Customer Reviews

Pilates Method - 3-Dimensional Toning

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Since I discovered Ms. Jennifer Kries workouts DVD's a year ago, I become a huge fan and have almost all her DVD's and Videos. She is my personal home trainer! and her workouts changed my body's look and posture.
This DVD is one of the best out there. The DVD has two workout segments{ you can do both or one at a time,if you are a very busy person}. Workout 1 is a combination of jazz, ballet and yoga moves {30 mins.}Workout 2 is a classic Pilates core conditioning moves{20 mins}. Both workouts are invigorating and exciting. If you are a total begginer, pls be patient bec. she doesn't stop and explain. She talks while doing the moves, you need to position yourself where you can see her while doing the moves but when you come to the point where you knew the moves by heart all you have to do is listen to her voice.
I like itbec. it doesn't bore you and you constantly moving}you will master the moves in time and you will be glad she's not one
of those instructor who thinks you are so clueless!
My advice is to watch the tape first.
She always reminds you about breathing and just to do the moves to your capacity. She is freakingly limber so don't despair if you found out you are nowhere near her capacity.
The DVD also includes tips from the expert. They discuss about how the physical wellness improves the quality of our lives. The DVD feature music only segments,if you already master the moves and tired of listening to the talk.{ Jennifer is not tiring to listen at all, she has a pleasant voice and personality, not at all intimidating}
If you are looking for a variety and new kind of workout in one setting, try this and you won't be dissapointed.

Crosstrain with other of her workouts Precision Pilates and Perfect Mix. Another of her bests, you won't be lost with the moves bec. some of it are introduced or repeated in these 3 DVD workouts.

I also recommend the other Ms Kries workouts :

1.The method:Scuplting,{pilates standing series with 2 to 3 lbs weight.
2Dance to fitness (jazz and aerobics},
3.Target Specifics:ABS{pilates moves}, Arms pilates standing series with 3lbs weight}, Legs{ballet and pilates leg series} and thigh{ yoga/ballet}. Each segments is 15 mins.long.
Have a good workout and you will see the difference it makes in your body in no time!

I'm really surprised by all of the negative reviews this tape has gotten. I've really enjoyed this workout. The Total Body section is great. It's a fast-paced toning section that will make you break a sweat, and I love the combination of modern dance, ballet and yoga. I alternate this tape with the Metabolic Booster section of "Perfect Mix" for a fun, non-traditional, light aerobic workout on days when I want to skip the kickboxing or step. This is great for someone who wants to do a little dance but doesn't want to spend an hour doing so. Surprisingly, your going to feel this in your arms as well. You may not believe me now, but just give it a try :-)

Yes, I did have a "Living Arts moment" during the Pilates section. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, go check out the reviews for their Pilates tapes by Ana Caban.) It wasn't so bad, though, that I couldn't get through the instruction and it didn't last throughout the section.

I really enjoy watching and listening to Jennifer Kries. Her words are inspirational, and sometimes she cracks me up with her "yeah, I know it's a challenge now, but you'll get it with practice" attitude. We should all probably accept the fact that we will never be as long-legged or as flexible as she is, but we can get more flexible and leaner than we are.

If you're looking to lengthen your muscles and improve your balance, you should definitely give this a try.

This is my favorite workout. Every time I am deciding which DVD to work out to, I always default to this one because it is so much fun. Jennifer Kries has a unique talent for teaching and it transfers well through the video camera. She has a strong, deep voice and an elegant way of moving. The four people who demonstrate with her are from different dance backgrounds -- jazz, modern, and ballet. As a viewer, you can sense this difference in background because they are not uniform, but to me it expresses individuality and uniqueness. This isn't cheerleading!

The first part of the video is dance, and it is this section that makes this my favorite video. It provides a great stretch, but it also works you aerobically (you will be short of breath by the end). It uses some of the fundamental movements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance. This is a workout where each movement flows into the next, so it truly feels like dancing. Unlike the New York City Ballet Workout where ballet is used to create exercises in isolation, this is a more free-form combination of different styles of movement that is very freeing, though still effective. The workout lengthens the body. It lengthens the arms through reaching out and pulling in, much in the style of jazz. It lengthens the legs through plies and battlements from traditional ballet bar exercises. It lengthens your abs, sides and back through contractions, similar to what you experience in modern dance. And, at the center of it all is your core, what keeps you balanced through all of the movement -- so your abs get a great workout, too.

By the end of the first section, the second section is always a letdown. I am always breathing hard and energized after the dance portion, definitely ready for anything. For such an advanced dance section, you would think the yoga section would have a similar pace. Instead, it is a slower workout intended to condition the abs, thighs, and buttocks. There is a very slow progression through a breathing exercise and the salutation sun series which is great for beginners because it breaks some very important basic yoga concepts into manageable parts. In my opinion, this second section could be beefed up to include more challenging conditioning exercises.

This is a unique workout and one I genuinely look forward to. If it was the dance section alone, I would give it 5 stars as an advanced workout.

I first discovered Jennifer through The Method series of videos where I found her style and directions encouraging and energetic and positive. My first purchase was of the Pilates Method DVDs however and I have been sorely dissapointed. Not with Jennifer but with the quality of the DVD version, I have both the Pilates Method: 3-Dimensional as well as the Pilates Method: Perfect Mix. Both DVDs freeze mid frame in usually about the 2nd workout session. When it happened on the first DVD I didn't think much of it, but when I put the 2nd one into the DVD player, immediately after unwrapping the packaging it froze on it's first play, mid point in the second workout. Perhaps the Pilates Method VHS versions are more successful. For now though I will be looking into The Method: series and hopefully their DVD qualities will be better. I emailed Jennifer at her NY location and her staff responded that Jennifer was not directly involved in the production of this particular line. The workout itself is good, but be warned the DVD quality is poor.

"Our bodies move in every conceivable plane of motion, in varying ranges of expression. Most traditional exercise formats are comprised of linear one-dimensional or at best two-dimensional movements and are geared towards enhancing or changing appearance, rather than improving the body's efficiency or level of functionality. With this three-dimensional fusion of Pilates, Yoga and Dance, you will feel better, stronger, more flexible." ~Jennifer Kries

You might be surprised by Jennifer Kries' sassy red top and short hairstyle. Her personality shines in this beautiful workout filled with sapphire yoga mats, marble style floor and open-air temple in Athens feel. The workout is an invigorating dance and yoga experience that will test your creativity, balance and coordination.

Workout 1 - Pilates Based workout that will give you a lean, straight, limber new figure. This is a standing/dance style workout that I would call intermediate to advanced because this workout builds on the knowledge you have gained from previous Jennifer Kries exercise videos. This workout involves a lot of leg work, balancing, bending over, stretching hands to the ceiling, dance positions, stretching legs, lunges, side stretches and some very creative new moves/poses I had never tried before. If you enjoy ballet workouts, this one will be very interesting to you. I found the balancing exercises to be a wonderful challenge and when I did them without falling over, I was so proud of myself. In this workout, there are four other instructors/workout partners. Table is still the ultimate challenge for me. I'll be working on that pose for years.

Workout 2 - Core Conditioning for buns, abs, sculpted legs and thighs. You don't need high impact aerobics to see wonderful results. Jennifer Kries has one of the most beautiful bodies in the world and when you do her exercises, your body starts to improve at a rapid pace. In this section, Jennifer works out on a purple mat, same outfit. I love the individual instruction, all the helpful tips and the pace of the second workout. This is almost a reward for working out in "Workout 1." You are flat on your back to start and then you will start to recognize yoga and Pilates based exercises. She starts with breathing exercises, roll-ups and leg stretches. Leg circles will be familiar to you if you have been doing Pilates workouts. I love the rolling like a ball and stomach exercises. Jennifer takes you through all the basic poses and concentrates on precision. I like the way you can actually hear Jennifer breathing in various exercises, it reminds you to breathe! She ends with a teaser and a deep breath and then magically disappears. I'd like to see a nice relaxation/stretching section added to her workouts.

Jennifer Kries is definitely the Pilates goddess of the workout video/DVD world. Not only does she create challenging workouts, she gives precise instruction and teaches you to respect your body in a new way. I love her new workouts and I see fast results in all-over body toning. In fact, your skin will be softer and radiant and your entire body starts to become smooth and sculpted. Of course, I still have a way to go!

If you have the choice between a Video and a DVD, go for the DVD. Isn't rewinding a video the bane of the workout existence? It is so eternally slow.

This is truly an exciting new workout from Jennifer Kries. I always look forward to trying all her new workouts. Also look for: Perfect Mix and Precision Pilates. These three workouts can be used together to add variety to your workout routine and will help to get you into shape fast.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

P.S. If you are noticing a problem with the sound, try buying a pair of RCA headphones. I think the problem might be with an "older" TV that can't handle the sound on this video. I have noticed that a few movies and workout DVDs that are newer are not working (sound quality is iffy and muffly) on my older TV. I first noticed this with a STING DVD and now with Workouts DVDs. It might be time to buy a new TV. If your TV was not originally set up for DVD, then you might want to consider that aspect when determining sound quality on a variety of new items appearing on the market. If you have the choice between DVD and VHS, I'd go with the DVD. This video sounds amazing on the RCA cordless headphones, so I figured out that it was my TV, not the quality of the video.

I've really liked this DVD. I've been working out every morning now for about 5 weeks. This has been a workout that has kept me going. It's fun, yet challenging, but it's explained well enough that it didn't go too fast for me. I used to be a runner in high school but it's been many years since I've worked out. I also have Total Mix, but I haven't been able to do it yet--I'm really out of shape! I think Total Mix will be more challenging but I'll be able to move to it soon. I also have another of Jennifer Kries' videos that targets abs, hips, etc. It's very similar to 3-Dimensional toning in the exercises she does, but it's more intense. Some of the reviews have noted the fuzziness of the picture and the "80's music", which is true, but it hasn't been a show-stopper for me.

I absolutely love the first part of this workout, the 3-D Toning -- I feel so much longer and leaner by the end. Jennifer begins with some modern dancey warmups, moves into a tough ballet segment, and ends with some "power" yoga moves. All of the exercises challenge you to use and strengthen your core while building flexibility and balance. The 30 min fly by and despite its length, it's tough -- near the end of the workout Jennifer asks if you have a towel handy to wipe away the sweat, and the camera zooms in on her glistening face. (I love seeing instructors sweat!) I also appreciate that this is a cardio workout I can do without shoes. Although, as someone else has pointed out, her cueing isn't always great, she does consistently give reminders to keep the abs working and to breathe deeply; and after a few viewings the cueing won't be a problem.

The companion workout, Core Conditioning is a bit of a letdown. After the explanations on form and breathing, the workout clocks in at only 15 min. The first few minutes were very similar to the core segment on Perfect Mix before she moves onto working the lower body, and I thought for a while that it was going to be the exact same workout. While I can't fault any of the exercises or her instruction, I feel that the workout should have been longer to truly compliment the 3-D toning segment. A good video that left me wanting more.