Product Details

• Actors: Denise Austin
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Artisan Home Entertainment
• VHS Release Date: August 22, 2000
• Run Time: 52 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (186 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0784018235
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,526 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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  #16 in	Video > Fitness > Pilates
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  #20 in	Video > Fitness > Stretching

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Denise Austin's Mat Workout presents two 20-minute workouts emphasizing flexibility, core strength, balance, and relaxation. Workout 1 is Pilates-based, focusing on the core muscles of the abdominals and back. Pilates-based workouts are heavily founded on technique and awareness, so Austin takes time to explain and demonstrate neutral pelvis, shoulder stability, breathing technique, and the muscles you'll be working. Then she takes you through a challenging Pilates-based workout focusing on trunk stability, which translates to a killer ab workout, offering modifications for beginners.

Workout 2 includes both Pilates-based exercises and yoga postures, starting with the Sun Salutation and progressing to a variety of yoga poses that emphasize balance and flexibility and Pilates-based exercises that focus on core stability and strength.

This is a softer Denise--quiet voice, subdued pace, tranquil feeling--a nice change from the frenetic pace and unrelenting chatter of many of Austin's videos. You'll be surprised by how demanding this workout is, because of the core stability and balance challenges. --Joan Price

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

260 of 262 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great workout for lower back problems!, January 13, 2001

By	30307 "30307" (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

First, I want to tell every advanced exerciser who is terrified of buying a Denise Austin video -- FEAR NOT. She is not cloying in this video. I have seen Denise on TV and cannot handle how she talks down to her audience (in her kind, well-meaning way) and refers to abs of "tummies" and to cardio as "burning butter." But I could handle Denise here. In fact, this is a reasonably challenging workout and Denise Austin is somewhat sedate in her presentation. What's better, she has created a great workout for those brand-new to the Pilates scene.

But let me get to the real point: I don't care if you call it pilates or yoga or Denise Austin's matwork. This video just plain works. If nothing else, everyone should buy this video to prevent back problems. This video's focus on the abs and back (stretching/core stablization) has helped me eradicate some lower back tension that has been nagging me for years. The workout is gentle yet very effective.

My only other exposure to Pilates has been through the well-known introductory pilates video, The Method: Precision Toning. I find that Denise Austin's Pilates workout is more interesting and even more challenging for me than the Method's. Sorry if this offends classic Pilates crowd. That's just my experience. What's more, Denise's video is broken down into two 20-minute segments. That works for me! I'm more likely to do a 20-minute pilates/yoga workout than a 45-minute one.

So a bouquet of roses goes to Ms. Austin. She's created an interesting, informative and effective routine of yoga and pilates and made it accessible to busy people new to pilates. I hope she continues to produce more videos along this line.

179 of 185 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Denise says it all "YOU will feel terrific", August 27, 2000

By	Ellen L. Wilson (Searsport, ME United States) - See all my reviews

This 42 minute video begins with a brief introduction which follows with 2 pilates toning sessions. The first one is 22 minutes long and features some of the well know Pilates stretches as THE HUNDRED and LEG CURLS, etc. The second session is tough with pilates/yoga based toning..you will feel it!

This is a great addition for home exercisers, goes well with her recent book, "LOSING THOSE LAST 10 LBS." and for those who haven't seen/read this book, Denise suggests 2 pilates/yoga

toning days a week. If you have seen Denise in the past and/or present you will see that she has achieved a leaner look using this toning style.

Denise is her usually CHEERLEADER self, but i like her toning style, and it has seemed to work for her.

I like the 2 short segments you can do l or both. Toning is what she does best, in my opinion and she shines in this one!

58 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great ab workout, November 7, 2000

By A Customer

The first time I did this video I did both workouts back to back and was very disappointed. I thought it was not very challenging at all. Then the next morning, I felt it in my abs and even my legs. It is especially effective for the lower abs. I do abs five days a week and I felt it for the whole next day. I've been using this video for about three weeks now, doing both workouts two days a week and I think it is definitely slimming out my legs, which were getting too lumpy from weights. But the real beauty of this workout is the ab benefit.