7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
great classical workout for beginners, December 18, 2006
This review is from: Power Pilates - Beginner Workout (DVD)
This is the way that pilates should be taught. The program is classical in nature, meaning that it follows the principles of Joseph Pilates, and therefore the order of the exercises are consistently the same.
It is repetitive for good reason and that is comforting, not boring. It is therefore easier to measure your success. Great way to work out at home if you aren't near a center that teaches pilates the way it ought to be taught. If you aren't sure why it should be taught this manner with the exercises done in a specific order, remember that there is careful thought to the progression and to do it any other way is sacrificing safety and compromising mastery. Keep it simple, and do this until you are ready for the intermediate dvd. There are always more modifications to make it easier or harder, and this method is tried and true for well over 50 years--
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you want to learn "classical" Pilates the right way, this is the DVD for you!, December 4, 2008
This review is from: Power Pilates - Beginner Workout (DVD)
I have been doing Pilates off and on since 1997. One of the main problems I've had is finding classes nearby that teach "classical" or "authentic" Pilates. Over the years I have purchased a home reformer (the "performer"), the box and pole, the half circle, two magic circles and a boatload of DVD's.
This is, by far, is the BEST Pilates investment I have made so far! I also take classes, and drive a good distance to get to them, and I have to say I've actually learned more from this DVD about some of the in-depth nuances of classical Pilates. Even though my classes are very good, this DVD is almost like having your own one-on-one training session. And it helps that I can stop the DVD and practice the correct way to do a movement until I get it right.
It offers several workouts including an excellent back workout that would also be beneficial, in my opinon, for anyone, but especially good for someone who is just beginning to exercise. It also has a short magic circle workout that is awesome and again, good for beginners.
But more than that, this DVD gives a plethora of tips and a short tutorial on how to perform each of the movements. If you really want Pilates to be effective while reducing your risk of injury, it's imperative that you learn the correct way to perform the movements and all of the nuances-- the C-curve, chin nod, articulation and imprinting, correct breathing, hugging the midline and working your abs at all times without arcing the muscles-- whether or not you intend to do classical (aka authentic) Pilates or one of the more contemporary versions.
As far as Carrie's voice, it not only didn't bother me, I enjoyed her clear diction and EXCELLENT cuing. She simply sounds like someone who has been well trained in theater, where you learn how to throw your voice, speak clearly and with inflection. She also paces back and forth just like my ballet instructor did when I was a young girl, which I thought added to the ambiance and helps with the whole Pilates/dancer kind of vibe that gets me in the mood to exercise, and makes me strive for excellence.
If you want to learn Pilates correctly, I can't recommend this DVD highly enough. My advice would be to carefully watch the extra tutorials and demonstrations on this DVD and you will be amazed at how much you can learn about Pilates and what a difference it will make in your workout!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly EXCELLENT!!, January 7, 2009
This review is from: Power Pilates - Beginner Workout (DVD)
I have to agree with some of the other reviewers about the instructors voice being annoying... at first. After using the CD a few times I realized she speaks that way for a reason. You get clear instructions on what you should be doing so there is no need to break position to sneak a view of where you should be. The CD is a real value in that you get not only the sessions but also movement by movement private instruction, in addition to a glossary of each movement and how it should be performed. I now understand what some of the other reviewers were talking about when they mentioned "this is the way Pilates should be learned." There is no rush from movement to movement but the importance of getting each movement done 'correctly' is really emphasised and you 'feel' the results. A must-have for your pilates library if you are just beginning or a little advanced.
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