Instructor Ana Caban leads this challenging Pilates mat workout that focuses on slimming and strengthening all the abdominal muscles through precise, efficient movements.
A review by stephy666 on Pilates Abs Workout (DVD) December 14th, 2007
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Educational Value
Good
How good are the presenters?
Good
How good is the content?
Excellent
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
Whole workout is only 30 mins
Disadvantages:
Could do with knowing some background to Pilates
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
When i injured my back a few years ago i was advised to take up Pilates to help strengthen it again. I took classes for a few months and it made a huge difference. Due to changes of circumstances i stopped going and have really noticed the difference. I don't feel as toned anymore. In particular it's my Abs that need the most attention.
I came across this dvd whilst browsing Amazon for fitness dvds. It's just for the Abs and at £12.99 i thought it was reasonably priced.
The dvd is presented by an American named Ana Caban who started Pilates after suffering an injury herself. She now has many dvds out covering all kinds of Pilates from beginners to advanced and more specialist like this one targeting certain areas. She's certified to teach Pilates and has even tought some famous people including Sharon Stone.
The dvd itself is filmed on location in Hawaii right by the sea so you do get the lovely Hawaiian scenery in the background throughout. Ana Caban does the advanced moves throughout whilst a lady called Tara does a simplified version of each move if you can't do the advanced ones.
The whole dvd lasts just under 30 minutes and gives your Abs a real workout. You do need to have done some Pilates before to get the real benefit as theres no showing how to do things and just goes straight from one routine to another with no breaks to give you a full 30 min workout. You could always watch it through first if your new to it (or even if your not as there were a few things i wasn't familiar with)
For those that are familair with Pilates then this covers things like The Hundred and the Corkscrew. And for those who aren't familiar you'll soon know what these are.
Overall the whole dvd gives your a good workout for your Abs and you can feel them working. Also helps strengthen your legs and back. I think the length is about right as it doesn't take up too much time out of your day and it goes really quickly. Ana counts all the way through and directs you with what to do and her voice isn't annoying at all. She also reminds you regularly to keep your tummy in which is useful as i do sometimes forget when i'm concentrating on the excercise and getting that right.
The only thing you might want to get is a Pilates mat to use as all excercises are done lying down. If you haven't got one or don't want to spend money on one you can aways use a blanket folded up (thats what i use and it works just the same)
So if your looking for firmer more toned Abs i'd definitely reccommend this dvd or it might be worth checking out some of her others, especially if your new to it the beginners dvd could be a good place to start as you'll learn how to stand correctly and hold yourself properly, instantly making you look taller and have better posture!!
Advantages: Very good exercises for all abilities, very calming Disadvantages: The woman who presents it has an annoying voice!
...WHAT IS IT:
It is a mixture of the core firming and breathing elements of Pilates with the stretching and meditative aspects of Yoga. This DVD has a warmup and separate sections focusing on the abs, buttocks and a full body workout. There is also a partner or solo resistance stretching section. It is presented by Louise Solomon who claims to be the first person to combine Pilates and Yoga and the DVD was filmed in Byron Bay, Australia.
GOOD POINTS:
Unlike many workout videos, this is really easy to follow with Louise Solomon explaining at the very start the breathing technique in a way that makes it very clear how the breathing fits with the exercises. It sounds silly but it is often easy to forget to breathe whilst exercising particularly if you are experiencing some pain. Once you have got through the introduction and learned...
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Advantages: Clear instructions for learning 'at-your-own-pace' Disadvantages: A bit dear all in one go.
..., so let's start at the beginning.
a. Yogalates
This first DVD introduces you to the concepts - mixing Yoga and Pilates moves. It provides two workouts, the first concentrated on the lower body - abs, lower back and pelvis. The second strengthens mid-back, spine, arms and legs as well.
Here are routines with good explanations for complete beginners. There are descriptions and video examples of the full positions and the beginner positions, side by side.
You can really watch and do your routine at the same time - it is well paced.
b. Total Body Toner
The second DVD has four workouts and these are more targetted.
Abs, upper body and lower body are focussed on individually, and the fourth routine combines all three.
By the end, you will find that you have taken the first DVD in your stride and progressed your core...
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Plot: Instructor Ana Caban leads this challenging Pilates mat workout that focuses on slimming and strengthening all the abdominal muscles through precise, efficient movements.
Instructor Ana Caban leads this challenging Pilates mat workout that focuses on slimming and strengthening all the abdominal muscles through precise, efficient movements.
Languages
Main Language: English
Dubbed Language: None
Subtitle Language: None
Hearing Impaired Language: None
Technical information
Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since : 24/07/2006
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