Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great option for working your abs and entire midsection, May 17, 2004
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.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
ABS-olutely Effective and Convienent, August 16, 2003
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
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Should be called "Pilates Core", December 30, 2003
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
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