Liz Gillies Core Fitness - Progressive Pilates - Four 10-Minute Target-Tone Workouts

Rating:
Summary: Targeted Pilates
Review: I am a committed video exerciser - after a long day at work, I'm just too tired to drive to the gym, but I can manage to put on some sweatpants and turn on the TV. Pilates is the "latest" exercise fad (actually been around awhile, but enjoying a resurgence in popularity.) I've tried a number of Pilates videos with varying results. This is one I will keep and use! There are FIVE different sections - one for abs, one for buns, one for arms (using weights), one for legs (lunges here!) and one for the total body. Each section is 10 minutes long (or 10 minutes short, depending on your perspective), making it easy to squeeze in a quick workout with so many other demands on your time. Each section targets a specific "problem" area (backs of arms, saddle bag thighs, etc.) which lets you focus on your own "areas of concern." At about 5-minute point, when I just want to drop dead on the map (hey, I'm working HARD!), a little on-screen clock pops up to let tell me there are "only" five minutes to go, then four, etc. - knowing I have just "XX minutes left" helps keep me motivated. This is one tape you will always be able to fit into your busy schedule. BTW, I usually do the four "target" sections at one time; I leave the "total body" section for times when I really DO have only 10 minutes to spare!

Rating:
Summary: better than i expected!
Review: I bought this instead of mtv's piltates workout because it also had a 10 minute arm workout. I usually do all four (butt, belly, thighs and arms) and sometimes the total body workout if I have extra time. It has only been three weeks of doing the video every other day and my arms are looking better than ever! Also, the abs workout is one of the best I've ever tried. The best thing about the video is that it is not very difficult. The excercises vary a lot and there aren't many repetitions, so you don't have time to get bored, or feel like you want to quit.

Rating:
Summary: New to pilates
Review: I have done some beginner yoga previously, but this is my first attempt at pilates. The first time I did the workout, I found it difficult because it seemed like they went a little fast. I had to rewind and pause in order to achieve all the poses. Also, you need to be very careful when starting out because this really works your ENTIRE body and if your upper body and back aren't very strong, you might struggle. They do have modifications on the exercises, but they weren't always helpful. The second time I did it was a little easier and after just one session I could tell that I had strengthened my upper body and back more, which made the poses easier. I think persistence and patience is the name of the game here!! These girls make it look so easy, but you can tell they've had lots of practice. The other cool thing is that even if you're doing the other target workouts (bun, thigh, arm, total), you're still targeting your abs (powerhouse) at the same time. My abs feel so tight! I really feel like I'm getting a good workout. And it's quick!!

Rating:
Summary: New to Pilates
Review: I"m new to Pilates and I found this very user-friendly. I've been working out for years with the traditional aerobic and strength training, with Kathy Smith being my favorite. I decided to try this because of the 10 minutes that it takes to do a work-out (2 children under 3) I love the ab work-out! After doing it for a 3 week period I actually saw my abs in there under the flab. I quit early on the arms but am determined to try again. Also, there's a few butt cracks in the video. I found this funny and made me wonder 'did they watch this before they put it out on dvd?'
All and all I'll continue to do this work-out. It won't be collecting dust and that's what is most important.

Rating:
Summary: Fast moving Pilates-based exercises
Review: Overall, I enjoy Liz Gillies approach to some of the Pilates mat-based exercises. While in general I prefer the classic sequence done in the classic manner, sometimes it's nice to change things up a bit.

While mostly Pilates-based, Ms. Gillies also makes use of her dance background, particularly in the Buns section. A few lunges and cat-based positions are used here (some of that may actually be from yoga), but she does include some variations on the Leg Circles and Pelvic Lifts.

The Legs/Thighs section includes some variations on the Pilates Side Kicks and some ballet floor barre (e.g., developpe and passe). This is a fast moving section- so much so that even Gillies' form seemed to suffer a little bit. However, you can definitely feel it working.

The Arms section is Gillies' variation on the Standing Sculpting Series from the Pilates syllabus. She includes some variation on more traditional weight-lifting and does some of the work while balancing on the balls of the feet. I like that approach- it definitely forces you to concentrate on your powerhouse while working your arms.

The Abs section includes variants on the Hundred, the Roll Up and the Pilates Abdominal Series. This section more than any other on the tape was targeted towards those new to Pilates- she does a lot of non-traditional "setups" and then modifies many of the exercises. Still challenging, but not necessarily what you get from a more classic Pilates workout.

The Total Body section is my favorite. This section includes a lot of work for the upper body- planks, side planks, etc.- so much so that you could alternate it with the Arms section.

This is a nice addition to your Pilates collection, especially for those interested in "Target Toning", but you may want to supplement with some more classical Pilates from Ana Caban or Jennifer Kries.