Customer Reviews

Portable Pilates - Book and CD Set

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Portable Pilates is fantastic. I can't imagine why someone didn't think of making a CD Pilates class sooner. I have purchased several of the Pilates books on the market and while most of them are good, this is the only one that actually prompted me through an entire Pilates mat workout. I did not stop moving until it was over. Actually, the instructions were so simple I hardly had to look at the book at all. I have been to Tribeca Bodyworks and was so impressed with my classes there that I purchased this Book/CD combo....WOW! I was sore in all the right places, my abs and my rearend and my inner thighs too. Alycea, the author even wrote up a little test to take at the end with extra pointers. If you can't get to a real studio or just can't get there enough, Portable Pilates is the answer. I understand they are producing a whole series of these sets....I can't wait for the next one. Thank you Alycea Ungaro!

I travel constantly. Between airline food, rich business dinners and inadequate hotel gyms it is difficult to maintain a trim waistline. A few months ago a friend introduced me to Pilates. After taking a few Mat Classes I bought a Pilates video online for my next trip hoping it was the answer to my expanding waistline. Unfortunately the only part of my body that got a workout was my neck. I went back online and found Portable Pilates. I have been using it ever since. The book provides cute and careful tips on form, but the CD is the real ticket. Instead of stopping and starting or craning my neck to follow a video, I am able to follow the voice on the CD. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The results have been amazing. My waistline is curving in instead of out, and my inner thighs are trimmer than they've been in years. Thank You Portable Pilates!!

Pilates has never been presented in such a convenient and non-intimidating manner. Alycea really gets you excited about the exercises--making it fun, rather than an "I-have-to-exercise-now" manner. I always find vacation, work travel and any other "leaving town" events as perfect excuses to skip my regular workout. Now I have no more excuses. Portable Pilates makes it so easy to just toss this book and CD into my suitcase and take my workout with me. Alycea's voice is helpful and encouraging, plus the illustrations are SO CUTE--I look at those beads of sweat flying and it keeps me going! This is a wonderful book, perfect for anyone that's had a few sessions of Pilates and wants to keep focusing on the mat workout. You won't be disappointed, my tummy is already stronger!

I bought this at the same time I bought the Pilates: Body in Motion book. I own the Classical Matt DVD and Brooke Sellars Book as well.

At first I was not happy about the instructions that begin before each step, and I wish that they had a seperate segment without them, but I realized quickly that I needed it to hone back into the proper alignment.

I worked harder than I had before at the intermediate level because her wonderful descriptions get you back in place. Obviously my errors have been made by others previously. The funky "music" is wonderful - not only are you hearing her words you are hearing what should be happening, which just takes it to another level. Somewhere between preschool and genius.

I honestly just flipped through the book, which is beautiful and spiral bound. (Another great idea!) There is a great check list at the back to help you discern when you are ready to take it to the next level.

I see myself using this once or twice a week, in place of the Classical Matt DVD that I use. The DVD is shorter without the intermission of learning the move. In the long run though I think it is great for the traveler and at home, u don't have to crain to either a book or a TV to make sure you are at the right spot and it helps keep your form in check.

I left my living room feeling longer and taller, smiling, knowing that I had just left a class at one the best pilates studios.

I've always hated "How To" books of any kind. However, I decided to buy Alycea Ungaro's Portable Pilates book because it comes with an instructional cd, and I thought, "Hey, this is different!" I have a crazy schedule, and although I love taking mat classes, it is often difficult for me to get to one. Well, I opened up the book and popped the cd into my cd player, and it was fantastic! The tempo was just right, and the cues and helpful reminders were so clear, I hardly needed to look at the illustrations or read the explanations. But it's great to have them there for when I'm not exactly sure of my knowledge. Of course I still go to mat classes when I can, but it's wonderful to have the option of giving myself a good workout at home, or take it with me when I travel out of town.

This book and CD combo is GREAT! Although it is recommended for the "slow intermediate" level, as a beginner I found it very helpful. The instructions on the CD are very clear, the adorable diagrams clarified any questions I may have had, and the rhythm of the music helped me to keep my pace. Unlike with videos, the CD format helps me focus on my own exercising and not on the people in the video... and I can use it anywhere with my walkman, even at my gym. I generally hate exercising, but this CD is fun!! Plus, I have only been doing the exercises for a few weeks and I can already see a change in my body!!!

this is a perfect compliment for the beginner to low intermediate student who wishes to add workouts outside of the studio. the cueing is good, there is no annoying background music, we get plenty of emphasis on breathing, and the pace is workable. the mat exercises performed are: the 100, roll up, leg circles, rolling like a ball, single & double leg stretch, single & double straight leg stretch, criss cross, spine stretch, corkscrew, saw, single leg kick, neck pull, side series: front, side & leg circles, teaser, swimming, seal, finishing with releve. there is a useful workout rating chart at the end of the book which helps as a reminder of important cueing.
ms. ungaro has a pleasant voice, gives cues clearly, and reinforces with corrections of posture flaws common to all students.
i gave this only 4 stars because of the high price for a 20 page book and audio CD. the dvd "pilates for dummies" is only [price].

I bought this set about a year ago and (try to) use it a couple times a week. Alycea is the perfect instructor: upbeat without being an annoying cheerleader, giving you cues and pointers just when you need them, someone you wish could come to your house every day to give you personal instruction.

I had never tried pilates before, but had taken similar classes (callanetics, lotte berk) so I was fine without a video. Honestly, I think it's a lot easier to follow the cd/book than it is to focus on form while staring at the tv, craning your neck out of position or having to stop the video every couple of mintues while learning a new exercise.

Best of all, this goes by very very quickly. I also tried Stott Intermediate Pilates and that thing went by soooo slowly I could never make it through to the end--not b/c I was tired but b/c I was so darn bored.

Highly recommended.

You have the tapes, you have a Performer - but NOTHING is like PORTABLE PILATES. This workout book/CD combo is a WINNER! From start to finish you remain focused and smiling at yourself imaging the improved you... I hate exercising by myself but the CD keeps me going and makes me try harder. I'm not craning my neck to watch a video and the exercises flow much more naturally. She keeps you going at a steady pace to make a real workout - if you're like me you'll use any excuse to take a break. No excuses here - just fun and the determination to keep going. Adding this one to your collection will not gather dust: you'll always refer to the book and never take the CD out of your stereo!

I am a certified Pilates instructor and just purchased this book and CD. I love the illustrations and sounds accompanying the exercises. The workout is well-paced and clear and is a great companion to have at home when you need some motivation. Alycea provided many helpful hints throughout the CD which we often forget when working on our own. This is a definite MUST to have and keep on track with Joseph Pilates' Mat work.