Customer Reviews

Wimps Series: Pilates for Wimps

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although I don't necessarily think this is the best choice for an introduction to Pilates, I do feel that it's a decent, short, not-too-difficult routine for relative beginners. One major thing that was missing was an emphasis on the importance of neutral spine, which I feel is essential for a true beginner.

Instructor Annika Carlson performs the regular exercises, while modifier Jamie performs easier versions alongside her. I like that both versions are demonstrated simultaneously, so we can pick which one we want to do from the beginning, unlike the Dummies DVD which shows modifications halfway through the reps. Jamie's modifications are done with easy-to-find household objects, such as a chair, towel, and pillow. It was also extremely refreshing to see her do exercises with bent knees. As someone with tight hamstrings, I find it annoying how many instructors assume that we'll be able to do the exercises with straight legs and don't mention any other possibility.

The workout does contain more standing exercises than you'd find in a traditional Pilates class. In particular, I wasn't fond of the large number of squats and lunges, although Pilates style lunges aren't as difficult on my knees as the regular kind.

What's good about this workout is that the instruction is not so excessive that it's disruptive. It's still a flowing practice that someone who knows the exercises already can do and still get a good workout. Another feature I really like is the option to turn off the instructor's voice and just listen to the music. This is something I wish more fitness DVDs had because after you've listened to the same thing 10 times, it starts to get annoying.

Given that I have been practicing Pilates for several years now, I thought this video might be too easy for me, but I decided to give it a shot. What I found is that this is a nice, 31 minute Pilates routine which is likely to appeal to a wide range of Pilates students. The workout is led by Annika Carlson, whose gung-ho enthusiasm reminded me of another famous Pilates instructor, Mari Winsor. Annika is assisted by Jamie, who shows modifications of the exercises with the help of a chair, pillow, and towel.

Annika begins the workout with a 3-minute standing warmup (squats, pelvic tucks, neck turns, and arm swings) before moving to the floor to begin an 18-minute segment of Pilates matwork. She starts with the classic Pilates hundred and moves on to many of the traditional exercises of the Pilates matwork series, including some from the stomach series (which she calls "belly busters"). She also includes the side kick series performed from a kneeling position, which might be a bit challenging to those who do not yet have much core strength.

Following the matwork, Annika returns to a standing position for an additional 7 minutes of standing Pilates movements. I recognized many of these exercises from the Pilates standing arm series, and next time, I will try doing this section with light hand weights. This segment ends with three short sets of Pilates push-ups before moving into a 3-minute stretch to finish.

Overall, I really liked this program. There is enough explanation and modifications for those new to Pilates, yet the workout flows smoothly enough that those more advanced like myself will still get a good workout. This video would be ideal for someone who wants to try a full range of Pilates exercises (ie, not just the matwork). Although prior Pilates experience is not necessary, because some of the moves are challenging (even with the modifications), I think this practice would be best suited to those who already exercise regularly but who want to add Pilates into their routine.

If you are looking for a low impact exercise routine with modifications, then Annika Carlson is the perfect instructor and I love her playful teaching style. She guides you through a Pilates routine on two levels. While she does the intermediate level, you can follow along with the modifications. One instructor shows you how to adapt the exercises by using a chair, towel and pillow. You may even want to mix and match the routines or even add in your own modifications or challenges. This routine is highly adaptable for all levels.

While not overly fast paced, I felt it was at an intermediate pace and my heart was beating a little faster than when doing most Pilates workouts. Pilates for Wimps fits easily into your tight schedule and you can be done in 36 minutes. You could also pair this with a walking workout or other videos to extend your session.

Chapters include:

Intro
Warm up
Floor exercises
Standing exercises

There is a bonus floor and standing workout section and you can workout with just music. The bonus sections show the individual exercises.

After a quick warm up you head into the 100 and an active "The Breathing" which reminds me of an active yoga pose. There are many interesting new exercise I hadn't seen before and I could feel them working my stomach in unique ways. The mermaid stretches could have been longer and I would have enjoyed an optional stretching session at the end for 10 minutes.

You will be rolling like a ball, laying on your back with your legs in the air making circles with one leg at a time, holding yourself in push up positions and doing mild lunges which are very low impact.

Overall, an excellent Pilates workout for anyone who is just starting or is intermediate. For advanced students, you may have to add in your own challenges. This workout will improve your posture and increase your flexibility and balance. Quite an enjoyable workout and you can complete it in a short amount of time.

~The Rebecca Review

Given that I have been practicing Pilates for several years now, I thought this video might be too easy for me, but I decided to give it a shot. What I found is that this is a nice, 31 minute Pilates routine which is likely to appeal to a wide range of Pilates students. The workout is led by Annika Carlson, whose gung-ho enthusiasm reminded me of another famous Pilates instructor, Mari Winsor. Annika is assisted by Jamie, who shows modifications of the exercises with the help of a chair, pillow, and towel.

Annika begins the workout with a 3-minute standing warmup (squats, pelvic tucks, neck turns, and arm swings) before moving to the floor to begin an 18-minute segment of Pilates matwork. She starts with the classic Pilates hundred and moves on to many of the traditional exercises of the Pilates matwork series, including some from the stomach series (which she calls "belly busters"). She also includes the side kick series performed from a kneeling position, which might be a bit challenging to those who do not yet have much core strength.

Following the matwork, Annika returns to a standing position for an additional 7 minutes of standing Pilates movements. I recognized many of these exercises from the Pilates standing arm series, and next time, I will try doing this section with light hand weights. This segment ends with three short sets of Pilates push-ups before moving into a 3-minute stretch to finish.

Overall, I really liked this program. There is enough explanation and modifications for those new to Pilates, yet the workout flows smoothly enough that those more advanced like myself will still get a good workout. This video would be ideal for someone who wants to try a full range of Pilates exercises (ie, not just the matwork). Although prior Pilates experience is not necessary, because some of the moves are challenging (even with the modifications), I think this practice would be best suited to those who already exercise regularly but who want to add Pilates into their routine.

I've been doing Pilates for a couple of years, but still don't enjoy many of the moves (especially the stomach exercises) even though they're "good" for me. I really enjoyed the instructor's style - no-nonsense like Ana Caban or Karen Voight, but still little mischievous like Janis Saffell. I felt like I was working out with a friend, and I learned a few new moves - like "pretzel" and "drunken arms." At just about 30 minutes, it was just the right length! I'd love to see her do a fun cardio workout - I'd buy it!

The back of this dvd reads "It doesn't matter how fit, enthusiastic or prepared you are...an authentic Pilates workout that everyone and anyone can do, regardless of age, fitness level, motivation, and flexibility (or lack thereof)!" Well, having tried this disc once I have to strongly disagree.

I am 35, about 30 pounds overweight, and am out of shape. I'd been using Crunch's Pick Your Spot Pilates* which I really liked. Parts of it were still a bit too advanced for me, though, so I was hoping to find something really basic so I could get strong and flexible enough to continue using the Crunch dvd. This is not that something. Not by a long shot.

The workout begins with knee bends, which overweight people can't really safely do! (Even with the "chair" alteration that she shows, which alters nothing. And the woman doing the altered versions is in FANTASTIC shape! Hardly a person of "any" fitness level.) It then went on to moves I was mostly familiar with from the Crunch workout, but gives little explanation as to where you should be feeling the stretch or not feeling it, or how you should be positioning your body. If you've never done Pilates before, you may hurt yourself! Each position is held for such a short time, too-- I felt so rushed I never really focused on my breathing or on perfecting the moves.

I'm realizing now that the "For Wimps" tag is just a marketing move. This is not a workout for anyone who isn't already in quite good shape. If only the Crunch folks had something one level simpler, I'd be in heaven!

*http://www.amazon.com/Crunch-Pick-Your-Spot-Pilates/dp/B00006FMB4

The DVD cover claims that this is "total fitness for the partially motivated." As one of the most partially-motivated individuals of all time, I can attest to the veracity of this claim. I have never been able to stick to a workout or complete an entire workout tape. Once I encounter something that I cannot do, I get discouraged and quit. With this tape, there was nothing that I couldn't do. If Annika's version was too difficult, I could always at least do the modified version. While other fitness experts sometimes snidely suggest that you can try the easier version if you can't handle the regular exercise (making you feel weak for your failure), this DVD is encouraging and non-judgemental. I noticed results within a few weeks (only doing the exercises 2-3 times a week), and I've also noticed a definite improvement in my posture. I have recommended this DVD to several friends who all seem quite pleased with it, and I would recommend it for anyone who is "partially motivated" to get into shape. I

If you've never done Pilates before, this is an excellent introduction! I run daily, but hadn't done flexibility work. This video is quick, entertaining, and non-intimidating. There are plenty of modifications if you need them, and the moves are challenging for beginners without being too taxing. She is especially good at explaining and demonstrating the correct positions so that you don't hurt your knees or back. I did this video 3x a week for about a month and developed the strength and flexibility to do the Winsor Pilates Accelerated Body Shaping video (I highly recommend this!), which I would never have been able to do before. Overall, I think this is an awesome video and I am going to buy Annika's more advanced one!

This is just perfect. I can finally work out after years of trying different things and always giving up. Annika is so gentle, motivating, and inspiring. The pace of the workout is just right. Having an alternative technique makes the exercise non-threatening. I recently hurt my back, and I can still do it. It feels like I got a whole body workout and strecthed really well. Thank you!

I've been doing this video on and off for about 5 months with my sister. I have always had a hard time getting through a lot of exercise videos. I'm not overweight, but I am out of shape. I go to school full time, work part time, and I have a family to take care of. This video is not EASY to get through, but it is just short enough to not be discouraging. As I've gone along, I get more out of the video because I concentrate on my form. They provide modifications that enable just about ANYONE to do the exercises, but you will still get something out of it. I've also been able to improve to a point that I can do other exercise videos all the way through. I am thankful for this series, it's really helped me.