Product Details

• Actors: Jennifer Kries
• Format: Color, EP, 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: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (89 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304227531
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,035 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If you think you know abdominal workouts, challenge yourself with this unusual video, based on yoga, classical dance, and the work of Joseph Pilates. "Strength and endurance, suppleness and flexibility," promises instructor Jennifer Kries. Every exercise starts from and focuses on the abdominals. Done lying on a mat, a 15-minute workout teaches you the basics of the exercises to come, demonstrating how to work your torso muscles in new ways, such as "roll-ups" and long leg circles. Then a 30-minute workout puts these exercises into a sequence and adds some more-advanced variations, such as sitting on your tailbone in a jackknife position--upper body and legs off the floor making a V-shape--and doing various movements from that position without losing your balance. This exercise technique gets the deep, postural abdominal muscles as well as those you're used to working. It also works the legs, hips, and buttocks, but the ab work is the best part. Kries gives clear, detailed instruction. She is so limber she could probably comb her hair with her toes, but don't be dismayed--you don't have to be that flexible to benefit from the workout. --Joan Price

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

154 of 154 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than just an intro to Pilates - a supportive coach, December 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Method - Pilates - Precision Toning [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video was the first one of several that I bought by Jennnifer Kries. The "hook" was the Pilates-based workout, but it was her fantistically supportive style that encouraged me to purchase more of the series. Even my husband commented on how different she seemed than other video hosts. I've recommended this tape to several friends and family members who have loved it as much as I.

One of the nicest features is the shorter, 12-minute workout that you can do frequently and see results. Sometimes it's hard for me to commit to the whole 45 minutes . . .so just use the shorter one. I must confess that on more than one occasion I've started the tape, planning to only use the first part, and stuck with the whole thing because I loved the groove that I got into.

A word of warning - this kind of workout is not about perfect abs and tushy. It's about redefining your posture and muscles. You won't drop a lot of weight without incorporating aerobic activity into your week. But, if you practice it a few times you will *look* lighter and leaner -- perhaps providing motivation to keep going with your fitness routine.

102 of 102 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Let the Cover Intimidate You!, May 1, 2000

By 

"catmars" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Method - Pilates - Precision Toning [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Do not let the cover of this tape intimidate you! It looks wild, but it can happen to you! I just purchased this tape, and have done it only 5 times, but I have to say this is one of the best video workouts one could buy. I've done it all, the step reebok, buns/abs/insert-body-part-here of steel, denise austin, etc..etc...This does not have any of those ridiculous moves where you spend more energy crimping your neck, trying to look at the TV monitor because you're attempting to figure out what fancy hip-hop move they're doing only to realize you've reached the end of the work-out with a less than satisfying feeling! Although this tape is not your average aerobic workout with booming bass in the background, you will definitely experience a GREAT workout. This utilizes slow, carefully thought out precision movements which, when done properly, will have you feeling stronger, leaner, and longer. The first 1-2 times you run thru this, it's difficult, I won't lie to you. But you will get hooked on that "I just worked out, and I worked out HARD" feeling, that you will want to continue. Some days I did just the 15 minute segment and I found that to be sufficient. That 15 minutes also makes a great warm-up first thing in the morning, or just before you go on a brisk walk or jog. Even my husband loves this tape and he is a 6 foot 200 pound weekend warrior who loves to lift weights, run, row, and jump rope. He says it has added greatly to his flexibility which has improved his overall workout. You will feel a huge difference in your abdominal strength after just 5 run thrus, I know I did!

100 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to Pilates based workouts!, January 5, 2001

By 

Elizabeth R., Bain "erbain" (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Method - Pilates - Precision Toning [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I had taken one Pilates mat work class before purchasing this video, and I wish I had bought the video eons ago. You don't need any special equipment (though a workout mat between you and the carpeting is a good idea).

While the tape is not so easy that you can do the entire workout the first time through, I like this because it provides me with some incentive and motivation to work up to harder material. Personally, I hate it when the tape is so easy I can do it all by the second or third time--I get bored, and feel like I have wasted my money.

After just a few workouts, I notice a definite difference in my posture. (I had to adjust the rear view mirror in my car, for one!). Contrary to other reviewers, if you do the exercises and follow the directions, you WILL end up with strong abs and a tight rear. The essence of Pilates focuses on "the powerhouse" which includes the abs and lower back; this area supports your entire body. Note, however, that there are a few moves in this tape that were taken from dance and/or yoga--it isn't strictly Pilates.

In October, a federal court overturned the trademark status of the word "Pilates," which means that anyone can declare that they teach "Pilates" even if they have no training in the technique. The instructor in this tape does have a Pilates training program under her belt, and it shows. The instructions and reminders are fantastic, but not cheerleader-peppy like most aerobic workout vidoes, and not condescending like most weight workout videos. I can't wait to try more of this series!