72 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yet another solid video from Jennifer Kries, May 10, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: New Method - 3-Dimensional Toning [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I am a big fan of "The Method" videos and am so glad to see Jennifer Kries and her gang come up with these non-cheerleader, non-techno tapes that emphasize form and concentration. I have been using the "Precision Toning" workout for over half a year and am grateful for what its done for my posture, abs, back and legs (I can actually see my quads popping out nowadays when I'm doing the Hundred!) - a remedy indeed for one who hates doing crunches, squats and lunges to cheesy music.
The first part of "3-Dimensional Toning" is really a combination of "Dance to Fitness" (but without the need for as much living room space), the hips section of "Target Specifics" that's ballet-centric, and the legs section of "Target Specifics" that's really power yoga. And you will sweat by the end of the first section! The second part is traditional Pilates matwork all the way - no where near as taxing as "Precision Toning" but just enough to get your back decently aligned and your abs feeling strong.
Jennifer has done an excellent job of providing just enough instruction on the power yoga and Pilates exercises here. Although I enjoy "Target Specifics," it moves just a bit too fast for me to concentrate on form in the power yoga (legs) and Pilates (stomach) sections. On the contrary, many seasoned viewers of "Precision Toning" find the instructions are too detailed after a number of sessions. If you want to get a good preview of what else Jennifer can offer, "3-Dimensional Toning" is the perfect buy.
Some folks like myself who own a half dozen Method tapes might complain that the workouts here are really cobbled together from previous tapes, but I do appreciate that Jennifer's put bits and pieces of three tapes into one, keeps it all going at a near-aerobic pace in the first section and provides more form pointers than she did in the slightly faster-paced "Target Specifics".
It's a workout that can be done in 45 minutes (if you skip the instructions on breathing once you've got that down, if not, it's 50 minutes). Music is light, instrumental stuff (some jazzy, some Latin) mostly in the background since her vocal instructions are essential in this kind of workout and rightfully, take precedence on the soundtrack.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not for beginners!, July 27, 2001
I bought this dvd because of its good reviews and because I was looking for a pilates workout and liked that this had a dance section, yoga section, and pilates section.
This workout assumes you are at least at an intermediate level in all three areas (i.e. dance, yoga & pilates). It is NOT for beginners!
I took professional pilates classes with properly qualified instructors to the beginning-intermediate level and I would not recommend anyone who is a pilates beginner do this workout. Jennifer does not sufficiently explain the movements nor how your body should be positioned for them. She gives no attention to maintaining the C-curve in your spine & abdominals in moves like the roll-up and performs an advanced one with no warning that this is not to be attempted until you have been doing pilates a while, nor how important it is for your back that you keep your legs straight and ensure they don't lift off the ground, and if they do that you are not ready for that advanced level yet.
I found it difficult to follow the dance section having no ballet background, and the yoga section really assumes you have done beginners yoga in order to keep up and have good form.
If you know what you are doing i.e. if you have done at least beginners classes of ballet/dance, yoga and pilates you will probably be ok with this workout and pick it up after a little while. If you are just starting out, don't start with this one.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the money, March 18, 2001
This review is from: New Method - 3-Dimensional Toning [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I just purchased this tape and was eager to try it out. I like that it is split in two segments and the cover is correct with the amount of time it list. The first segment is 30 minutes long with a mixture of ballet, dance and yoga. The 20 minute segment is my favorite with on the mat workout for your ab, legs, thighs and buttocks. It is the perfect amount of time to use everyday along with other Method tapes perhaps the 15 minute target specifics. I am glad that we have a exercise program that can make us just as beautiful as the stars we see with their more than perfect bodies. No other program have I used has shown more definition in a shorter amount of time then using the Method programs. I like that Music (soft background)has been included in the tape not overpowering Jennifer's instructions.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No