Customer Reviews

Pilates Core Power - Abdominals & Back

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have the VHS version of this video, which was originally packaged under the name "Body Reform: Abdominals and Back." This 44-minute, all-floor routine is a blend of Pilates, yoga, and traditional abs and back work. You'll find many classic Pilates moves such as the hundred and single leg circles, but many of the exercises are done with a twist--eg, modified corkscrew and modified teasers. Similarly, instructor Karen Voight incoporates movement into traditionally static yoga poses such as bridge and boat pose, and finally, she includes some traditional crunches and back work. The result is a smooth, flowing routine that will leave your entire body feeling thoroughly stretched and relaxed.

Although this workout is somewhat similar to the abs portion of Karen's Streamline Fitness video, it is more relaxing and less intense. However, during the last 8 minutes of the tape, Karen offers suggestions on how to incorporate her resist-a-ring (or other Pilates/fitness circle) into the routine, which would definitely make it a more challenging workout. Karen is a great instructor who is warm and friendly while still providing excellent cuing and precise instructions on allignment. She works with an assistant, Sara, who displays more advanced versions of the exercises for those wanting a greater challenge. I use this workout regularly, and I highly recommend it to others of all fitness levels.

Although this is a good workout, Karen Voight has many the same workouts in different titles. This workout contains in her "Totoal Body Training Pilates" Karen Voight: Total Body Training that has another pilates workout with resitant ring. The price is almost the same (depends on Amazon's sales price - ASIN: B0009KA8IA ) so if you purchase the other DVD, you can get this Abdominals & Back workouts as well as Total Body Training with resistant ring ~50 min and a bonus of how to use the ring ~8 min. Read fine prints and actual workout tiltes for KV's workouts. She has the most confusing titles.

PS. She has two total body pilates workout titkes: "Total Body Pilates" and "Total Body Training Pilates." The latter one is cheaper for the same workout with bonus (and see my review).

This workout was better then I expected. I normally get bored very easily, but I didn't on this workout until 40 min into it & by then it was just about over. She has a nice upbeat voice.
She explains everything including making sure your posture is correct by using great analogies to make sure you do it right the first time. She is very good about explaining the modified version or having her assistant do the more challenging versions. She seems to be very aware of her body & any possible restrictions a body may have.
My only main complaint is the music could be louder & more interesting though. There could be a better cooldown.

There's a trailer at collagevideo com

I love all the videos and DVDs I've bought from Karen Voight. This will be by far my favorite of her collection, and I've only used it once! It's a challenging workout, but can be modified easily for beginners and more advanced fitness gurus. I felt the burn (and the soreness the next day) and am seeing great results only after one workout.

My reason for purchasing this product was to help stabilize the physical work I have to perform at work where I lift very heavy bags of dog and cat food, lift and restrain animals, and do repetitive motions such as mopping and vacuuming. I have two pinched nerves in my back, and lifting anything over 15 pounds agitates them. However, this workout has already helped my back feel better, become stronger, and regain stability so that my pinched nerves aren't as agitated while lifting heavy items.

I'd highly recommend this for anyone seeking more strength, stability, and toning in their abdominals, back, shoulders, and behind :-) It's also easy on the joints because it's all completed on the floor. The workout is approximately 50 minutes, and there are no required tools although a pilates mat or soft surface helps a lot to cushion the spine.

Are you looking for a workout to strengthen the "powerhouse" area of your body? That area from which all movements should begin. Karen has designed this beautifully and as you zero in on your abdominals, you also focus on strengthening your back.

This is a 50-minute ALL-floor workout. You alternate between abdominal sculpting and simple back-strengthening and stretching moves to create a more balance and stable center. Karen combines the teachings of Joseph Pilates, yoga, and ballet with her own body-sculpting techniques.

"Imagine your body, no matter its shape, having the posture, lightness and elegance of a dancer." ~Karen Voight

This will help you create a more stable center. You will find yourself sitting up taller and this particular video left me lying on the floor watching the second half because after you finish this workout, you know you have worked out.

There is a small bonus section which shows how you can incorporate the Resist-a-Ring into your workout. I didn't find that part of the video that appealing as there was no music and you would have to remember how to do all the moves. It might be useful for those who are very experienced with the moves Karen has developed. I would have rather seen them incorporated into the video in a more organized fashion.

For this workout you will only need a yoga mat and a towel. This helps to give you enough padding if you are working on a carpeted surface. Karen does sell a body reform mat if you are working out on a hard floor.

If you love this workout, you will also enjoy Core Essentials and Total Body Training. They are all great fun and really motivate you with a great combination of creativity and enjoyable music.

I feel completely relaxed after doing any of the Body Reform workouts. They have a wonderful balancing effect on my emotions and my mind seems to be free of distraction. As if the cares of the world just drift away with Karen's magical calming voice.

You will just love some of these moves if you work on the computer all day. It is amazing how tight your shoulders and chest can become. This workout will open out your chest and stretch that tired back.

Definitely Intermediate in some exercises, but mostly this is for anyone. There is one move, you might want to consider skipping. It is the one where you are raising your back off the floor and you then raise one leg up into the air. It is tricky, tricky. I would not recommend it for anyone who is not practicing yoga on a regular basis!

This girl knows how to get you motivated. Just looking at her body makes me wish I had her motivation! She is just amazing. I can't wait for more Karen Videos. I want them ALL! And I am dying for her to make a really long and wonderfully relaxing stretch video. The one I have is good, but I would love to see her do a really creative outdoor video with tons of stretching. Something that would just help you drift away.

If you enjoy this workout, look for The Method workouts. They have
similar movements and are a bit more advanced and intense.

~The Rebecca Review

This is a GREAT workout! You can stop whenever you want but if you do the full hour, you will feel really great. There are modifications demonstrated by a second girl so that you have some choices!

As a professional dancer and fitness instructor, I am always looking for good, challenging instructional videos. I have shared Karen's video with several of my friends (and even my boyfriend!) and they were all big fans. She is very knowledgeable and walks you through all the steps w/ great explanations. I think this video could be done by both beginners & advanced. Karen has great technique and is very motivational. I would definitely recommend this video-I've had it for a while and I always come back to it when I need a good core/ab/back strengthening workout. Enjoy!

This 45 minute workout is really good although a little practice is needed to get it right. The moves can be challenging and you may not pick it up first go. You'll definately increase your range of flexibility and you'll strengthen your core muscles. Karen is definately one of the best cuers and instructors out there. She's great at letting you know what's up next and she has a soft spoken and friendly way of getting those instructions out. You are working the abs and back at most/all of the time and before you know it, you're done. She keeps you busy from start to end and you have fun while you're at it.
Don't get frustrated if you don't get it first time around. While I'm not completely new to Pilates, it's not always easy, but so enjoyable to do that it's worth the 'practice' and you'll feel really good afterwards.

After suffering with chronic back pain for over a month, my Osteopath recommended I start doing Pilates instead of getting manipulations. I rented a few different Intro to Pilates videos, and this one happens to be my favorite. Although I have always been fit and toned, this video was a major challenge for me. Karen Voight is an excellent, thoroughly knowledgeable instructor. Within a few weeks my lower back was no longer tight and spasming. Also, the ab exercises on this DVD are awesome. I have lent this DVD to many of my friends and they all agree - it's a challenging but great work out!

I Love, Love, Love this video. I had a baby a year ago and am still trying to get back into shape. I love this video because it is challenging, but not overwhelming. It's a wonderful combination of pilates and gentle stretching. I love to do it after I get off of the elliptical. It is a great way to cool down. It's 50 min so it seems a little daunting at first but it goes by so quickly. I always feel long and lean after doing it. I am definitely seeing a difference in my posture. I also love this video because Karen does not have one of those overly sugary, sappy voices that you usually find in these kinds of videos. She is gentle and soft spoken without being cheasy. Hope this helps!