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Pilates Method - Perfect Mix

Pilates Method - Perfect Mix

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good video
Review: The first time I did this tape, I did not like it at all, and I did not like Jennifer Kries. I made myself do it again, and for whatever reason, it has now become one of my favorite workout tapes. I think it was probably due to the fact that Jennifer is probably the most flexible person I've ever seen, and those "smooth" sit-ups are hard for a beginner, so I just didn't like her!! But now I especially like the last segment for those mornings that getting out of bed can be an exercise in itself! It really energizes you. One of the reviewers said not to do the 2nd segment if you have bad knees. That one is my favorite, but I have noticed some pain in my knees and I have had a RCL ligament replaced in my knee 8 years ago.....

All in all, I think this is a very good tape for people with limited time, and a basic knowledge of Pilates.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Has potential, but...
Review: I tried this Pilates DVD, going on a suggestion from a friend that Pilates was the way to go. It focuses a lot on isometric exercises (which I love...see my review for "Callanetics") and core control. However, this DVD was not what I was expecting it to be.

Granted, I consider myself to be in pretty good shape, as well as one of those "freakishly flexible" people that the Amazon editors call Jennifer Kries, so my review may be biased for the already-in-shape exerciser. However, this DVD doesn't do as much as it could.

The core conditioning segment focuses on the abdomen and somewhat on the back. Here, I would strongly highlight the Amazon editor's comment about Kries not doing a lot of reps of each exercise. She doesn't. She does maybe 8 and stops. You do feel it in your abs, and then all of a sudden, the workout is over! Kind of frustrating for someone who likes ab exercises. If you are a beginner, you will probably find these exercises challenging. Most are traditional Pilates maneuvers, and each can be modifed to the difficulty level you wish.

The metabolic booster section, meant to be a cardio workout, was more of an exercise in awkward choreography. If you had bad knees AVOID THIS SECTION OF THE VIDEO. She does a lot of lunges, with weights no less, and twisting...you're basically asking for a torn knee ligament.

I admit that Jennifer Kries is a very empathic instructor, and her style is very gentle and encouraging. It's a good start for a beginner, but if you're in decent shape and are looking for an alternative to a complete body toning workout, this is probably not the DVD for you. I only use the Core Conditioning segment as a supplement to my current routine.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: DVD not working well
Review: The only reason why I gave it a low rating is that the DVD doesn't work well. It plays in my DVD fine, but when I play it on my laptop, there's no sound. Also, I have yet to find the 'multi-angle' aspect on the DVD. Other than that, it's a standard workout. Not good for beginners, though.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Pilates no, the rest yes
Review: As an instructor, Jennifer has a lot of knowledge but a reserved on screen personality. The Pilates section wasn't inspired, and had several variations on the complete roll up that aren't doable, and are even dangerous for a beginner. But in her defense, they describe the Pilates section as intermediate/advanced.

The second section though is fun. It combines a dance work out (not an aerobics work out) with weights. I used to take dance at a Hanya Holm style dance school, and it makes me really miss the classes I took there.

The yoga section had a lot of good stretches. It seemed like what it really was though, part of a dancer's warm up. If what you want is the intense stretching yoga can provide, this is for you. But if you are looking for the deep relaxation of yoga, this section goes by far too quickly for that.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: interesting but difficult
Review: This dvd gives a good workout, but it might be a bit difficult for the beginner. I wasn't able to do a lot of the roll up movements in the first part of the dvd ('core conditioning'). Jennifer says that it'll get easier the more you do it. The second section was interesting, but a little difficult to follow as well. The 'metabolic booster' is a like a resistance training workout set to a dance. Some of the moves are quite complicated and I think it'll take me a few more tries to get it down pat. (Some sets are easier to complete than others.) Overall I think it can give people a good workout but it is just a bit complicated for the beginner.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: didn't like
Review: This DVD started out and is too fast for a beginner like me. The instructor doesn't even look like she is in shape!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Not for me
Review: I didn't like this video. I need something that will keep my attention and this wasn't it. Also, I like to sweat. I don't get this with pilates.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great workout in a short amount of time
Review: I'm really pleased with this DVD. I am pressed for time in the morning, and in 20 minutes Jennifer Kries gives me a great workout. I don't find her annoying in the least, which is important to me before I've had coffee. On the weekends, I do all three segments. I really felt it in my abs and legs, while working on flexibility. The core conditioning section is challenging if you've never done Pilates, but stick with it and you will be amazed at how quickly you progress. Also, the music is good (Spanish guitar music). This DVD finally gave me an alternative to Tamilee Webb's "That Body", another great exercise video for the time-impaired.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great mix of Pilates, toning, and flexibility exercises
Review: I love this video! The first 20 minutes is a combination of Pilates exercises with a little bit of stretching thrown in to balance it. I'm not sure why a previous reviewer didn't think that this was not Pilates - a lot of the classical Pilates moves are here. Not a whole lot of form pointers, so for Pilates beginners a beginner video would be better.

The next 20 minutes (Metabolic Booster) is basically a toning section which has a definite ballet flavor. I'm a beginner who's getting close to an intermediate but the exercises in this section left me sore the next day. It is a lot of fun!

The last 20 minutes are yoga/stretching and are great at the end of the day.

Jennifer Kries has beautiful form and her flexibility and tone are an inspiration. She gives good instructions and has a very calm demeanor.

This was my first "Method" video and it prompted me to buy a few more. It is probably not appropriate for the advanced exerciser, more beginning/intermediate.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good overall workout
Review: This DVD is separated into three segments: core conditioning, metabolic booster and am/pm rejuvenator. Each segment is about 20 minutes long and depending on your mood, you can mix and match the workouts. I like all three segments, especially the am/pm rejuvenator because the instructor mixes yoga moves with stretching to help calm as well as awaken your body. I just wish the metabolic booster was a bit longer. By the time your heart really gets pumping, it is time to cool down. This is great for people looking for variety of exercises and those who don't have a lot of time to workout!


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