Customer Reviews

Prevention Magazine - Flatten Your Belly With Pilates [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have back problems and it is a vicious cycle trying to exercise and not being able to because other exercises would be to painful. I have tried other tapes and found I could only do some exercises. There are three levels to this tape and before you know it you are done. It is the shortest half hour exercise I have ever done. I feel energetic, streched out and looking forward to the next time I do the exercise routine. I recommend this for everyone who needs to flatten their abs and strenthen thier lower back muscles.

This DVD is great because I never have enough time to get sick of an exersize. Just when I feel like I can't do another one we are ready to move onto the next exersize. All of the changing and simple exersizes make this program seem to go fast and make me feel great afterward.
My only complaint so far is that it says on the cover that there is a bonus eating plan booklet inside and there was not. I was dissappointed.

I actually enjoyed this DVD quite a lot, although there are two things I must warn about first. One, this is not a good introduction to the Pilates method. The movements are done very quickly and there isn't much explanation. Two, many of the exercises are not traditional Pilates moves at all. There were many exercises I'd never seen and a few that usually show up ("the hundred") were absent. This is more of a fusion than Pilates...but it still works your core.

The movements are done very quickly. I was so surprised at how fast we did the roll ups--I think a little too fast to pay proper attention to form. Michelle moved rapidly from one exercise to the next. I was sweating by the end of this 30- minute workout, but I felt really good.

The exercises are divided into three levels each demonstrated by one of three women...1 being the easiest and 3 being the hardest. All three women start out showing you the level one move. Then Michelle and the level three person move on to level two while the other person stays on level one. Then the level three person moves on to level three, while Michelle continues to do level two. I found the levels were inconsistant in difficulty. At times I could barely do level one; at other times I did level three. What I like about this is the ability to choose which you want to do for any given exercise.

I think this DVD is best for someone who is familiar with Pilates but wants a greater challenge. Because it gives me the three levels to choose from, I can challenge myself without being overwhelmed with exercises I simply can't do, as are found on some intermediate DVDs. I can do all of them at at least level one.

This is a very well produced, well cued, and challenging toning workout. Michelle is great to watch as always and gives viewers three options to choose from for their exercise level. I recommend this to any level pilates exerciser, especially if you are at a beginner/intermediate level as you can grow with the workout.

Prevention not only have a great magazine going on, but they have really good dvd workouts for you. I've got the majority of their dvd's and this one is another good workout. Michelle Dozois is the instructor and you may be familiar with her from some of the Shape workouts. She's a good cuer and has a very pleasant personality and not at all intimidating.

The workout itself is classic pilates matwork that is demonstrated at three different workout levels. This is very helpful. You can use this to either move up a level when you are ready, or if you are stuck on a too highly advanced routine, then you can go back down a level. The more advanced workout has longer extentions and more challenging body positions. Sometimes the screen is split to show all the levels at once.

Michelle is a pilates veteran so she really knows her stuff and she gives precise instruction to help you get the best form you can. I really love this workout because you have an aim in mind (to work to the highest level) and this is something you can easily do up to 5-6 days per week.

Wow! I have been looking for an introduction to Pilates that I can actually get through. I have tried Winsor, Stott, and other random DVDs and this one hit the mark. There are three participants on this DVD and each demonstrates a different level of each exercise. Not an uncommon format, but what is different about this one is that the beginner modifications are actually doable by a beginner (except the roll-up and teaser). I wish the teaser wasn't on here because it is not a move for beginners no matter how it is modified, but it is the last exercise on the DVD so I just skip it. I also skip the roll up for now, but I know I'll work up to it. The girl who demonstrates the "level 3" moves is absolutely dynamite and she is a great inspiration to keep trying. Maybe one day I'll be able to do the exercises the way she does! Also, the instructor is encouraging, cues well, and is NOT annoying (Stott, I'm looking at you!). I know enough about Pilates to know that this is not entirely the original Joseph Pilates vision so Purists need not bother with this DVD. But for those intimated by Pilates, this DVD is a wonderful start that can grow with you. As I've said, the only downside is the inclusion of the teaser because, even with "level 1" modifications, that is an unsafe exercise for beginners. Other than that though, Prevention really came up with a great video for all of us, with or without a six pack. I highly recommend this.

Michelle Dozois presents a multilevel workout in which you can mix and match exercises for your comfort level.

The focus is on the Powerhouse, body alignment and breathing. You don't need anything fancy, just a mat/towel.

The sequences are fun and challenging and I felt this workout toning and shaping my abs. One of the best workouts I've tried so far...

~The Rebecca Review

I really love this DVD. This is my first time doing pilates and I dont' think is was hard to get started. After having a baby my main concern was to flatten my belly. After a few weeks I started to notice a flatter tummy and I'm already 1 size down. I'm now in the level 2 and love the results so far. I love the fact that the workout is set up to do it 3 times a week for 30 minutes since I don't have too much time during my week to work out longer than that.

My wife enjoys working out with this video...and she is not a workout person. The instructor on the video has an excellent method of keeping the viewer involved, interested and motivated.

This pilates just moves through at an unexpected pace. Usually I'm bored by it. I'm not sure of how effective it will be, but I liked it. Some of the exercises I could do at level 3 and some only at level 1, but it's all there to pick and choose as you need to. Instructor is very clear as well.