Customer Reviews

Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

This DVD is fabulous. Really. I started off using the Pilates for weight-loss with Suzanne Deason and moved on to this one when I wanted to get a stronger workout with a more traditional Pilates approach (Suzanne Deason's is more yoga-centric technique, using Pilates fundamentals, but with greater latitude). The workout in the Pilates intermediate mat workout is challenging, with modifications offered if you need then. Ana Caban does an EXCELLENT job of cueing and explaining how to execute a movement (and what not to do) in terms that are clear and helpful. The workout is about half and hour, which seemed short to me, but the reason is because you are working towards being able to perform the full Pilates floor mat set and the more advanced movements are left out. Even though it is only half an hour (and its flies by) the workout leaves you feeling as though you have accomplished more that you would have in an hour at the gym. I have been using this workout for two weeks and the results are incredible - my posture, waist size, abdominal strength and weight have all improved. I only wish that Ana Caban did an advanced video so that I could have something to look forward to when I get there. I do suggest getting a book for additional reference when needed - the Brook Stiler book and the Alycea Ungaro are the two best out there.

I first tried Pilates and Yoga with a Denise Austin's version of it. I had no clue how bad that tape was until I tried this one! The instructor is good at demonstrating, the exercises are great! I just LOVE this tape. When I finished this tape I immediately sold my denise tape on an online auction!

This is a great workout - you're done in 30 minutes and feel like you've worked your entire body. I am trying to recover my body after having a baby and this workout really gets to all the right places (abs, buttocks, legs...). Ana Caban is very amiable and explains the exercises well. She is also extremely fit and gives us something to aim for!!

I was interested in Pilates and wanted a challenging, yet, easy to follow tape. I am easily bored and often ditch workout tapes after only a few weeks.

Not having used the Beginner's tape, I went ahead and just ordered the Intermediate one. I found that it was really easy to follow, the directions clear yet not overly simplified, and most importantly it kept by attention.

I've been using the tape several times a week and notice a change in the waist line (I have one now) and how my clothes fit.

The only drawback is the length of the tape (only about 30 minutes after all the intro chit-chat is done). I do start to "glow" while using this tape and I think if it were at least 45 minutes then it would be better. But then again, you can just do some of the exercises longer.

If you are interested in pilates, then I'd recommend this tape.

I have been doing Pilates many months now each day before my Yoga practice and I can't say enough good things Pilates. At this point I have many excellent Pilates programs, including the outstanding Hilary Burnett Intermediate Pilates DVD!

Though this program by Ana Caban is also an intermediate Pilates program it does have some different exercises than the Burnett. It includes a much more complete side lying series which are exercises that I find really beneficial (they really works the thighs, hips and glutes).

I must admit that I was confused by some other reviewers complaints that this isn't an intermediate program because this DVD follows the Intermediate Pilates exercises plus includes many of the advanced exercises found in "Pilates, Body In Motion" by Alycea Ungaro.

Anyway, I really like the flow of this program, the instruction, being geared to an intermediate practitioner, is kept to a minimum so as not to interrupt the flow which makes it very enjoyable to work with.

My only complaint (and it's a VERY small one) would be that the audio is a bit strange in that sometimes it sounds like she's speaking "from the back of the room" where it's a bit echoey and other times the audio is more like a voice over (which is much easier to listen to and understand). I found this a bit distracting at times but it didn't take away from the overall excellence of this program.

As in her Beginning Mat Work program she has another instructor who shows the poses in a more modified form if you need to work at a less intense level.

I personally like Ana Caban as an instructor and find her personality to be enjoyable to practice with. She has a very positive and upbeat attitude which keeps it fun even while I'm being challenged :)

Being that this is a true intermediate program, I would highly recommend getting a beginner program if you've never done Pilates before. The best one I have is the Stott Pilates Basics. Ana's beginning program is one I use as a less intense practice but the instruction isn't as precise as the Stott program. Pilates is a practice where precision is crucial in order to perform the exercises without straining your neck and back and without knowledge of the subtleties you may find you can hurt yourself, especially if you are working without a teacher.

I don't have Hilary Burnett's Beginner program (just her intermediate as mentioned above) but I've heard that is excellent as well and plan on adding it to my collection to use for lighter days. Still, I don't own that yet so I'm passing along what I've heard.

Anyway, this Ana Caban intermediate Pilates program is one I would highly recommend!

Also, the DVD version of this program comes with a bonus Energy Boost workout which is 13 minutes long and is a fantastic extra workout. It alone is worth the prices of the DVD itself because it's short but very intense and it got my abs totally burning and fatigued in just 13 minutes. It's filmed on the beach in a beautiful tropical setting. I wish the whole intermediate DVD was filmed in the same setting but I guess you can't have everything! :)

Yes, the sound quality suffered in this video, as the instructions switch from clear to tinny (like she's talking in a seashell) and back again- but think of it as an extra challenge for the Pilates goal of developing concentration. Seriously, if you're bored enough with the tape to be bothered by those flaws, you obviously need a more advanced workout! This is a solid intermediate Pilates workout that's a definite step up from the basic tape. You'll do some of the same excercises as in basic, but more reps, less rest in between, and interspersed with new exercises that overall will really challenge you. After several months of doing Pilates I am definitely noticing the benefits. There are so many things you need torso strength and stability for: daily posture, or moves in other exercise routines that require you to hold your body in place. This is exactly what Pilates works on, along with flexibility, balance and breathing. So it's a method that will yield results both in daily life as well as in your other workouts.

The Ana Caban videos do not go overly into detail on form, which is a drawback at first. It can be remedied by getting Brooke Siler's book and/or getting a few pointers from a Pilates trainer as I did. (Not a bad idea anyway, even for advanced users. I've heard that people sometimes come into studios having done Pilates for years thinking it was "easy"- and all along they'd gotten the form wrong so they were cheating!) In the end, once you've gotten the forms down, you want a video like this- one that will give you a solid workout with a minimum of fuss.

I really enjoy pilates and this is one of my favorite dvds. Most of the transitions go at a fast enough pace that I feel like I am getting a good workout without having to slow down for instructions. Ana Caban is personable and gives very good instruction. For beginners to pilates I would recommend "Pilates for Dummies" as a good intro, along with the book "The Pilates Body" by Brooke Siler. As you progress, this dvd (with Ana Caban) will challenge you (try out the teasers!) and is a good workout to rotate with the Intermediate Workout on Brook Siler's CD "The Pilates Body Kit." I also have the "Classical Pilates Technique" dvd (the mat version) and would not recommend using that one until you have mastered the moves, because its instruction is really scant; however, you will get a really good workout...just watch out for injuries since the moves on that dvd are super fast.

I also like the fact that this pilates workout doesn't take 45 minutes (none of the pilates dvds I use on a regular basis do). I do pilates every other day and on in-between days I use Rodney Yee's Power Yoga for Beginners (strength, stamina and flexibility). With this workout mix I've gained lots of flexibility, my arm and shoulder muscles are better defined, and my back is super healthy -- all with just 20-30 minutes a day.

While I will admit that the production quality on the video leave a lot ot be desired... OK, the production quality is pretty bad, I am seeing results and to me - THAT is what counts.

Production value: 1 Star
Workout value: 5 Stars!!!

Currently I am alternating between this tape, the band work out (also with Ana Caban) and a ball tape and I am really enjoying it. I find the length of the workout to be perfect, I have just enough time for it without it infringing on my life. After 3 months, I am more flexable, my muscles are better toned, my asthma isn't near as bad as it used to be and my posture is improving too. (I began seeing results after about 3 weeks) Other workouts might provide the same results - but this is the only one I have been able to stick with long term.

I would recomend starting with the beginning tape if you don't have any Pilates experience. I found it to be very helpful.

This is great DVD for your Pilates collection. It's a SMALL STEP above beginner-- not too hard. I'm a Personal Trainer and I think Ana does an excellent job of explaining the moves. They are easy to rememeber for when you want to do Pilates when you're watching TV or on vacation.
Here is my list of BEST Pilates videos from easiet to MOST difficult:
1) Power Yoga Plus (Denise Austin)
2) Pilates Intermediate (Gaiam)-- steps it up a notch-- I'd still call it "beginner"
3) On the Ball Pilates Workout (Natural Journeys)--40 FUN minutes
4) Pilates for Every Body (by Denise)--quite challenging and you'll FEEL it, but it's easier after you catch the moves
5) Strong and Streamlined (Stott) This is the most advanced you can get. GO FOR IT!
Hope this helps!

This DVD is the EXACT same workout as the Maintenance Pilates for Weight Loss DVD but with much lower production values. The workout takes 40 minutes here and only 30 minutes in the Maintenance video because they spend a lot more time explaining things. The only reason to recommend this video over the far superior production of Maintenance Pilates is if you need the explanations of the exercise or need to have someone doing a less intense version of the exercises. This is listed as an Intermediate level DVD but looks and feels just like the other beginning ones. If you have the Maintenance Pilates DVD don't waste your money. Also, if you're at all familiar with Pilates moves don't waste your money. Get the superior Maintenance Pilates for Weight Loss.