Customer Reviews

The Method - Pilates All in One Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This video covers the three basics: aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility. After the warm-up, the video moves into a segment that alternates aerobic dance with free wieght exercises (you need 2 dumbbells 3-5 lbs). Intermediate and advanced people may find the aerobic segment unchallenging, i.e. it doesn't elevate the heart rate enough. To compensate I add 2-3 minutes of jump rope after each dance routine (there are 4). The next segment features ab and flexibility work. The latter half utilizes a bar (a broom stick works fine) that really opens up the body and allows you to move deeply into the stretches. Nice cool-down that leaves you feeling refreshed but energized. The legnth of this video doesn't bother me, if you need to shorten it chop the ab and flexibility section in half. An informative, fun workout that leaves nothing out.

This is a great workout. After doing this workout, I naturally move with grace, my posture is excellent and comfortable. It is more significant than with any other workout I have done besides Yoga. This tape includes a comparatively long warm-up - a workout in itself that will challenge your balance! It is a dancer's warm-up, significant time is allotted to warming up the feet and ankles.

I love the music - those drums are so soothing and they make you want to move!

After the warm-up, you begin to move through several dance segments. The steps may be challenging at first, but they are easy to learn, and fun. The movement tends to be more fluid than in your standard workout videos.

Interspersed with this are several weight-training segments. In these segments, the leader is very effective in encouraging me to lift and lower the weights to the greatest benefit. Some of these movements are challenging, and I have to admit I haven't still been strong enough by the end of the video to do the last weight-training segment - my arms get tired!

The final segment is probably the best for your posture - the abdominals and centering segment. Man that's super! I HATE doing crunches with a passion, but I love doing these movements and I think they work better.

To do this workout, you will need handweights - standard 3-5 pounds. There is also some moves in the abdominal section that encourage the use of a stick (a broomhandle is suggested) but I have never used one yet, it's optional. The dance segments require some space, but not more than the standard cardio video.

It is low-impact (fine for those ailing bodies!) and can be moderately modified to fit your own needs.

I highly recommend this video to people looking for a graceful, almost ballet-ish approach to exercise and toning, with use of Pilates and yoga and mental focus. This tape is definitely more "nomads, indians, and saints" than hip-hop or rock-n-roll.

I love the workout. It took me a while to learn the steps because I am not a dancer. I would rate this video a 5 star if the tracking were better. I can not get the tape to run cleanly. Dispite the problems, the tape has built muscle and decreased fat.

First of all I have to say, I am a HUGE fan of "The Method" philosophy. I was first introduced (and subsequently, hooked!) to The Method ways in "Precision Toning". Thinking this All-In-One Workout would be similar to the toning tape, I was surprisingly disappointed. As evidenced by the numerous reviews oozing with adoration, this tape is for dancers, former dancers, and the like. If you have no formal dance background, you will become frustrated in attempting to follow the dance-based moves. Not all the tape is danced based, but two of the three sections are, and that's too much for this non-dancer to handle.

The tape claims to be broken down into four sessions, but it is really three, as the last two of the claimed four are blended into one session. The Warm-Up Conditioning (15 minutes) is an okay segment. There are some simple ballet-inspired moves which are not difficult to master after 3-4 run thrus (that's provided you don't get frustrated!) This session can be used as a quick warm-up to start your day, or to start your other workout, let's say if you were to go running for example, you can start out with this.

The second segment of aerobic cross training lasting for 30 minutes was the most frustrating. Now this is where all those dance classes come in handy. If you haven't taken any dance classes, well then, you're S.O.L.! Within the first 60 seconds, I kid you not, I was lost in uncoordination land with no hope of ever being found. Even after rewinding the tape and running in slo-mo, I STILL couldn't get what she was doing. So I faked it for most of the workout, which I found to be most unsatisfying. There are some decent toning/sculpting moves with free weights that are interlaced with the dance stuff, but after awhile, it became annoying to fast forward thru the dance segments to get to these toning segments.

The last 40 minutes of the tape is Jennifer Kries herself....aaaaaah, finally relief. This is the classic Method, abdominal based workout, it's very similar to Precision Toning, although there are some slight variations. You use a bar in this one (a broomstick or mopstick will suffice) which gives you incredible deep stretching. At this point, this is the only part of the tape that I use, hence the two stars.

As stated in my title, if you like Jennifer Kries, this is not the tape for you. You're better off doing precision toning.

Now if you're a dancer, this is probably more up your alley and according to what others are saying, it will probably be helpful for you.

In-between whipping up magic in the kitchen (cooking), keeping your life organized (cleaning, errands), securing a paycheck (work), and making everyone happy (family responsibilities), it may sometimes feel like you are much less than an exercise goddess. After all, who has an extra hour, let alone 90 minutes to exercise?

My solution has been to wake up at 6am, make my husband breakfast and then while the world is still nice and quite, I escape to the workout room. Once I start the "All in One" workout, I know I am going to feel like a goddess, move like a dancer and feel like I really did work every muscle group in my entire body.

The precise movements in this video do take time to master, yet are fun and creative. With three instructors and constantly changing exercises, you will never be bored. You will in fact experience a new dimension in total physical conditioning. A combination of yoga, T'AI Chi, classical and aerobic dance, and exercises inspired by Joseph Pilates will encourage the integration of the entire body.

You will also find yourself feeling more balanced. Of all the workout videos I have tried, this one excels in developing balance. Improving strength, endurance, suppleness and flexibility are also included in the game plan.

There are three sections or if you add "lengthening," there are four sections. Warm-Up Conditioning is an innovative variety of dance-based movements to firm every major muscle group. This is one of my favorite segments and is 15 minutes. Aerobic Cross-Training (30 minutes) warms your body to fat burning intensity. You alternate between aerobic dance and weight exercises which are not overly challenging, but seem to work well. Centering Makeover (35 minutes) helps you to become more aware of your body's center of energy, balance and strength. It encourages good posture, balance and poise. The anti-gravity techniques help to defy aging. Lengthening (10 minutes) is a cool-down segment, which is reminiscent of yoga. I would have enjoyed another 10 minutes in this section if it had included more yoga stretching. At this point, I was not going anywhere and was flat on the floor anyway! This is a tough workout, but you will love the challenge.

Overall, you will enjoy the variety. The dance segments evoke a "from the beginning of the earth" tribal feel (music is unique..drums alternate with a more Jazzy track) and make you feel centered. The footwork is challenging at first. If you keep your feet moving you can work your way past the more complex routines which are not that complex on your third use of this video. They are actually quite fun and the dance is alternated with weights so you get a break from the dance segment to catch your breath. The dance steps do demand your full attention. I rate this a medium to advanced workout. If you have been walking on a treadmill a few times a week, you will have no problem completing the 90 minutes.

Jennifer Kries makes her appearance in the beginning and end of this video. If anyone is a fitness goddess, she it! Soon after she begins instructing you in the Method Techniques, you will realize why. She also seems to have a subtle humor and enjoys encouraging you to push your limits. I especially enjoy the Method workouts when she is the instructor. All the instructors in this video are easy to listen to and inspire you to keep going.

I give this my highest recommendation for all over body conditioning and enjoyment. I am very picky about workout videos, so you know this one is going to be good! The dancing in this video will really make you feel like a goddess and you don't have to have a perfect figure. Dance away and enjoy life, that is what is important!

~The Rebecca Review

I personally cannot stand this tape. The only reason I gave it two stars is because the arms and abs workouts are decent. The cover of this video says "All in One Workout for Fat Reduction." Very misleading. I expected a really good mix of routines and intensities...and while, admittedly, there IS variety in this tape [it'd be hard NOT to include variety in a video as long as this!]...the cardio absolutely fell FLAT. I didn't even come near breaking a sweat. I work out frequently [4-7 days a week] and HARD and I will be the first to confess I'm awkward and uncoordinated...But this video leads you to believe it's for everyone and it AIN'T, folks! I find it intimidating and for the flexibility-elite. Not for the gracefully-challenged like moi! The music was so quiet you could snooze for an hour and a half, and the instructors so mellow as to be totally uninspiring [I don't need a cheerleading section to motivate me but this was ridiculous], ...The ab routine at the end was extraordinarily difficult, if done correctly, and Jennifer Kries [a very likeable personality, I'll give her that] expects you to already have a certain flexibility level to get the full benefits. This sounds weird but the ab routine in this always leaves me mildly nauseated so I've pretty much quit doing this workout altogether, although I will do it once in a blue moon to add variety into my already diverse routines. Good, I suppose, for dancers, coordinated people, and flexible folks who like artsy over routine...But this one's not for me.

I really appreciated the different weight sequences that were interspersed with the aerobic dance segments. As so well-said by the other reviewers, the aerobic sections aren't the most challenging in terms of increased heart rate, but they were interesting. And the weight section did a lot to keep my heart rate up.

The only caveat to this tape is that the ab section really could be painful to someone with a bad back. I don't believe the tape does a thorough enough job providing verbal instructions and physical demonstrations of alternatives to the main positions.