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: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1577132866
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #155,457 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Method--Pilates: Target Zones, Upper-Mid-Lower Body contains three 40-minute workouts, all done barefoot, while live drummers play in the background. The exercises and postures are performed against gravity to strengthen and lengthen muscles and increase awareness. The moves are inspired mainly by Pilates, yoga, and ballet. Each segment is a complete workout that focuses on particular areas of the body, while incorporating core conditioning (strengthening the postural and balance muscles of the abdominals and back). Workout 1, Abdominal Centering, starts with breathing techniques and yoga centering, then targets the abdominals with slow, controlled moves inspired by Pilates, sometimes showing modifications for beginners. Workout 2, Lower Body Grounding, uses a weighted 3- to 4-pound bar. You support your body with your abdominal and back muscles as you lift the bar to perform various upper-body-strength moves slowly, emphasizing control, sometimes including a plié. Next you hold the bar while performing yoga postures. Then you get down on the mat for variations on Pilates-inspired abdominal moves, still holding the weighted bar. Although some participants are demonstrating beginner modifications, they are usually not in view. Workout 3, Balanced Lengthening, targets the lower body, especially the hips and buttocks, with moves mostly from yoga, and a few from ballet and Pilates. Instruction by Jennifer Kries is concise and thorough, with careful attention to alignment. Each workout includes plenty of stretching, so you're elongating the muscles as well as working them. (Note: This video was previously packaged with the wrong cover advertising four 20-minute workouts, leading to the viewer criticisms.) --Joan Price

From the back cover

BALANCED ZONES. For developing beautifully balanced lines and symmetry. The Upper Body Zone: Strength and flexibility of the arms, upper back, and shoulders. The Abdominal Zone: The body's center of strength and energy. The Lower Body Zone: Strength of the buttocks and hip muscle, the strength and flexibility of the legs, and for overall posture and balance. Balanced Zones features simple, structured movements and positions inspired by the techniques of classical dance and yoga masters, and by the work of Joseph H. Pilates. Counters the bulking effects of excessive weight training. Helps develop long, firm muscles and flexible joints. Re-shapes body lines. Balanced Zones is led by Dancer and Choreographer, Jennifer Kries, from the Method's Precision Toning and Sculpting videos.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's not what it says it is... but it's not a bad workout, August 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Method - Target Zones, Upper-Mid-Lower Body (formerly Balanced Zones) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The package is pretty misleading -- this is apparently a repackaged tape, and the workouts are not designed for the "upper, mid, and lower body." They're also not 20 minutes long. That being said, the tape is a good complement to "Precision Toning." There are three workouts, one of which utilizes a bar. The difference are subtle. I would recommend "Precision Toning" for those just starting out with the Method... add this tape if you want some variety and shorter workouts than the 45-minute marathon on PT.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Toning Video, July 25, 2000

By 

T. Wisher "tlynn" (Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Method - Target Zones, Upper-Mid-Lower Body (formerly Balanced Zones) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video is in 4 segments. Each segment is 20 minutes long which is great when you are in a time crunch or to tack on to a cardio video. This is a strength training video using you own body as resistance. It has been reviewed for its content so I won't go into that.

I am pretty physically fit and this is a great workout. The nice thing is that it doesn't require any equipment except a bar (or a broom handle which I use). This tape will really increase your flexibility as well. I would be happy to be half as flexible as the instructor. The ab segment is one of the toughest I have ever done. It really works the lower abs which is a woman's trouble zone. You can get the lean lines of a dancer with this tape, you won't add bulk which is why I like it. I really recommend it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Video, November 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Method - Target Zones, Upper-Mid-Lower Body (formerly Balanced Zones) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I've been using this video since April, 2000 and I absolutely love it. I alternate this workout with others in my collection and this is the one I look forward to the most. If you want to work your abs, this is a great way to work them. I'm 37 years old and have definition in both my upper and lower abs thanks to this video. It's a great stress reliever. Lots of deep breathing and stretching. The plus is that you are also deeply toning muscles. I work out in the morning, it's a great way to start the day.