Customer Reviews

Hilary Burnett's PILATES BASICS [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful introduction to those new to pilates. Hilary elegantly demonstrates 10 basic exercises that are simple but effective. They serve as the foundation to the pilates principles. These basic moves are particularly useful in developing a daily practice. This tape would serve as a great daily practice for intermediates as well. The setting is beautiful and enhances the mood for an effective practice. This matwork session will tone, strengthen and enhance flexibility. I highly recommend this tape, especially for beginners. Then as you progress in your practice, her Pilates Intermediate video would be the perfect enhancement. You can't go wrong with her new series! (...)

Hilary Burnett's Pilates Basics is a perfect way to begin your own Pilates discovery. I say discovery because Pilates has the most marvelous way of showing you a new sense of your own strength and elegance -- starting with your first time through this tape. And Hilary is the perfect guide. Her vocal style is soothing and encouraging at the same time. She uses clear, and evocative imagery to describe each move. You will find yourself feeling empowered right from the start. No matter what your level of fitness may be, this is a great way to get aquainted with Pilates. Not only is it fun and completely do-able for the beginner, you start to feel the positive effects right away. The basic is also a great companion piece for her Intermediate and Advanced tapes. On days when you want a lighter or shorter workout, you can do the 10 basic Pilates moves mindfully and get wonderful benefits. Like the other tapes in this series, The Bastyr chapel setting creates a feeling of sacred space. The music is uplifting and helps you keep flowing through the workout. This introduction to Pilates is a gift you really need to give yourself.

I am very new to Pilates, in fact, this is the first Pilates video I've ever owned. I bought this particular one because of the high reviews and I have to say that the reviews and ratings are right on target. I love this video! Pilates is very challenging but also very rewarding. I am a mother of two small children and I also work. This video fits wonderfully into my schedule. Who can't squeeze in 24 minutes while the kids are asleep? I even look forward to my next workout! I plan on buying the intermediate video once I master this one. By the way, I too love the scenery that's in this video and Hilary is a great instructor. She's very calming, yet motivating. Buy this video, you won't be sorry!

Although I was already familiar with Pilates via other instructors (namely, Ana Caban's videos and Brook Siler's book), I decided to give this video a try to see how I liked Hilary Burnett's style. The best thing about Hilary's instruction is her strong emphasis on breathing. Although all Pilates workouts stress the importance of proper breathing, I found that Hilary provided more detailed instruction and descriptive cues, making it easier for me to understand exactly how and when I was supposed to take each breath. Another unique aspect of this workout is that it is the only Pilates practice I've ever tried which includes some brief stretches to warm up for and to cool down after the actual Pilates exercises.

The workout itself consists of 10 basic Pilates moves. Hilary sets a nice, easy-going pace to the practice, and she provides helpful pointers about how to perform the exercises. Each move is appropriate to someone at a beginning level, and for some exercises, Hilary offers modifications via an inset on the screen. My one problem with this video was that I found her modifications to be less effective than what I've seen from other instructors, especially for those with limited flexibility like myself. Plus, given the short length of the workout, it is not overly challenging, although I did feel thoroughly stretched out at the end.

The video is filmed in a softly lit, living room type setting, and soft guitar music is occasionally heard in the background. Hilary provides mainly live instruction with additional tips via voiceover. Overall, this is a solid introduction to the Pilates method, but beginners with limited flexibility might want to consider seeking additional resources (a book, another video) for further assistance on modifications.

Workout background: I am a step-aerobics, elliptical runner, weight-lifting kind of girl, 2-3 days per week, with half-hour walks on off days. I have only attended an hour-long Pilates class twice at my fitness center, after which I felt invigorated and challenged to the core. Thus, I decided Pilates was something I wanted to pursue further.
Being a careful buyer, I spent hours reading the reviews for around 50 Pilates videos before I came to any conclusions about which one to purchase. The reviews for this video were so positive that I decided it was the one. While many of them proved true, I would like to reiterate that if you are in shape at all, or have had any basic instruction in Pilates, this video will probably bore you. I came to the end of Hilary's Basic session saying, "Is that it?" She did give very vivid description about how some of the breathing and moves should feel, which is important. But I'm currently somewhat out of shape (been out of the routine for a few months), and I felt the 20 minutes felt like 5 and left me wanting a real workout. And yes, I did it correctly, but just didn't feel it as deeply as I'd hoped. Reps were few and challenge was at a minimum.
Perhaps I'll try to borrow the Intermediate from someone before deciding if it's worth spending the money on...

the workout is only about 20-25 minutes and is time WELL spent. Hilary provides excellent cues and descriptions that make it clear how to perform the exercises. After 4 weeks, I'm off to purchase the intermediate tape...but the basic tape is an absolute prerequisite that will now be inherited by my sister-in-law!

Hilary Burnett provides a solid introduction to the discipline of Pilates. The workout is only twenty four minutes, yet covers the Pilates "Basic Ten". At first it appears as if there is not a lot of explanation in this video, but this is actually its strength as Hilary gets you to focus on her practical cues, rather than the theory behind them. If one is doing pilates properly, with each session these cues become more meaningful and the exercises more challenging as you try and connect with deep core strength. I found the transitions smooth and theshortness of the tape very positive as Pilates requires a lot of concentration and precision. I would recommend this tape to a beginner or intermediate student. Well done, Hilary.

I own about 15 pilates tapes and this is fastest moving one yet. She gives very little time to flip over from your back to your stomach and vice-versa. If you are in a rush for time, this is great video. You better know your moves, though.

"Pilates is about fine tuning your whole body and mind..." ~Hilary Burnett

Hilary Burnett's calm teaching style amidst a room of pillows and candles provides a relaxing escape into Pilates. This is a perfect way to be introduced to Pilates because the exercises also have variations which are very helpful when you are first starting to learn Pilates exercises and especially while doing the pull up. Most instructors don't give the modifications and this will be very helpful.

The exercises features on this DVD include:

Breathing exercises while sitting
Breathing exercises while laying on your back
One Hundred
Leg Circles
Rolling Like a Ball
Single Leg Stretch
Double Leg Stretch
Spine Stretch Forward
Side Series - 2 exercises, kicking back and forward - lifting leg to ceiling
Seal

During the breathing exercises, Hilary Burnett accesses your imaginative powers to teach breathing techniques. She also uses visualization in places to enhance the exercises, like describing lifting your leg as moving through water, to emphasize the feeling of resistance.

Not an overly strenuous workout for intermediate and advanced unless you ride a bike for 30 minutes before starting and haven't yet had breakfast. I'd say this is perfect for a relaxing late afternoon or evening workout. Due to the candles and beautiful room, this could also be a "slowly awakening to the day" retreat. All the pillows make this such a cozy workout and I love the mood.

~The Rebecca Review

As a pilates beginner and mother of a 3-month-old, I think Hilary's video is excellent. She includes very effective verbal cues to remind you of what you should be doing (i.e., "zip your legs up in a mermaid suit"). Also, with the 20 minute length, I'm able to complete the workout while my little one watches.