Customer Reviews

STOTT PILATES: Basic Pilates 2nd Edition

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

 

 

I've been doing Yoga daily for 9 years and just recently started to have an interest in incorporating Pilates into my practice.

I bought the Stott four DVD beginners set and just finished doing this Basic DVD a few minutes ago (literally :)).

I found that Moira gave excellent instruction while keeping the routine flowing. The sequence of exercises definitely engaged my core and I felt strengthened throughout my entire body. This is not a super intense workout but rather one that is going to introduce you to some of the basic exercises to use as a building block to move further into Pilates. Even if you are in good shape but haven't done Pilates before, it's likely that you will "meet" your core muscles in a way that you haven't before :)

I've been trying out some different Pilates DVD's and Videos from my library (in addition to buying a few others besides this set). There is no doubt that of those I've tried this is the best one for really getting acclimated with the basic Pilates principles and exercises.

I didn't feel at all strained (thanks to her alignment details) and the instructions were crystal clear without being overexplained (I've checked out some DVD's that were more like lectures with an occasional exercise thrown in which would make them hard to work with on a regular basis).

Because the routine had a steady flow, I never lost awareness of my core and found that my body stayed warmed-up.

Another plus is that it's only 20 minutes longs so it's very easy to fit in either on a busy day as a sole workout or as a prelude to doing another activity such as Yoga or walking etc.

I'm looking forward to trying the other DVD's in the set because I'm very impressed with this one!

Highly recommended!

One of the best ways to get into anything is slowly, and that's the genius of this DVD.
You have an obvious expert (Moira Stott) who is very good at explaining and demonstrating, and who has a very kind and patient demeanour.
You have a simple 20 minute workout, one that will challenge you (I could not complete it the first time around, but I'm really out of shape), but not wear you out or frustrate you. Also, you don't need anything more to do it than a simple mat.
This is an introduction DVD, and it does it's job excellently.

Much better than, say, the annoying Pilates for Dummies DVD.

I was totally new to Pilates when I purchased this video, but have now been doing Pilates quite seriously for a couple of months. This video hooked me. I like Moira Stott's style and method of giving instruction. I still use some of the warm-up moves she gives to demonstrate the basic principles of PIlates. Pilates is a very different kind of exercise than anything I had done before -- with its emphasis on control and precision as opposed to either "throwing your body around" or high-reps. The moves are deceptively difficult to do well, so this short workout with not too many moves (and with some modifications to make them more approachable) is a very good idea -- I think it is a good way to see if this form of exercise is for you.

This beginner level DVD is perfect for the newbie or those getting back into shape after taking time off from fitness. It is a no-nonsense, basic, easy-to-follow 30 minute pilates routine that for me produced a light burn (which I hadn't expected!) The teacher is calm and pleasant and easy to understand, the music is not overwhelming, and there is no hippy dippy BS to roll your eyes through. MY only wish is that there were more than one workout available on the DVD. It is what it is, which is a wonderful thing!

The workout is easy enough to follow. It covers an overall body workout for around 30 minutes - abs, back, thighs.

I did, however, find myself relying on my previous experience with pilates elsewhere in order to get the most out of the workout. The instructor, Moira, does a good attempt reminding when to breathe and which body parts to take note of, but it is really nothing like having an instructor on-hand to correct your posture, etc.

Bottom-line, I would buy it for someone else - but only if the person had tried pilates before. Still, this DVD matched what I was looking for - which was a supplement pilates regime I could do in the comfort of my home. The wonderful thing about being a DVD is that i could pause to re-do certain exercises, or simply double-up and do 2 sessions of the workout for a longer workout.

I read some other review about the sing-song voice but it didn't bother me at all. Besides, there is an option to do the workout to music only.

Having never done Pilates before, I was unsure what to expect when I popped this DVD into the player. I was pleasantly surprised to find a detailed introduction to Pilates packed into a nice little workout.

The fairly short length of this DVD is nice for two reasons. First, it is not an overwhelming introduction to Pilates, which can be a little daunting considering how many moves there are to learn for this form of exercise. Second, this is a handy workout for days when you don't have time for something lengthier. Combine this DVD with a little running or walking, and you'll feel refreshed.

Moira Stott is a gentle and engaging instructor, which is one more reason why those curious about Pilates should give this DVD a try! Enthusiastically I recommend this disc!

I have purchased several pilates workouts including one done by Denise Austin but I have to say that this is the best DVD. It is authentic Pilates and since this is a beginner DVD it offers the beginning moves. The instructor does an excellent job of really providing direction and information so I can do the moves easily. The DVD is so thorough and well done that I didn't feel the need to take a Pilates class first just so I would know and be familiar with the moves. It is really a good home video and a great start to Pilates.

This is a good introduction to Stott pilates in that the instruction in this video explains what the exercises are trying to do and how to perform some of the basic exercises. This is not a workout video. I watched this one and Be Kind to your Spine STOTT PILATES: Be Kind to Your Spine when I first started doing Stott Pilates (recommended by a physical therapist). I watched each video once and moved on to Essential Matwork Stott Pilates - Essential Matwork [VHS] which I have been doing for the last month. I will be moving up to Intermediate Matwork Stott Pilates - Intermediate Matwork [VHS] shortly and will probably stay with this for quite awhile. Essential and Intermediate are both workout videos if you want the actual workout. I ordered all used through Amazon at great prices. If you are looking for the workout, go with Essential first and then Intermediate Matwork. As far as Basic, if you are someone who likes a lot of instruction before beginning an exercise series, then this is for you. If you like to jump right in, then skip Basic, get Essential Matwork because Essential Matwork has a lot of instruction and modification during the exercises also but is an hour workout at a slow pace. Also, even though some of the vhs tapes are older, they are a more affordable price and I was told by an instructor that there is little difference between the older workouts on vhs and newer workouts on dvd.

This is a great product for those who want to learn the basics. However, if you want to save money; puchase the walking pilates for weight loss. You get 2 workouts for the price of one. The walking phase is easy and fun to do-- and it is a real workout. You are sweating at the end of the 30 or 45 min session. The second workout is Stott Pilates. Moira does a great job of taking you through the poses. While the basic pilates dvd is good, you can get just as good of a workout using another beginning Stott Pilates workout.

Use this work out to strengthen your core muscles before moving on to more difficult pilates exercises. It is not a stenuous work out, and is also good for those with back problems.