I'm sorry I am not around much at the mo. Still reading reviews tho when I can.
I'm sorry I am not around much at the mo. Still reading reviews tho when I can.
Member since:14.06.2004
Reviews:31
Members who trust:10
Pilates is an excersize scheme that uses gentle movement and stretching to tone the body throughout. The muscles on the inside are particularly targeted.
Benefits of following a Pilates regime are a better posture, toned and streamlined muscles, better flexibility, a better sex life YIPEEEEE! (this is because you work certain muscles around that area) and all round better health.
This DVD offers three 25 minute workouts that are equally balanced workouts in their own right. I like the flexibility of this DVD because you can combine two workouts to create a 50 minute excersize workout if you happen to have a bit more time on your hands.
The DVD comprises of : (these are the selections on the main menu)
HEALTH ADVICE (you only need to watch this bit once before you start Pilates - Lynne Robinson tells you about contacting your doctor first if you happen to have back injuries etc... )
Lynne uses some really good analagies to help you understand the message she is trying to convey...for example at one point she likens your body to
a crane.... (you'll have to watch it to make sense of this bit!)
BEFORE YOU BEGIN This is a very useful section that I recommend you watch BEFORE you begin (as the title suggests) Lynne Robinson explains very comprehensively the basis of Pilates - Your positioning, and breathing, and spinal alignment. You also learn how to 'zip up and hollow' - if you don't know how to do that when you try the excersizes, you won't get far!!!!
It is essential that you watch this section to get a basic understanding of how Pilates works, and also to make sure you perform all excersizes safely - there is no point doing any Pilates excersize unless it is done properly.
Lynne Robinson uses a very clear pretend skeleton of the spine and pelvic bones to show spinal alignment - I thought this section was very effectively conveyed.
She also shows how to find the natural neutral position of your body. She uses her own body to demonstrate this next to the pretend skeleton.
A brief mention is made to Josef Pilates (the founder of Pilates) but not much history is given. This is a shame becuase it is really quite an interesting story.
Lynne also explains about the different muscle groupings in the torso - this is vital to understand - and luckily it is explained extremely clearly and effectively. (another of her great analagies is used here!)
PLAY EXCERSIZES This will start you at the beginning of workout 1
SELECT EXCERSIZES This is the most useful feature of the DVD - it shows you a list of all of the excersizes - they have funny names like 'dumb waiter' which helps you to remember the ones you like.
They are also categorised into the three workouts, so you could select a workout to play, and it will take you to the beginning of your selected workout - I always use this feature because I like to mix and match my workouts according to what type of workout I feel like that day!
However if you fancied doing only arm excersizes for example you could do that using this feature too.
****************************************************** What equipment will I need....?
You will need an excersize matt, a cushion, a tennis ball, a pole, a towel, hand and leg weights. These can all be bought specially for pilates, or you can get crafty and follow Lynnes suggestions at making your own.
Me.... I get by with a tin of baked beans, a blanket on the floor, and my husbands fishing rod for the pole.
The beauty of Pilates is that anyone can do it - young, old, fit, unfit. You really can adapt the excersizes, and push your self as far as you need to.... Lynne Robinson has a very clear voice and no strong accent so she is always easy to understand. She has a few favourite terms with 'zip up and hollow' 'soften your breastbone' beingthe most prolific. But if you watched the 'before you begin' section you wil understand these terms no probs! It is almost like a very simple code... or a ciao abbreviation such as VH, LOL, COT or GB - once you know em - reading reviews is easy!!!
I understood every excersize and did not find any of the excersizess difficult to complete.
1. buy this DVD - you'll make a saving on going to classes
2. get a Pilates kit together - baked bean tins, towels, comfy stretchy clothes, hubbies fishing rod etc and keep the whole lot in one place. I keep mine in the cabinet underthe TV, so now when we run out of Baked beans, my husband knows exactly where he can find them (shame... must find a new hiding place for my pilates kit!!!!)
3. Stick with it and you'll notice changes in your posture, tone, fitness and health almost immediately. You'll also feel very smug about being a couple of inches taller - esp if you are a short ass like me.
Pilates is not the be all and end all though, I would also recommend that this excersize regime should be combined with a more athletic excersize such as running, cyclingorswimming - you need to get yourself out of breath as well as stretching those muscles.
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I've been to Pilates classes before but fancied doing my own thing at home with a DVD, this one sounds just up my street, especially after the Christmas choccy's, wine, cake, trifle, etc. Excellent review, will look out for it thanks, Helen x
ruth23 10.07.2004 14:38
I've never tried Pilates but it is supposed to be a brilliant exercise to get into - I tried Yoga once and collapse in a fit of giggles so I didn't go back to that class (childish I know!). If I got this at least I could laugh in the privacy of my living room!! Great review. Ruth x
s_jones_2003 03.07.2004 16:57
Not sure I'd be much good at this! Me and my flatmates clubbed together to buy the Nell McAndrew fitness video a couple of months back and did it religiously every other day for about a week, after then the box was used for washing machine money and the video only ever came on when we drunk for a laugh! Sarah x
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