Customer Reviews

Liz Gillies Core Fitness - Progressive Pilates - Four 10-Minute Target-Tone Workouts

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Overall, I enjoy Liz Gillies approach to some of the Pilates mat-based exercises. While in general I prefer the classic sequence done in the classic manner, sometimes it's nice to change things up a bit.

While mostly Pilates-based, Ms. Gillies also makes use of her dance background, particularly in the Buns section. A few lunges and cat-based positions are used here (some of that may actually be from yoga), but she does include some variations on the Leg Circles and Pelvic Lifts.

The Legs/Thighs section includes some variations on the Pilates Side Kicks and some ballet floor barre (e.g., developpe and passe). This is a fast moving section- so much so that even Gillies' form seemed to suffer a little bit. However, you can definitely feel it working.

The Arms section is Gillies' variation on the Standing Sculpting Series from the Pilates syllabus. She includes some variation on more traditional weight-lifting and does some of the work while balancing on the balls of the feet. I like that approach- it definitely forces you to concentrate on your powerhouse while working your arms.

The Abs section includes variants on the Hundred, the Roll Up and the Pilates Abdominal Series. This section more than any other on the tape was targeted towards those new to Pilates- she does a lot of non-traditional "setups" and then modifies many of the exercises. Still challenging, but not necessarily what you get from a more classic Pilates workout.

The Total Body section is my favorite. This section includes a lot of work for the upper body- planks, side planks, etc.- so much so that you could alternate it with the Arms section.

This is a nice addition to your Pilates collection, especially for those interested in "Target Toning", but you may want to supplement with some more classical Pilates from Ana Caban or Jennifer Kries.

I am a committed video exerciser - after a long day at work, I'm just too tired to drive to the gym, but I can manage to put on some sweatpants and turn on the TV. Pilates is the "latest" exercise fad (actually been around awhile, but enjoying a resurgence in popularity.) I've tried a number of Pilates videos with varying results. This is one I will keep and use! There are FIVE different sections - one for abs, one for buns, one for arms (using weights), one for legs (lunges here!) and one for the total body. Each section is 10 minutes long (or 10 minutes short, depending on your perspective), making it easy to squeeze in a quick workout with so many other demands on your time. Each section targets a specific "problem" area (backs of arms, saddle bag thighs, etc.) which lets you focus on your own "areas of concern." At about 5-minute point, when I just want to drop dead on the map (hey, I'm working HARD!), a little on-screen clock pops up to let tell me there are "only" five minutes to go, then four, etc. - knowing I have just "XX minutes left" helps keep me motivated. This is one tape you will always be able to fit into your busy schedule. BTW, I usually do the four "target" sections at one time; I leave the "total body" section for times when I really DO have only 10 minutes to spare!

I bought this DVD because I liked the idea of being able to have those 10 minute segments to mix and match. I like to do Pilates/Core work before my daily Yoga practice and I like to have lots of programs to keep things interesting.

When I first put it on, I must admit that I was actually put off because of the whole "Pseudo disco" music vibe which reminded me of an aerobics routine. I was afraid I made a mistake purchasing it, but I figured I'd give it a shot and see how I liked it.

The next time I put in the DVD I was on my mat doing the actual program and to my surprise (and relief:)), I totally loved it! :)

Lesson learned, "don't judge a program til you do it!"

Liz Gillies does a masterful job of separating out various elements and designing sequences of exercises to focus on specific body areas. One of the things that impresses me so much is how you can start with any of the segments and she moves you incrementally through the movements. She always starts with simple movements, warming you up to prepare you for the more intense and complex movements to come.

Also, I find Liz Gillies to have a very lively yet friendly and positive personality which is extremely enjoyable to practice with!

I have used with this DVD many times now and I come away just as happy with it every time. In fact I did it again this morning and felt that I wanted to share with amazon customers my feelings with it while it was fresh in my mind.

It's probably best to have some experience of Pilates before doing this (I'd recommend Stott Pilates Basics DVD for excellent and precise instruction) as there are some more advanced Pilates exercises contained on this DVD, but once you have a good feel for Pilates then this should be easy to incorporate as she shows modifications for almost all of the exercises. Just take your time, watch it a few times if you need to and don't push too hard.

Highly recommended!

I was looking for creative and quick pilates-inspired workouts with good variety and focus on the "trouble zones" - I got all that and more with the Liz Gillies Four 10-Minute Target-Tone Workouts DVD. The DVD consists of 10-minute pilates workouts for Arms, Abs, Thighs and Buns, plus a bonus 10-minute total-body workout which lives up to its name. Each 10-minute segment leaves me feeling like I got a good workout without working too long or too hard. I also find that it doesn't get boring after repeated use, and that choosing a single segment works well as a warm-up or cool-down when attached to a longer workout.

The instructor, Liz Gillies, takes you through each step and describes proper form without a lot of chit-chat, but gives you an occasional motivating comment to help keep you going. In addition to Liz's optimism, there's a time clock that appears at the bottom of the screen as a "workout countdown" which gives you added motivation to stay strong throughout the workout. Beginners and less motivated folks can also take advantage of the modified (easier) versions of each exercise that are demonstrated by one of Liz's assistants. Another nice feature is that the DVD is set up to continue from one section to the next, so you don't have to interrupt your workout to grab the remote if you want to do more than one section in a row. The music and setting are pleasant, but for those of you who live or die by what you see and hear, I must confess that the ambience is not the greatest (It's not bad though!) The workouts are performed in a studio and the background music is up-tempo and does not overpower Liz's instructions.

All in all, I found this video to be worthwhile because it allows me to focus on specific body target zones and gives me the flexibility to choose a workout length between 10 and 50 minutes, depending on my schedule (and motivation). I would like to point out, however, that these 10-minute segments are not very intense workouts, so if you're looking for significant sweat and burn and ache, you'd either have to be out of shape/have difficulty performing pilates-type movements or just need to pick a more challenging video. This video works for me because I'm in my 20's and I have difficulty motivating myself to do high-impact, strenuous exercises at the end of my high-impact, strenuous workdays. If you're looking for a workout video similar to this but with a little more intensity, I highly recommend 10 Minute Solution Pilates with Lara Hudson - in fact, it's my new favorite DVD.

I have done some beginner yoga previously, but this is my first attempt at pilates. The first time I did the workout, I found it difficult because it seemed like they went a little fast. I had to rewind and pause in order to achieve all the poses. Also, you need to be very careful when starting out because this really works your ENTIRE body and if your upper body and back aren't very strong, you might struggle. They do have modifications on the exercises, but they weren't always helpful. The second time I did it was a little easier and after just one session I could tell that I had strengthened my upper body and back more, which made the poses easier. I think persistence and patience is the name of the game here!! These girls make it look so easy, but you can tell they've had lots of practice. The other cool thing is that even if you're doing the other target workouts (bun, thigh, arm, total), you're still targeting your abs (powerhouse) at the same time. My abs feel so tight! I really feel like I'm getting a good workout. And it's quick!!

You don't have to be familiar with pilates to do this video. Liz Gillies provides good cuing and instruction and she's easy to follow. I have this on video and the sections are: 1)BUNS which starts with standing exercises and ends with floor exercises. 2)THIGHS which is floor exercises (leg circles, bridge exercises) 3)ABS which is variations on pilates classics 4) TOTAL BODY this is a fun, flowing section and you'll break a little sweat during this. It has yoga push-ups, plank exercises. I like the clock that appears at the 5 minute mark during each section. I only wish that the video ended with a stretch. There is a short stretch at the end of each section. I just would've liked a 10 min. stretch as well. Overall, Liz is a good instructor, the music is upbeat and the exercises are effective.

"Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself." ~ George Bernard Shaw

Progressive Pilates is one of those workouts where you start off skeptical and then become completely convinced. Liz Gillies leads you through classic Pilates exercises but keeps them fresh with little modifications. If you have been doing Pilates for years this will still give you enough challenges to keep you interested in the entire 40-minute workout. You can also choose to complete only one or two of the 10-minute workouts.

The pace is perfect for intermediate students. The exercises are intense but the four to eight repetitions won't leave you exhausted. Some of the exercises you may recognize include:

Mermaid
Teaser
Swan
Cat/Cow from Yoga
Boxing with weights
90-Degree Front Press
Hot Potato
Pendulum
Plank with Battements
Arm Circles with weights
Pelvic lift with leg extension
Active moving Cat
Cobra from Yoga
Child's Pose from Yoga

The "Teaser" is also included but with a fun almost rocking variation. She calls downward dog "elephant." I also enjoyed the three "Mermaid" variations. If you go for the full 40 minutes you will complete a full-body toning workout. Progressive Pilates is perfect for intermediates although there are modifications for beginners.

~The Rebecca Review

I normally dislike pilates, and find the routines boring. BUT I knew I needed a pilates or yoga video to help stretch me out and work out all the kinks while still getting a great workout. I found it! I love this dvd, the music is good as are the background exercisers.. I like the overall "feel" of the workout, even down to the set. Liz Gillies is motivating without being annoying, and once you learn the moves you can begin them while she is explaining them to get more workout in. I either complete the entire 50 minutes, or add them on to my higher intensity cardio vids. Highly recommended, I wish more people knew about this one..

I have pre-schoolers. 10 minutes is just enough time to get something going without being crazy sore or anything. This is not strenuous, you won't "feel the burn" unless you are a true couch potato. But for people who have to live their lives post-workout, it's great. I'll do a section if I'm tempted to skip a day, because you can at least do the 10 minute total body to keep in the habit. Gillies is a NYC studio instructor who knows her stuff and has a dedicated student for demonstrating the modifications.

I bought this instead of mtv's piltates workout because it also had a 10 minute arm workout. I usually do all four (butt, belly, thighs and arms) and sometimes the total body workout if I have extra time. It has only been three weeks of doing the video every other day and my arms are looking better than ever! Also, the abs workout is one of the best I've ever tried. The best thing about the video is that it is not very difficult. The excercises vary a lot and there aren't many repetitions, so you don't have time to get bored, or feel like you want to quit.