I must admit to being rather lazy but every now and again I do feel motivated and want to do some form of exercise. Joining the gym or going to classes is far too committed so I love the idea of being to do exercise in the comfort of my own home whenever I feel like it.
I have bought a few exercise dvds. I find that the actual workouts last for approximately 60 mins (which for me is far too long to fit in the day - not forgetting to add an extra 30 mins recovery time!) and after a few months I just give up.
Pilates - System 21 - The Ultimate Mind and Body Workout is a DVD that I am sticking with. The actual routine takes approximately 30mins. After finishing the routine I feel refreshed and relaxed ( this is not a typical after exercise feeling for me!). I definately feel more supple and my posture has improved since doing the dvd. I cannot comment on whether this video would be effective for weight loss.
What is pilates system 21.
Pilates system 21 is apparently different from pilates because it is concerned with quality not quantity - or so says Chris Hocking the creator and presenter. It will improve your posture, figure and give you a strong and flexible body, as well as helping you relax. After the lesson you should feel like you have more energy, refreshed and invigorated.
The best way I can describe these exercises is gentle stretches and movements of neck, arms, shoulders, back, stomach, bottom, legs and feet. Each exercise has up to 10 repetions. All the exercises flow slowly so you do not feel rushed through it. There is background music playing, which is carefully chosen to help you carry out repetitions at the correct pace. (The music can become a bit annoying at times). There are 3 people carrying out the exercises, these are not annoying as you do not really pay any attention to them as you are concentraring on your breathing and movements. The presenter talks you through the exercises with a very calm and relaxing voice.
The DVD The dvd is divided up into different sections and you are able to chose the scene where you want to start. 1. Introduction ~ Pilates system 21(see above) 2.Posture ~ explains how you should hold your body correctly - in GREAT detail! 3. Breathing ~ how to breathe when carrying out the exercises. 4. Basic positions and corrections ~ 8 basic positions for feet, back, side stretching, lying on back, stomach exercises, back bending, cat stretch (back stretch) and the press up position (against a wall not the floor thank god!) - again all of this is in GREAT detail!
5.The Class Part 1: The warm up releasing tension - gentle stretches with up to 10 repetitions for each part of the body. (5 mins) Part 2: Arms and shoulders - these exercises are all done lying down (fantastic!!). (5 mins) Part 3:Stretching the spine - you can really feel your spine stretching with these floor exercises (5 mins) Part 4: Stomach and legs - exercises in sitting and lying position. (5 mins) Part 5: stomach work - deep exercises to help with posture whilst lying down (7 mins) Part 6: Back bending - floor exercise stretching the back (5mins) Part 7: Press ups - these are done against a wall - much easier! (1 min) Part 8: Roll down and exercise routine - the stretches are put together in a simple routine this includes balancing and has a slightly more livelier feel to it (not enough to call it energetic) (5 mins) Part 9 :Cool down - longer stretches to release tension from each muscle (3 1/2 mins)
At the start of each part (1 - 6) the instructor demonstrates how to put your body in the correct position for the following exercises. This is not necessary to watch once you are familiar with the exercises so I fast forward this which takes a further 2 or 3 minutes off the overall running time.
In total the dvd runs for 55 mins. You can buy this from Amazon for only £5.99. A real bargain and a great relaxing way to keep fit.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
All Pilates should concentrate on quality and precision of movement, not quantity, so for the instructor to say that it makes this DVD different makes me wary. However, from what you've said this does sound like a good DVD. Nice review, I like that you gave a breakdown of the sections.
armychick 02.08.2005 19:56
Sounds good!! naomi x
sallysmith1973 02.05.2005 22:48
Sounds good, feel so conscious in a Gym. Need to lose a couple of stone (my Ciao picture is a 'before' pic!) I've got 'Cher' and 'Reebok' step aerobics tapes, but find I get pains in my knees!!! Might give this a try, sounds a bit gentler!! Thanks, Sal x
Pilates system 21 - the exercise system to take you into the 21st century.System 21 is ... more
based on the inspirational PILATES technique, a revolutionary collection of easy, controlled movements which will work and release all the muscles of your body and h...
![Pilates - System 21 - The Ultimate Mind And Body Workout [DVD] [1991]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78523175.jpg "Pilates - System 21 - The Ultimate Mind And Body Workout [DVD] [1991]")
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