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

Fast moving Pilates-based exercises

dnk | Boston, MA United States | 07/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Targeted Pilates

DJ | USA | 04/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

I Really Like This DVD

J. Norton | 09/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was looking for creative and quick pilates-inspired workouts with good variety and focus on the "trouble zones" - I got all that and more with the Liz Gillies Four 10-Minute Target-Tone Workouts DVD. The DVD consists of 10-minute pilates workouts for Arms, Abs, Thighs and Buns, plus a bonus 10-minute total-body workout which lives up to its name. Each 10-minute segment leaves me feeling like I got a good workout without working too long or too hard. I also find that it doesn't get boring after repeated use, and that choosing a single segment works well as a warm-up or cool-down when attached to a longer workout.

The instructor, Liz Gillies, takes you through each step and describes proper form without a lot of chit-chat, but gives you an occasional motivating comment to help keep you going. In addition to Liz's optimism, there's a time clock that appears at the bottom of the screen as a "workout countdown" which gives you added motivation to stay strong throughout the workout. Beginners and less motivated folks can also take advantage of the modified (easier) versions of each exercise that are demonstrated by one of Liz's assistants. Another nice feature is that the DVD is set up to continue from one section to the next, so you don't have to interrupt your workout to grab the remote if you want to do more than one section in a row. The music and setting are pleasant, but for those of you who live or die by what you see and hear, I must confess that the ambience is not the greatest (It's not bad though!) The workouts are performed in a studio and the background music is up-tempo and does not overpower Liz's instructions.

All in all, I found this video to be worthwhile because it allows me to focus on specific body target zones and gives me the flexibility to choose a workout length between 10 and 50 minutes, depending on my schedule (and motivation). I would like to point out, however, that these 10-minute segments are not very intense workouts, so if you're looking for significant sweat and burn and ache, you'd either have to be out of shape/have difficulty performing pilates-type movements or just need to pick a more challenging video. This video works for me because I'm in my 20's and I have difficulty motivating myself to do high-impact, strenuous exercises at the end of my high-impact, strenuous workdays. If you're looking for a workout video similar to this but with a little more intensity, I highly recommend 10 Minute Solution Pilates with Lara Hudson - in fact, it's my new favorite DVD.

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New to pilates

A. Williams | Reno, NV USA | 07/07/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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!!"