Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Parade Video
• VHS Release Date: November 4, 1997
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1577132858
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #130,298 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Method: All in One Workout is a very unusual workout for several reasons. The moves are inspired by many disciplines: jazz and modern dance, aerobics, toning, yoga, Pilates, and sometimes a combination. Each section is taught by a different instructor, and the music is provided by live drummers.

The video begins with a 15-minute warm-up targeting each muscle group, more in the manner of a jazz-dance class than traditional aerobic dance, complete with isolations. Next a 30-minute aerobic cross-training segment alternates aerobic-dance and jazz-dance movements with toning with light weights. The aerobic patterns are tightly choreographed. Some of the toning moves are also unusual, such as rising up on your toes and squeezing your buttocks as you do arm movements holding weights. After this, you still have a 35-minute "centering makeover," with abdominal exercises that will reduce you to quivering jelly, even if you think you're the queen or king of abdominals. Finally you get a 10-minute stretch, and you really need it by now. All the instructors are very clear and motivating. They are accompanied by a class of bare-midriffed women and a couple of muscular men. This video is best for experienced exercisers with aerobic dance or other dance background or familiarity with Pilates. (If you have a bad back, some of the moves will be too stressful for you.) You get more than your money's worth with this one. --Joan Price

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unusual and interesting, May 24, 2000

By 

M. Graham "mabelle805" (Oceanside, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Method - Pilates All in One Workout [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Not your ususual workout, and MUCH more difficult than it appears at first! The workout's length is probably too daunting for the time challenged (90 minutes!). I do the warm up and then alternate sections 2 and 3 on different days. The set looks great, and the drummed music is a wonderfully refreshing alternative to cheesy "disco" workout music. The instructors give clear directions, but if you're like me and you can't dance, it will take you several tries to master some of the dance moves. Keep trying, it's fun when you finally "get it". The abdominal "centering" is quite difficult - there were exercises like the "Teaser", where Jennifer Kries and the incredibly fit people around her were happily lifting their torsos off the floor while I lay there like a turtle on its back, unable to sit up. You can do crunches from now 'til next year and think you're working your abs, but this workout is using muscles you won't touch doing crunches. Very cool.

49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite exercise video, September 11, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Method - Pilates All in One Workout [VHS] (VHS Tape)

As a middle-aged woman, with a middle-aged body, I was searching for something I could do that would not leave me sore for days. This is it. I rarely do all the segments at once; rather I alternate the second and third segments. It will not zip your heart right up there, but the aerobics section moved mine to about 140 bpm, which is fine with me. I also love the results and have dared to go sleeveless for the first time in almost ten years.

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great workout, May 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Method - Pilates All in One Workout [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have been searching for years for a workout video like this. As a former dancer (20 years ago), I find most of the workout videos overemphasize speed (and getting your heartrate up) and underemphasize safety. I find myself cringing while watching most videos because I see so many ways in which muscles can be damaged when exercises are performed the way taught in the video.

This video, though, reminds me so much of the many dance classes I took years ago. Exercises are performed correctly and safely, and the instructors encourage you to push to your limit but not to overdo it. They even show what beginners can do to modify exercises.

I especially like the dance sequences, which are primarily jazz dance moves, rather than the usual "aerobic" moves. You feel like you're actually doing a dance routine. It does take some time to learn the routine, so don't worry if you're somewhat uncoordinated initially. In time, you'll have the moves down pat (they aren't difficult, you just need to get the timing and sequence down).

While those in great shape may not find the dance sequences bring up the heart rate enough, beginners and those who are less than fit will find that your heart does get going!!

It's not an easy video for beginners, but it is interesting and enjoyable. And, best of all, it isn't so high-volume, high-speed, that you give up after one attempt.

The production values are good, and instead of dated disco music or pounding hip-hop, the music is limited to African-inspired drumming in the background. My only complaint is that the video is long (90 minutes). Who has time to do 1 1/2 hours? I can usually only manage an hour at the most. I usually do part of it every other day, with a yoga routine in the intervening days.