Product Details

• Actors: Ana Caban
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Gaiam
• DVD Release Date: July 20, 2001
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (282 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00005M1XE
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,470 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #14 in	Movies & TV > Exercise & Fitness > Pilates
  #26 in	Movies & TV > Exercise & Fitness > Stretching
  #45 in	Movies & TV > Exercise & Fitness > Yoga

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

"Remember what Joseph Pilates said," instructor Ana Caban says. "'You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions.'" Pilates has become very popular and for good reason. By working the core muscles (the abdominal and back muscles in the center of your body) you improve strength and posture and develop a lean, long line.

Certified Pilates instructor Ana Caban is a splendid teacher. First she demonstrates alignment and technique for 10 minutes, explaining the cue words you will hear and how to do the basics, emphasizing how to use the core muscles to strengthen the abdominals and back throughout the workout. Then she introduces a challenging 20-minute series of Pilates moves, instructing clearly, demonstrating beautifully, and continuing to advise you about technique, breathing, and form.

Even though this is a beginning Pilates workout, Pilates is never easy, so these moves will feel extremely difficult if you're new to this kind of exercise. For example, you learn to hold your abs tight whatever move you're doing, and you move only the muscles you're working at the moment, using your stabilizing muscles to hold the rest of the body still (much harder than it sounds!). Another participant demonstrates modifications throughout in case Caban's moves are too difficult or your muscles fatigue. If you've been wanting to explore Pilates and you're willing to put in the effort and concentration, this video gets our top rating. --Joan Price

Product Description

Pilates is a full-body conditioning exercise program that uses a series of machines and exercises. It works the entire body, both the right and left sides, in unison. It focuses primarily on what Joseph Pilates called the "powerhouse," the group of muscles that begins two inches above and below your navel, then wraps completely around your front and back--kind of like a corset. It also includes your buttocks.

The DVD features the Pilates Beginning Mat Workout, plus a bonus workout and interview with instructor Ana Caban.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

186 of 186 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Follow-up to My 1st Review, June 30, 2001

By	"blusel" (SF, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pilates Beginning Mat Workout [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I've kicked my rating up one additional star for this one reason: I have been doing this tape everyday for 2 weeks and I can truly see and feel the difference. My stomach, waist, and hips are getting stronger by the day and are visibly more slim. My pants are definitely baggier in these areas and I can see definition in my stomach, and this is after only 2 weeks. Also, I feel stronger in these areas as well as my thighs. Much less joint pain and creaking going on down there, as well. The most signifigant aspect of this rapid improvement is that *you do not break a sweat when you do this workout*. Additionally, it's short, approx. 20 minutes, so I don't feel as though I'm wasting any part of my schedule by doing it. Another bonus is that you don't need any special workout gear, clothes, shoes, scary contraptions, etc. It's just you, the mat, and Ana.

I do have one recommendation for new users: get yourself one of those sticky mats that we use for yoga. The Living Arts company, the very same group that puts out this video, has one. Also, be certain to get Brooke Siler's book in order to understand the poses to their fullest.

That's all I have to say. I just love this workout.

211 of 216 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's harder than it looks, and my abs are getting strong, January 7, 2002

By	J. Moore "hierophant" (Garden of Earthly Delights) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Pilates Beginning Mat Workout [VHS] (VHS Tape)

My wife bought this video and I decided to try it. I am a martial artist and core strength and flexibility are very important to me.

This was a hard workout that left my abs acheing. I enjoyed the clear instruction. After you do the workout a couple times, you may think the instruction takes too long between exercises. But this is a beginner's tape.

The modifications are good for those who are not ready for the full effect.

There is a lot of beginning instruction on breathing and basics, the workout actually starts 9 minutes and 30 seconds into the tape. This is where I now fast forward the tape to begin the workout. So the actual workout is about 20 minutes.

I have been doing it for a couple of weeks now - three days a week and my abs are getting rock hard. I also feel taller and lighter after the workout. In a week or so, I will probably move on to the intermediate tape as I am already noticing a big strength improvement. This tape will also help your balance, flexibility, joint stability, and coordination. That's probably why dancers really take to Pilates.

86 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Pilates video out there!, May 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Pilates Beginning Mat Workout [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I am a certified Pilates instructor, and this is the only video series that I will recommend to my clients. Ana Caban makes the video fun to watch and easy to follow. All of the other videos on the market are slow & boring! Plus, the video follows the way that Joseph Pilates, himself, created the exercises! So if you are looking to start Pilates, this is an excellent way to do it at home, safely.