Customer Reviews

Stott Pilates: Essential Matwork [VHS]

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

 

 

While this tape may be a good introduction to Pilates, it is VERY boring to use several times a week. The sound is terrible. Sometimes I can't even understand what Moira Stott is saying. The video is terrible. Most of the time the focus on the upper half of the person's body or just the abs and you can't see what the rest of their body is doing to learn how to do it properly yourself. It's also too expensive for a tape you can only do half of without spending $60 for a fitness circle on the Stott pilates website.

I have been reading the reviews for this video, and have felt driven to say something. I had not taken any Pilates classes and bought this video because it was well-reviewed in Shape magazine. I have NOT been disappointed - I have been doing the video about 2x a week for the last two months. The first couple of times my abs burned like crazy, now I'm doing the tougher versions. It may be boring, and it is hard to understand the instructor the first couple of times. But now I find it relaxing as well as tough and always feel good after doing it. On the fitness circle: you can do a 40 minute workout with this tape without the fitness circle (which I do not have), and it is only NEEDED for about the last 5-10 minutes. So if the reviews which demand that it is essential are scaring you, don't worry, it's not that big of a deal. Let me finish by saying that I am more than satisfied with this video, and only give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the sound and picture quality are not the best - but this does not prevent me from wanting to continue with this video series for a long time. If you want to learn more about Stott Pilates, visit the website www.stottpilates.com.

Saying this video requires a fitness circle for "some" of it is not accurate. The only part that does not absolutely require one is the short beginner routine, which you are told to fast-forward through once you get a good idea of what's going on. I have no idea if this tape is any good because I have no idea where to get a fitness circle or how much it would cost. I am really irritated that I spent [money] on a video that I can only do a very small part of. It might even be ok if you could order the fitness circle through the company that makes the video. I'm finding no evidence of that possibility.

Probably as you're reading this review, you're wondering - what the hell is a fitness circle? Don't ask me.

I have been to Pilates mat classes and found the introductory part of this video to be a good prerequisite to beginning-level Pilates. Because correct technique is key to success with Pilates, I was more interested in learning these basics and continuing to the next level, rather than this being an end in itself. I did find Stott's explanations helpful. However, I think the description could have been more explicit about the use of a fitness circle -- "most" not "some" of the video requires the circle. Had I known this, I might have looked at alternate tapes to gain the intro knowledge, or purchased the circle so I could immediately benefit from the entire tape.

THESE VIDEOS ARE OVER PRICED, POORLY DIRECTED AND PRODUCED. POOR SOUND QUALITY, POOR ANGLE OF VIEWING THE EXERCISES AND THE INSTRUCTOR IS DULL AND LETHARGIC. IT EXPLAINS THE MOVES BUT THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO VISUALIZE. I PURCHASED 2, THE ESSENTIALS MAT AND THE INTERMIDIATE MAT AND FEEL VERY DISSATISFIED TO SAY THE LEAST.

I recently started Pilates exercise and I bought this video because my Pilates personal instructor highly recommended it. (She received her certification from Moira Stott Stodio, as it turned out.) I like the concept and philosophy etc. behind Pilates, and am willing to learn more about it. Actually, when I picked up this exercise program, I was quite excited! However, this video just happened to be too boring for me. I am an avid power walker, yoga practitioner, a FIRM believer (FIRM exercise video), karate student, etc. My intention was to use this video at least once a week. But I have used it only twice so far since I got it in April. It just doesn't motivate me. Still, I am planning to buy Stott's intermediate level video. No, I haven't given up on Pilates quite yet. I have heard too many good things about this exercise. If you are a seasoned exerciser, it may not be a bad idea to skip this beginner's video and go straight to the intermediate. I should have done that myself.

Excellent video - Moira's instruction is superb. This is a beginning level video intended to teach the basics of the Pilates program - if you want a more aggressive/intense workout I recommend the Intermediate Matwork video - same great instruction with a faster pace and more advanced movement. This series is perfect for all ages and levels.

Yes, this tape is not exciting. But when you master the moves, you can go on to the next tape, Intermediate Matwork, in which the sound quality, pace, and instructions are better. I am now doing the Intermediate and love it, but could never have done it without the Beginning tape!

I take a fabulous Pilates class 2x per week by a Stott certified trainer who sold me this tape. Although the sound is not great and the pace seems slow the exercises and direction are identical to my very expensive class. I love this tape since it helps me remember the names of the exercises, encourages proper form and shows various ways to increase the difficulty of each move. The first few times I did the tape I did not have a fitness circle and it did not make any difference. Other Pilates books have you use a firm pillow between your legs for the exact same exercises.

Moves should have been demonstrated without the instructor right on top of the demonstrator. I would have like to have seen a better views of the exercises. I got more enthusiam and better explainations in the book, "The Pilates Body", by Brook Siler.

There is no notation made that Moira Stott has received her certification in the Pilates method and seems to have developed her own format. A low-buck money making series of videos.