Search - Weekly Workout and Body Control - The Pilates Way on DVD

Pilates for Beginners or Recovery

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 04/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Can I first say: "I love Pilates." I am just at the start of reshaping my body, but already I notice so many changes and my husband also has noticed and likes the fact that I'm talking care of my body and fitting into smaller outfits.

It is fun to go buy smaller clothes after years of trying all sorts of exercise programs and never seeing dramatic results this soon. I have also changed my diet and I think that also helps quite a bit.

Since I started Pilates again this year, I already dropped two sizes and that makes me feel really good about my future. Now I look forward to shopping where before I had started to really dread looking for clothes that would fit well, let alone look cute.

If you have already learned all the Pilates exercises, you might be slightly disappointed when purchasing this workout. This is for beginners and I would recommend this for age 40-60 or for when you want to relax. I am 35 and find this to be more of a "relaxing" workout. There is no stress on your back and this workout literally helps me get to sleep fast. I feel very sleepy and relaxed after doing any of the workouts late at night.

The music sounds like the ocean and you hear waves and subtle tones which lull you into a serene state. The exercises are not done quickly and that makes you feel that you are not getting a good workout. That is what the other reviewers seem to be complaining about.

Really, what happens is you don't feel stressed doing the workout and then while you are walking around the house, you notice your posture has changed and you feel a deep sense of relaxation and peace. This is what it is all about. This is not an aerobics, get stressed, feel the pain type workout. This is a "feel good" workout. If you want a "faster" workout, I'd recommend "Winsor Pilates" of "Pilates on the Go." Still, this workout also has its place in the Pilates world.

I think this was created for people who have had injuries or are looking for an exercise program which does not strain the lower back. With that in mind, you will notice a caring attitude through and lots of detailed explanations you won't find in most workouts.

Lynne Robinson is the world's top-selling Pilates author and her ability to teach and explain the details shows. She takes her time explaining all the main exercises and the principles behind this method of working out. You really focus on the breathing and positioning.

By the time you have done the Body Control and Weekly Workouts (three sections), you have a new understanding of the basics of this holistic approach to exercise.

The first day I did just the Body Control workout and then the next day I did the entire 75 minutes of the three workouts called: Weekly Workouts. I think anyone in normal health could do all 75 minutes. However, you can just do 25 minutes if you wish. It depends on how fast you want to see results.

Body Control includes: Principles of Pilates, Before you Begin, Relaxation Position, Lengthening away from Strong Center, Knee Circles, Stretch the Ham Strings, Stretching the Hip Flexors, Shoulder Drops, Neck Rolls, Side Rolls, Pillow Squeeze, Spine Curls, Standing at Ease, Floating Shoulders, Pole Raises, Waist Twist, Tennis Ball between Ankles, Roll Downs, Curl Ups, Curl Ups with Towel, Oblique Curl Ups, Static Spine Stretch, Pelvic Roll Backs, Pillow Squeeze, The Star, Diamond Press, Heel Kicks, The Cat, Rest Position, Single Leg Stretch, Double Leg Stretch, Ankle Circle, Stretching Inner Thighs, Feet Mobility, Arm Openings, Relaxation.

Weekly Workout includes: About the Program, Alignment, Centering, Breathing, Workout 1, 2, 3, Relaxation.

Relaxation - includes a few minutes of deep relaxation. Lynne is on a mat surrounded by votive candles. Nice relaxing segment.

Most of the time you will be on a mat flat on your back, but there are also standing exercises and she even uses weights. You will need a mat, small cushions, pillows (so comfy), ankle weights, a scarf, a tennis ball and rolled towel. You don't really have to have a tennis ball, but it does help with some of the exercises. She also uses a bamboo pole, but you could use an old broomstick. Good thing I had one in the garage.

The exercises are built around the principles of relaxation, co-ordination, alignment, stamina, concentration, centering, breathing and flow of movement. You are working the deep architectural structure of the body and rebalancing your muscles. You will notice the changes in your posture and strength within a few weeks. You will start to feel better after the first session. Your flexibility will increase and you will just start to feel good all over.

I would recommend this particular Pilates workout for:

Anyone who is new to exercise and wants to try pilates.

Anyone who wants to learn some unique moves. There are exercises in this workout I had not seen before, and rather enjoyed.

Anyone recovering from injuries which would not appreciate aerobic type exercises.

Those wishing to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Those who are under a lot of stress and suffering from tension type headaches.

Anyone who enjoys quite evening workouts to help them wind down into a peaceful calm. This really will knock you out. I mean, it will relax you so much, you will
want to go to sleep.

I don't recommend this workout for early mornings. I did the second three workouts in the morning and almost couldn't get going even with a big cup of tea. It is just too relaxing for the morning. Maybe walk on the treadmill in the morning, and do this workout in the evening.

Gentle Controlled Movements for a Relaxing, Simple and Deeply Effective Workout.

~The Rebecca Review"

Great for beginners

Cafreen | Temecula, CA | 02/19/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I recommend this workout series for beginners only. From my own experience, I've been using The Method Precision Toning with Jennifer Kries (which is EXCELLENT), I was looking to add more to my pilates library. Unfortunately, I hadn't checked these reviews first and bought this DVD blindly.Lynne Robinson does an excellent job of explaining proper positioning for the exercises. She is very thorough, however, this can be excruciatingly SLOW if you're already familiar with pilates methods. Hence, I recommend highly for beginners.One other thing, she uses many props. A scarf, a tennis ball, a towel, small hand-weights, etc... For me, personally, if I have to go searching around the house for these props, it steals my momentum of wanting to exercise. I prefer the simplicity of pure matwork which requires only a mat, or if no mat, even just the floor!Recommended for strict beginners, and those with limited range of motion, and master's athletes. If you are of intermediate or advanced pilates level, look elsewhere such as anything with Jennifer Kries."

Great workout if you do it right

ellacr | Dalby, Sweden | 11/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this video 4 years ago while in London, before Pilates was even heard of or popular in the US. Lynne focuses on what Pilates is about - the deep muscle movements and development of the inner muscular structure - very different from the imitations now on the market which are basically just aerobics calling themselves Pilates. If you do the exercises properly, you will see results almost immediately, without suffering muscle strain, etc. I could tell it worked - I did it even throughout pregnancy and that baby just flew out due to the strong muscles I created. It may be annoying to some since the movements are slow, but this is what Pilates really is - the slowness is what really builds the muscle tone and definition!"

The only exercise programme I've ever stuck with!

ellacr | 03/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If an exercise hater like I used to be can do this - so can you.I was introduced to Pilates a couple of years ago. The slow pace appealed to my couch-potato nature. I started with the "Body Control" video and then bought this one.If you are looking for a high-impact workout then this is not for you. There is a great deal of thought going into the position of each part of your body while carrying out the slow (yes that word again) controlled movements. Lynne Robinson has a very calm teaching style and I don't mind using hand weights, tennis ball and a body-band (I don't own a scarf!)I do one set of exercises each day and have never felt like not bothering. The results, a flat stomach, toned arms and a firm bum. I would recommend this video to anyone young or old (I'm in my mid thirties) the results speak for themselves."