Customer Reviews

Trudie Styler's Core Strength Pilates

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

 

 

If you're looking for a classic Pilates matwork tape, this isn't that. What it is, though, is a superb combination of Kundalini yoga rolling back exercises, the main Pilates abdominal exercises, and a Pilates side-lying leg series with ending-yoga-stretch-combination that will kick, well, something.

So, if you approach this with the idea that it's a Pilates-and-other-disciplines-class, it's beautiful. It begins with the Pilates roll-up, repeated with stretching forward, like a dance class or a Kundalini yoga class. It moves into side stretches, and bridge pose with many, many variations of the leg extensions. Continuing with Pilates abdominal exercises repeated with a lot of flowing breath and circular arm additions, it moves into a long Pilates side-lying leg series, followed by yoga leg stretches. It ends with Pilates Rolling Like a Ball, and downward dog with the legs extended into the air, Pilates Swan with the arms circling, and then a final hip stretch and standing prayer pose.

Who would have trouble with this: There are no modifications. You need to be aware of the limitations of your back, neck, and wrists, because a fair amount of stress is put on each at points in some of the exercise. You should also have some idea of basic yoga and Pilates form to protect your neck and back.

(However, if you're strong and kinesthetically intuitive, you can probably get away with doing this right out of the box. Just be aware that it's doing more of a number on your neck than you think it is, unless you're really careful to keep your stomach pulled in on the abdominal exercises.)

As a bonus at the end, there is a song from Sting's more recent repertoire. I left the DVD to play while I was writing the review, and right now there is an incredibly beautiful early music version of "Message in a Bottle" playing.

(For reference, I taught Pilates professionally for seven years.)

Highly recommended.

I just finished doing this dvd and I absolutely loved it! In general, I don't like pilates. It bores me to tears. However this dvd is a pilates blend of yoga and dance stretches that are simply wonderful. It flows like a choregraphed dance. Every part of body is stretched out and my hips were worked in places that yoga doesn't reach. If you are a pilates expert then you may have qualms with this dvd. But if you are like me, a yogini that loves to stretch and needs more ab work then this dvd is for you. The music is jazz and is gorgeous and relaxing. The class is done in voiceover and the instruction is superb. I can't give enough platitudes to this dvd. I finished the class with a smile. Out of the 4 that were released, this is by far the best! I wish that they would come out with a dancer's stretch dvd. Although I was able to do all of exercises with some ease, there is always room for improvement and I will add it to my rotation. Get it:)

I just tried this one for the first time - having more yoga than pilates knowledge and not being very flexible, I expected to modify for myself when needed. This dvd is not an intro dvd. I really appreciated how they just got right into it, not a lot of talk and explanation - but if you need things explained, go elsewhere. Only once did I hear him say to hold your knee if you can't reach your foot. This workout expects you to know a little something, and how to adjust for your own needs.

It is long, 55 minutes, and I like the voice over instructions for the most part. Sometimes his counting was faster than what the bodies were doing so I felt rushed if I wasn't able to see the screen. And, sometimes when I was looking, the narration/counting got a little old, but much more bearable than those peppy ladies who were cheerleaders in high school (no offense, but thats a turn off for me when working out). If this is too long for you, I did also like the 10 minute solutions pilates dvds. Pick your own workout and length. Is nice, but way more casual than this one.

That said, it was a tough workout for me. A few points I was ready to turn it off and try again later, but it seemed that if I just held out for a minute they were cooling down from the really hard moments and moving on to the next thing, so I completed the disc in one go. Did get into child's pose a bit before they did. =-) Like I said, I have low flexibility, especially with the knees, so I did probably look awkward next to gumby man on the tv. But I was smiling when it was over and know I'll use it again.

I'm not a big fan of Pilates, but love this routine. The 55 minutes routine is done completely on the floor and is more of a flowing routine with deep stretching after each segment. It is broken into several segments, although the DVD menu does not include menu items (wish it did). There is a deep psoas and hip stretch on the last segment which is absolutely wonderful. Even though the DVD is titled core strength, it is actually an all over workout.

This is one in a series of four DVDs by Trudie Styler, although Jame D'Silva is the star of the show. He voice over's the routine and has the ability to take you away with his lovely voice and beautiful aura!

There is an extra that shows Sting and Trudie's Tuscan estate. It is a beautiful place and they are beautiful people, but..... It made me sad, this beautiful big bass fish dead on the plate as they seasoned him up for cooking...for their life that is so wonderful. They have their own cooks and more resources that most of us. It seemed more of bragging than anything. I did not mark down on my 5-star rating of the video since the routine was so great!

See many of my other review on Amazon, includes the others in this series.

This is one of the best work-out videos I have ever done! It's a great routine that leaves you feeling strong and invigorated. I also really enjoyed all the bonus material.

I own hundred's of DVD's, many in the Pilates/Yoga genre. This one is one of the very best.

The entire workout is done on the floor. The instructions are flawless. After going through this a couple of times, there is no need to look up at the TV.

The workout flows seamlessly and the movements work wonders for the entire body.

I cannot say enough good things about this one. My only complaint- I wish it were longer with some relaxing stretches at the end.

I teach Pilates and wanted some ideas to add to my routines. This DVD provided this. I also have used some of the flows in my Yoga classes. The students seem to enjoy a different type of flow. The only reason I did not give this DVD 5 stars, is because they do not truly explain how to do the Pilates breathing techniques very well and proper alignment of the pelvis. So if you already know these things, this a great DVD. Enjoy!

I agree with the other reviewers that this is not a classic Pilates routine. To get the most of it, it requires basic skills with maintaining your core while moving extremities and because there isn't a lot of explanation, it is probably a more enjoyable workout for someone already reasonably familiar with moves such as these. I have studied ballet and modern dance for years so for me it was a wonderful hour. It gently but effectively strengthened my core and I felt centered and energized upon completing the routine. The views of the gorgeous Bellagio countryside along with the gentle voice in the tape are wonderfully soothing. I love this exercise routine and prefer it over most others of the same kind.

There are very few advanced pilates DVDs on the market. Core Strenth is a fresh breathe of air. It is a great combination of traditional pilates exercises with other types of movements including yoga. It's not for the beginner, but provides a great challenge for those of us who are bored doing the same moves.

I am a Pilates Teacher and I found the exercises were more for Yoga and whatever else you call it. Did not find any of the moves interesting. Trudie's sidekick did all the work and I didn't care too much for his voice. I thought for a video that Trudie's form would be better.