Customer Reviews

The Method - Pilates - Precision Toning [VHS]

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

I found this tape to be a refreshing change from the aerobics and yoga videos I normally use. The exercises were very interesting and challenging and never made me feel bored. I noticed results after a few sessions. I felt taller and stronger and even more flexible. My only complaint is that the tape is marketed for beginners, too, and I was a beginner and found some of the moves a bit difficult at first. However, if you stick with it, as Jennifer says in the video, you will notice results in a few sessions. I have pretty weak abs, but after a few times I mastered the ab exercises which I thought would never happen! I was pretty sore the day after I did the tape the first time, so be warned if you have out of shape abs. Jennifer is a great instructor and not at all annoying!

I just have to gush about this video! I've purchased a few exercise videos, and found them to be disappointingly "cheesy". But what to do when my schedule doesn't allow me to go to classes and I need a little outside motivation??

This video is, hands down, the best exercise video ever. I would unhesitatingly recommend it to anyone who wants to tone and strenthen their core muscles.

Jennifer Kries gets an A+++ for a thoroughly intelligent presentation. While 'The Method' is not strictly Pilates, it incorporates a huge amount of Pilates mat work. I think that Pilates exercises are very difficult to learn. She manages to succinctly describe how to perform the movements - in fact so well, that you could just listen and not have to look at the screeen. She is amazingly fit and beautiful, with a warm presence. This tape is inspiring.

I bought both this tape and Anna Caban's Pilates - Mat Based Workout for Beginners. Precision Toning has a longer, much more intense workout than Anna Caban's tape. However, I thought Anna was a much better instructor, giving more detail on how to do many of the moves that the two tapes have in common. Anna is also a bit more upbeat and fun to workout with than Jennifer. But, after I started to get comfortable with the moves (in 5 viewings or so), I liked the pace of Precision Toning better because there are fewer pauses or long explanations between exercises. Though, I've found doing Anna's Mat Based Workout and continuing one exercise while she's explaining the next one works well too.

So, if you are a total beginner to Pilates, I would recommend Anna Caban's Mat Based Workout for Beginners over this tape. If you've had a little experience with Pilates or you're in decent (not necessarily great) shape and want a more intense workout, Precision Toning is probably for you.

Do this tape (and its partner, Precision Sculpting), and you will get those dancer's legs you always wanted! I work out regularly (aerobics and weight training), but my legs always looked a little chunky because my muscles are so large. After working these 2 tapes into my regular exercise routine, I have noticed my legs looking LONGER and more graceful, and I love feeling the improvement in my flexibility every time I do this tape.

Precision Toning also took care of the muscle soreness which I thought I just had to live with if I was going to be in shape. The rollouts for the back are incredible - better than a masseuse!

After doing this tape, I feel so relaxed and graceful and I'm thrilled with the way it has redefined my legs. But I will say that this should not be the only fitness tape you own. If you want to lose weight or inches, you HAVE to do cardio exercise and lift weights. I think this series works best as an accompaniment to an existing workout routine. If you add this tape to your usual exercise routine, believe me, YOU WILL BE HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS!

This video is really difficult when you first start to do it, but it does get easier if you are faithful. The exercises will be particularly tough if you have never tried Pilates before. I am a huge fan of Jennifer Kries, she is by far one of the best fitness instructors out there. My tape consists of two workouts, one is approximately 15 minutes long and the second one is 45 minutes. I mention this only because the editorial review says that the second workout is 30 minutes long. I wish it were! Still, this video is very effective. The day after you do it, your muscles will be burning. The results are quick--I noticed a distinct improvement in my abs after just a few weeks of doing this tape three times a week. Don't be intimidated by the instructor's flexibility, you can modify the poses to suit your own body. Well worth the money!

I have been using "The Pilates Body" by Brooke Siler for my Pilates workout. I'm glad I started with this book instead of this tape, because I think that people that start with this tape will be quickly discouraged.

My main complaint with this tape, though it does an excellent job of describing the exercises is that it mixes advanced and beginner moves in the same workout. One thing that Pilates Body by Brooke Siler does is isolate those workouts, so you can begin at your own pace. You can do just the beginners exercises first and work up to the more advanced ones later. Let's face it, we are not all built like this girl or likely to be.

Also this tape does not give you a sense of which exercise goes into which. I don't know if this is typical in exercise tapes as this is the first exercise tape I've owned. However what I like to have is a list of specific exercises and what comes after what. The tape instersperses exercise with stretches so that when following it you are likely to lose track. I wish she would show a break in the exercises and give a list, or this tape was bundled with a book. Also at times she does not give you an idea how many repetitions to do for each exercise.

The reason I bought the tape, is one of the very minor shortcomings of "The Pilates Body" and it is only because it is a book, it cannot show movement as well as a video. I was unsure I was doing the breathing on "The Hundred" correctly and the speed of the curl up right. Come to find out, I was doing "The Hundred" incorrectly but effectively enough and the curl up much faster than I should have. All in all, "The Pilates Body" being a book did well by me regardless.

If you have bought this tape and gotten frustrated with Pilates, go out and buy the Pilates Body by Brooke Siler and you will be much happier.

I dabbled with the Pilates method, trying to get the information from a couple of the books, but it wasn't until I started working with Kreis's video that the changes began in earnest. I did parts of her workout every day and voila! And it took only a few weeks for that recalcitrant area, the gut, to shrink back. I'm over 65 and have always done some exercise (not a fanatic, however), but I never experienced such dramatic change. Then when my massage therapist, who sees my body every week, started commenting about the increased tone and shapeliness of my old frame, well, I just had to write a review. I am still at it, and feel good. My back, which from time to time gives me a pang, is behaving itself. I sleep well, and even places that I didn't know I was exercising are looking better (for instance, my shoulders). (And I just bought the video for my granddaughter.)