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The most helpful favorable review
The most helpful critical review
739 of 747 people found the following review helpful:
Wow! What an unexpected surprise!
I saw this video at a local discount store and picked it up on a whim. I didn't expect much, but it was cheap, so I grabbed it. What a pleasant surprise! I use this video regularly and definitely feel and see the results. Michelle Dozios clearly explains and demonstrates every move but is never condescending, irritating or intrusive. She also shows modifications for...
Published on February 4, 2002 by Alexis Coxon
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
Difficult!
Am I the only one who found the basic workout difficult? The pace was too quick for me to get the right technique in the poses and even though I have done this workout several times now, my back almost always is very painful for at least 24 hours afterward. I have found that, apart from a few exercises, the intermediate workout is easier.
Published on July 24, 2006 by Dani
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739 of 747 people found the following review helpful:
Wow! What an unexpected surprise!, February 4, 2002
I saw this video at a local discount store and picked it up on a whim. I didn't expect much, but it was cheap, so I grabbed it.What a pleasant surprise! I use this video regularly and definitely feel and see the results. Michelle Dozios clearly explains and demonstrates every move but is never condescending, irritating or intrusive. She also shows modifications for beginners and advanced exercisers, plus demonstrations of what NOT to do. I'm not a Pilates expert, but I've seen some of these positions before on other Pilates videos, so I'm guessing they're pretty standard. You'll really feel it in your abs. (I think that overall, Pilates is much more effective -- and interesting -- than crunches for toning abs. I know I see a big difference when I do this video regularly.) This is purely Pilates. There's no cardio, no weights. I like to alternate this video with cardio and weight work; additionally, you can skip the ab section on your other videos and use this instead. This is a great intro to Pilates, and you sure can't beat the price. I highly recommend it.
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241 of 248 people found the following review helpful:
An excellent pilates tape! Forget Windsor Pilates!, November 7, 2002
For those of you who are marveling over the Windsor Pilates infomercial, don't waste your money! I recently received the Windsor Pilates package in the mail, and to my disappointment, most of the exercises, and the tips were just like those on Pilates for Dummies! Pilates for Dummies is basically the 3 Windsor Pilates tapes in 1! This tape even has the advanced exercises that were in the Windsor Accelerated tape! Even some of the exercises on the Windsor Accelerated tape were considered moderate on the Pilates for Dummies tape! Sure, the Windsor Pilates package has an exercise progress log, and a nutritious food booklet...but you can make your own exercise log, and common sense(as well as health sites on the Internet) can help you plan a healthy menu! The results from Pilates for Dummies are great, when it is done with consistency! The instructor gives you clear directions on each move. The tape also shows you moderations to each move(both basic and advanced). So, buy Pilates for Dummies! It beats paying an arm and a leg for a Windsor Pilates package!
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108 of 108 people found the following review helpful:
Good Introduction to Pilates, October 27, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Pilates Workout for Dummies (DVD)
This DVD has none of the lush production of other Pilates DVDs or tapes that I have seen. The music accompanies rather than inspires or encourages. The studio is Spartan.What this DVD is is a solid introduction to the beginning and intermediate levels of Pilates. There is an introduction about 10 minutes long that explains the significance of and the proper position for the powerhouse and spinal alignment. The instructor, Michelle, takes the time to teach the proper method of breathing during the exercises. After the introduction, there are two groups of exercises at the beginning and intermediate levels. The beginning group of exercises has 18 basic Pilates exercises. It looks like the intermediate group has about the same number. The strength of this DVD is that each exercise is demonstrated in a detailed fashion along with easier and more challenging variations. You should have little ambiguity performing the exercise correctly after listening to the explanation and seeing the exercise performed. In addition, common problems encountered performing each exercise are shown in an exaggerated fashion, so you clearly understand what not to do. I had read two highly recommended books on Pilates, but seeing the DVD really put it all together for me. After using the DVD 3 times this week, I am feeling muscles I haven't felt in years and have developed a sense of when I am not standing properly or slumped over at the desk. I did have a low grade lower backache for a couple of days (which is somewhat normal according to the books) but that has passed. I recently also joined a health club where they offer free Pilates Mat workouts. After watching one session and working out one session at the health club, it clear how much better the instructor on the DVD is. Finally, for me, this workout would not work on VHS format. I really enjoy the ability to step through the exercises rather than FFW or REV.
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76 of 76 people found the following review helpful:
Great for beginners, December 7, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Pilates Workout for Dummies (DVD)
As the title points out, this is a BEGINNER'S workout for people who are just starting with pilates. It's astounding that some reviewers feel the need to complain about a basic & introductory pilates workout for being a)slow b)basic c)too much explanations d)all of the above. I've been doing pilates for years now and sure, this workout is basic, it moves slow in some parts, there's a lot of explanation, as it should! I would've been shocked if this workout covered the entire range of pilates moves, with no explanation. Most, if not all beginners need the extra guidance and explanation. Plus they need to go at a slower rate so they can work to perfect each move. Form is everything. If you can't hold a position properly or control your powerhouse...what's the point?If you really don't have the patience for it-- as an advanced Pilates guru-- then by all means, stick to your advanced tapes and workouts. This is a workout that caters to those who are just starting out and maybe even folks who have never worked out a day in their life. This is a great workout, the instructor is very pleasant, the moves are explained thoroughly and yes, it does moves at a steady pace. If you're a beginner, please ignore the negative reviews from some of the advanced folks who feel the need to pick on a basic introductory workout for being just that.
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72 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
"Pilates for Dummies" is a great place to start..., March 6, 2003
This review is from: Pilates Workout for Dummies (DVD)
Like several other reviewers, I am an ex-dancer. Recently, I have been looking into ways to regain some of my flexibility and muscle tone and I decided to give Pilates a try. Despite the fact that I have a dance background, I had lost much of my flexibility and I didn't want something that would be too difficult. A friend of mine recommended "Pilates for Dummies". I was a little skeptical, but after reading the reviews here and seeing that this, like many other Pilates DVDs, wasn't overpriced, I decided to give it a try and I am glad I did.The workout begins with a brief history of Pilates and explains some terms that are used throughout the DVD. Next, the workout begins. I cannot say enough good things about Michelle Dozois as the instructor. She explains things very simply and outlines some common mistakes. Breathing is an important part of Pilates and you are told when to inhale and exhale throughout all the different exercises. My personal favorite feature is that it gives you modifications on almost all the exercises, either to make them more difficult for the accomplished people or easier for those of us who need a slower start. Plus, there is an intermediate workout as well. I haven't tried this yet, but I have watched it through and it has the same merits as the beginner's workout. With "Pilates for Dummies" I can feel my muscle tone and flexibility coming back, plus I have lost a few pounds, an added plus to my goals. If you are interested in trying out Pilates, this is, in my opinion, whatever your background, the best way to start.
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75 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
Finally - an exercise routine that works!!!, February 28, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: Pilates Workout for Dummies (DVD)
This DVD has been an answer to my prayers...I have tried aerobics, regular speed walking, some yoga, etc., and this is the first time I have found an exercise medium and DVD that 1) keeps me interested 2) has slimmed my butt and hips! It seemed when I exercised regularly or dieted, I would lose more in my upper body. Now, I feel my lower body toning, and I've lost a dress size and inches off my hips. I got the DVD in November of 2001 as a gift, after mentioning I wanted to try Pilates. While yoga improved my flexibility and was very centering, It didn't shape my body like this video. Now that I've used it for about 3 months, I have the routine memorized. So instead of playing the video everytime (and listening to instructions over and over), I just look at the table of contents on the inside cover, remember the exercises, and perform them while I'm watching something else on TV. I noticed a change in my body (very positive!) without transforming my diet. And I've lost 10 pounds! A+++ I recommend it for anyone, especially once frustrated exercisers like myself! I've finally found something that makes me feel good after I exercise, doesn't bore me, and shows amazing results that other people have noticed as well.
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49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
Pilates for Dummies, September 13, 2002
I hate to work out, but this video is challenging and goes by quickly, so it's not so bad! The explanations are clear, the instructor shows ways to modify to make the exercises more challenging or easier, depending on your fitness level. Overall it's a excellent video. My only beef with it would be the fact that you have to wait through all the explanations during the workout. When you're a beginner, it gives you a moment to rest, but once you've got the technique down, you don't feel you need all that explanation. I usually fast forward to the next exercise. It would have been nice if they had added a second section that went from exercise to exercise without all the explanations. The workout itself is excellent. After just three times I actually felt like my mid-section was tighter and after just two weeks, I already feel like I'm stronger. I haven't noticed any visual body changes yet.
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42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
If I can do it, anyone can., October 18, 2005
This review is from: Pilates Workout for Dummies (DVD)
I'm 27 years old and have never, in my whole life, been "in shape" or even close to it. I've just always been utterly terrible at all forms of exercise. (I mean, seriously. They put me in remedial gym class.) I've never managed a push-up or pull-up in my entire life, even after forty-five minutes, five days a week for the last seven years of public school. (Oh, and if you're wondering-I'm a tad overweight, but not obese.)
That said, even I was starting to get restless with a 9-to-5 office job. About the only form of exercise I don't hate is walking (or hiking), but that was getting boring-I live in a small town, and once I had memorized where the sidewalks were uneven, I started wondering if there might be something else I didn't hate. I've always distrusted pilates because I hate fads, but my sister recommended it so I figured, well, it's only a $12 DVD.
After reading a *lot* of reviews here on Amazon, I decided to start with this DVD. (I admit it, it was partly so I wouldn't need to buy equipment.) When it finally came, I opened it right away and watched it for the first time.
The person on the DVD, Michelle Duzois, is fairly perky and obviously in good shape, but not obnoxiously so. I don't know quite how to phrase it, but her attitude seemed to be "of course you can do this" and not "there's something wrong with you if you can't." By presenting all the variations (regular, beginner and challenging) in the same tone of voice and having her demonstrate all of them (including the things that are wrong), I felt like there wasn't the message that there was something wrong with you if you couldn't do the regular variation (as opposed to DVDs where a different person is doing each variation, and they say "Well, if you can't do what I'm doing, you can try what Kristy's doing instead").
The video had a nice introduction to pilates that was six minutes long, which I felt gave me useful information without overloading me. The basic routine then begins and is about twenty-seven minutes long (she tells you to only do the first several if it's your first time). I can't vouch for whether this is or isn't "real" pilates, but I can say that the routine went smoothly from one pose to the next (exercises are shown as separate scenes, but mostly the scenes start from where the last one left off), didn't focus on any one body part until it was exhausted, got my heart rate up (possibly it wouldn't do this for everyone) and showed good transitions (I wish she would describe the transitions more, though-sometimes she says, "Okay, now bend your knees like this, then extend them like this" but other times she just does it, so I didn't really see how she was doing them at first). Some of the exercises were a little uncomfortable at first, but after just a few times I could tell I was more flexible (still have a long way to go, though!). I definitely felt like I was getting a workout-sweating and really feeling the stretches-but when I finished, I didn't feel exhausted. I felt energized and, most impressively, like I wanted to keep doing pilates until I could do it right. (I can assure you I never felt that way about push-ups.)
The video itself has a black background with a large box with Michelle on a purple mat [how tall is she? Her mat looks the same size as mine, but somehow when she stretches out her whole body is still on the mat, whereas if my head is on the mat, the other end comes about to my knees] on a wooden floor, and then the black area is where variations are demonstrated or text appears. Most helpful to me are the places where she demonstrates (in the black part of the screen) what not to do during an exercise, with a big "X" through it. As in the For Dummies books, there are also tips, reminders and other symbols that appear. She demonstrates each exercise, then does the repetitions (usually 6 or 10) while periodically reminding you when to inhale/exhale or exhorting you to make sure to really stretch or not let your back arch or to pull your navel in. To me, if I'm not doing those things it's a good reminder, and if I am, it feels like confirmation that I'm doing it right.
I suppose the video is a bit boring-just one person in bike shorts and a tank top, on a mat, on a wooden floor, with no music. For me, anything more elaborate visually would be intimidating, and music would be distracting.
I have to say, I love it when she says, "all right, we're going to do our last three exercises now." It's not like some sort of scorekeeping-she doesn't do it every time-but it makes me feel like the end is in sight.
It annoys me at the end when she says, "You did a great job!" because I always think, "How would you know?" But maybe that's just me. That's my only complaint.
I've watched the intermediate routine (not tried it!) and it felt like something that I will, in fact, be able to do eventually-and more importantly, that I want to get to the point of being able to do it.
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38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
Strictly an introduction, but a great one, August 27, 2003
By A Customer
Yes, this workout is thorough, repetitive in its instruction, and exhaustively detailed about what to do and what not to do. No, that doesn't make it a bad workout. It really is for "dummies" and it assumes nothing, starting right from scratch to teach the basic principles of Pilates. Once you're familiar with the tape and able to do the whole thing easily (not too hard as you never do more than 10 repetitions), you will want to move on to a workout that flows more quickly, with less instruction.Despite the garish Dummies colour scheme on the cover, the video is nicely shot in a classic wood-floored exercise room. Michelle Dozois is kind and gentle and nice: don't knock that. And the workout will wake up muscles you tried to forget you had. My advice: Follow this tape faithfully for a few weeks, move on to Jillian Hessel's or another beginner's workout, and return to Pilates for Dummies every few months so you don't get sloppy. Hey, it's Pilates. It will work.
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30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
Pilates for Dummies: Great Workout Video, July 28, 2003
I bought this video a long time ago from amazon.com but did not have a chance to use it until recently. Although I had some basic knowledge of Pilates from the workout video of Denise Austin, "Pilates for Dummies" gave me more instructions and helped me correct some mistakes I had made. Michelle Dorios is an excellent Pilates instructor. Unlike other videos which show the moves the same time as you exercise, this video shows each move BEFORE so that you have an idea what you are going to do. Moreover, unlike other pilates videos, during the workout time, this video shows some modifications of the moves (how to make it harder for advanced exercisers or how to make it easier for beginners) and some common errors. One of my errors is not keeping the abdominal area still when exercising because I did not notice that. After using "Pilates for Dummies", I realized that mistake because during the workout time, Michelle repeatedly reminded me to keep the abdominal area still.
I love "Pilates for Dummies" so much and now it is my "it" Pilates workout video because the instructions are easy, the instructor is nice and the moves are simple and easy to follow.
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