Customer Reviews

Quick Fix - Pilates ABS Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Quick Fix Pilates Abs is an excellent exercise video for targeting not only your abdominal area, but also your entire midsection, or "core." The tape consists of three 10-minute ab programs which become progressively more difficult. Instructor Keli Roberts jumps right into the workout, offering good form pointers but not much detailed instruction. Therefore, prior familiarity with Pilates is a must for this workout, especially given that there are several challenging, intermediate/advanced level Pilates moves included (some modifications are shown).

Program 1 contains a classic Pilates matwork sequence, although the exercises are not performed in the traditional order. Keli alternates more accessible, beginner's level Pilates moves such as leg circles and the hundred with more challenging moves such as the shoulder bridge, the rollover, and modified teasers. In Program 2, there is a greater focus on obliques, beginning with the can-can and then moving through most of the exercises in the Pilates "stomach series," including single and double leg stretch, scissors, and criss-cross. This program also includes moves to work your back such as swimming and back extensions. The third program is the toughest by far, and it includes some quite challenging moves. This section begins with two sets of push-up and then continues with plank work both from a push-up position and from an elbows down position. This is also the only section which includes exercises from the Pilates side kicks series; these exercises really work not only your abdominals, but also your outer thigh/hip area.

It's important to note that there are no warmups/cool-downs included in this workout: each program is a full 10 minutes of intense toning work. This would be a very good video for anyone who enjoys Pilates and wants to some very different, concentrated Pilates routines.

This "Quick Fix" series of workouts is a great way to supplement your routines. They are also quite effective on their own. Each in the series is designed to work and help specific areas. They offer three 10 minutes sessions(per DVD),in which you can do one or all three for a total workout. Previously I had tried the "Quick Fix - Power Yoga Workout", which I found to be so effective that I decided to try this one, "Quick Fix - Pilates Abs Workout" for just a little added help for my abs.. I was not disappointed.

With three separate 10 minute segments, you can fit these in to your daily routines easily. If you only have ten minutes to spare you will still feel the effectiveness of the workouts. Work your way up to all three or as I like to do, supplement them with other routines.(I add one 10 minute segment, 3 times a week to my aerobics or upper and lower body conditioning)

Beginning with basic Pilates movements(even if you are new to Pilates, this first segment is easy to follow),the three segments seemed to me to become more intense as they progressed(session 3 seemed the most strenuous). Each one concentrating on specific areas of need. You will find them beneficial for strength and conditiong, toning and stabilization. The whole core section gets worked pretty good, not just the abs, but your back as well. All three are great for lengthening and strengthening your muscles. The instructor is fabulous at reminding us of proper techniques for posture and breathing, however I highly suggest viewing all three segments before you begin. There are also modified movements to follow for those that may need them, but you will find the more you do these, the stronger you will become. Each segment has a 10 minute countdown clock to keep you on track as well.

All you need is a minimum of ten minutes, and a mat(not required but very helpful). I recommend the "Wai Lana" Yoga mat, found here at Amazon. It's comfortable and helps maintain your alignment. The price for the DVD and the mat are both reasonable.

An effective and convienent workout for your mid section. My only teeny complaint, would be that just like the power yoga workout,there is no cool down or stretch segment. If you are doing the entire 30 minutes, you really need that. The DVD is a good quality with a clear picture and sound. It has a menu to go to any of the three segments you want and it's nice to be able to pause it if you want to see some part again.

Remember to breathe....eat healthy..and enjoy!...Laurie

also recommended:
Start up with Jane Fonda
Tai Chi Innerwave
Champion Women's Double Dry Semi-Fit Flare Pant

First of all, I really think this workout should be called "Pilates Core" rather than "Pilates Abs", because that is exactly what it is. Don't get me wrong, this is a great workout, and you can get an excellent intermediate ab workout if you just do the last 5 minutes of workout 1 and the first 6 minutes of workout 2. The rest of the DVD seems to focus on core rather than just abs. There are three 10 minute workouts. Workout #1 is called Classical Pilates. This workout begins with some slow crunch type exercises, but then it goes into several minutes of single leg circles and some bridge type exercises. The last 5 minutes offer great exercises for the abs: hundreds with legs bent or out to 45%, criss-crossing leg lowers, and teasers. Workout #2 is called Core Combination. The first 6 minutes contains some more great ab work: crunches (halfway down, all the way up), roll downs, single and double leg stretch, scissors, and slow moving bicycle type exercise. After 6 minutes, you begin to work your back, glutes, and hamstrings with the swimmer. Then you do some cat back arches and some balancing table top exercises where you reach your right arm and left leg straight out and then repeat on the other side. Workout #3 is called Stabilization, and, to me, felt a lot like a core rather than an ab workout. It starts with standing forward bends, then you get into the plank position (here I thought, "Ok, here comes the ab work", but I was wrong because you begin to do pushups!). Then you lay on your stomach, stretch your abs, and do the breaststroke. This is followed by some table top exercises and some excellent core work while on your side. There is also some more plank work where you alternate lifting your legs.
Overall this is a great core workout, but if you want to focus on abs, you will have to work around some of the stuff on this DV

I'm new to pilates and found I actually could do these excercises. (I tried another program and it was way beyond me.) I love the "Quick Fix" series as they allow you to mix up your workout. I recommend this as an addition to your routine.

This video offers three 10-minute sessions of working on your abs. Less strenuous than the other Quick Fix abs video, it focuses on Pilates. The exercises are not hard to follow and there are modifications for those of us who are less flexible. The 10-minute format is excellent for people with busy schedules. I have to work on my abs and I'm very glad to find a video that is challenging without being overly daunting. I have to complain about the cover, though. The instructor is not pictured on the cover and I find that insulting to her. (By the way, I first tried to get this video from Barnes and Noble and after more than a month I had to call the company and ask where it was. When I was told it wasn't in stock and there was no telling when it would be, I turned around and cancelled the order and placed an order with Amazon. My Amazon order got to me quite quickly and there were no problems.)

1) 10 minutes is just not enough time to get a meaningful workout, especially one like Pilates.

2) Definitely NOT for beginners, especially when she throws in more advanced moves (such as the Teaser) without even mentioning that they're not for beginners. Newbies can get discouraged if they don't realize that tougher moves are being randomly thrown at them.

3) The instructor is annoying.

I really like all of the QuickFix titles and this is no exception. I own the QuickFix Pilates and Yoga total mix so I was worried that these Pilates abs moves were the same just recycled but thats not the case. The workouts are short but effective,the countdown clock is motivating,overall its a great addition to my ever growing DVD collection, I do think you need to be familiar with basic pilates first though-this is not an overly easy dvd.

If you are looking for a pilates video for your abs/core, this is a great choice. Keli Roberts leads 3-10 minute segments that target the entire area. She is joined by Lizbeth and Portia, who shows beginner modifications.

Section one is classic pilates, Keli starts you off with a breathing exercise, and asks you to maintain this breathing throughout all the exercises. The exercises included in this segment are single leg circles (which Lizbeth demonstrates for those with better flexibility), bridge (with added leg lifts and hip presses), hundred, leg lowers w/criss cross action, teasers, rollover, and swan dive.

Section two is called core combination, and the exercises you will see here are can can, rollup, single leg stretch, criss cross, double leg stretch, scissors, rolling like a ball, swimming, a neat twist on extended cat where you extend one arm and opposing leg to the side, and spinal work finishes out this segment.

Sections three is called stabilization and is the most difficult of the three. There are a good amount of planks here, plus pushups, breastroke, and a brief side kick series.

I like this DVD quite a bit, and I always do it in it's entirety, like other reviewers have said the time goes by really fast and I like the way it flows. I would rate this as intermediate, you do need to have some familiarity with pilates as there isn't any instruction so complete beginners should looks elsewhere. Keli Roberts does a really nice job with this video, she is very pleasant and encouraging without being overly perky. Highly recommended.

This is only the second Quick Fix program that I've aquired (the other being the Pilates/Yoga program) and once again I'm VERY impressed!

Keli Roberts leads three ten minute segments. Other reviewers have done an excellent job outlining the segments so I won't waste your time by being redundant :)

I will say that I found each of these segments to be sound, relatively easy to follow and very effective practices that can be done either singly or in combination w/ each other.

I would definitely say that this isn't something for a stone beginner, but one should definitely start w/ something like "Stott Basics" to get a feel for the fundamentals of Pilates before trying something like this.

Also, it is quite challenging, getting progressively harder from one segment to the next and is probably best for someone who is an experienced beginner or intermediate.

If you are looking for a Pilates based Ab workout that can fit into most anyone's schedule, I feel you can't go wrong with this DVD.

HIGHLY recommended!

I am a personal trainer and I'm thrilled to find a DVD with new and different ab exercises! The exercises are challenging for the intermediate exerciser and modifications are shown to make it easier for the beginner. Another great workout from Keli Roberts.