantastic. Discovering Pilates

I've tried many different workouts and instructors both in gyms and via DVD, and this is the one that has been the easiest to stick with, as well as the most beneficial. The instructions are very thorough, which makes a big difference with pilates because the exercises are not beneficial when you are not doing them correctly. As an advanced student, the periods of instruction are useful breaks for rest, stretching, or increased reps. This is a workout that I will continue for many years to come.

While the instrucitons were clear on the video, each segment does a demonstration before you follow along... while this is useful when you do it the first couple of times, once you know the tips and demonstration throughly, it's not really necessary. Would be nicer if there was a separate video where you just do all the moves, without the pauses for the demos in between.

Over the years I have tried various exercise-oriented DVDs only to be disappointed by the lack of instruction or boring routines. I have found "Discovering Pilates" by Jon Belanger to be perhaps the only DVD that provided value to me. His easy and yet detailed explanations provide a platform from which it is quickly easy to do the exercises as described. He has an engaging presence. Jon provides enough detail about the exercise and why it is a done a certain way to enhance the entire experience. Thanks, Jon, for finally putting out a pilates DVD that I will want to use over and over.