Search - Wimps Series: Pilates for Wimps on DVD

A very nice Pilates routine with a wide range of appeal

Beth Cholette | Upstate NY USA | 12/13/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Given that I have been practicing Pilates for several years now, I thought this video might be too easy for me, but I decided to give it a shot. What I found is that this is a nice, 31 minute Pilates routine which is likely to appeal to a wide range of Pilates students. The workout is led by Annika Carlson, whose gung-ho enthusiasm reminded me of another famous Pilates instructor, Mari Winsor. Annika is assisted by Jamie, who shows modifications of the exercises with the help of a chair, pillow, and towel.

Annika begins the workout with a 3-minute standing warmup (squats, pelvic tucks, neck turns, and arm swings) before moving to the floor to begin an 18-minute segment of Pilates matwork. She starts with the classic Pilates hundred and moves on to many of the traditional exercises of the Pilates matwork series, including some from the stomach series (which she calls "belly busters"). She also includes the side kick series performed from a kneeling position, which might be a bit challenging to those who do not yet have much core strength.

Following the matwork, Annika returns to a standing position for an additional 7 minutes of standing Pilates movements. I recognized many of these exercises from the Pilates standing arm series, and next time, I will try doing this section with light hand weights. This segment ends with three short sets of Pilates push-ups before moving into a 3-minute stretch to finish.

Overall, I really liked this program. There is enough explanation and modifications for those new to Pilates, yet the workout flows smoothly enough that those more advanced like myself will still get a good workout. This video would be ideal for someone who wants to try a full range of Pilates exercises (ie, not just the matwork). Although prior Pilates experience is not necessary, because some of the moves are challenging (even with the modifications), I think this practice would be best suited to those who already exercise regularly but who want to add Pilates into their routine."

A decent beginner routine

C. Daly | 03/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although I don't necessarily think this is the best choice for an introduction to Pilates, I do feel that it's a decent, short, not-too-difficult routine for relative beginners. One major thing that was missing was an emphasis on the importance of neutral spine, which I feel is essential for a true beginner.

Instructor Annika Carlson performs the regular exercises, while modifier Jamie performs easier versions alongside her. I like that both versions are demonstrated simultaneously, so we can pick which one we want to do from the beginning, unlike the Dummies DVD which shows modifications halfway through the reps. Jamie's modifications are done with easy-to-find household objects, such as a chair, towel, and pillow. It was also extremely refreshing to see her do exercises with bent knees. As someone with tight hamstrings, I find it annoying how many instructors assume that we'll be able to do the exercises with straight legs and don't mention any other possibility.

The workout does contain more standing exercises than you'd find in a traditional Pilates class. In particular, I wasn't fond of the large number of squats and lunges, although Pilates style lunges aren't as difficult on my knees as the regular kind.

What's good about this workout is that the instruction is not so excessive that it's disruptive. It's still a flowing practice that someone who knows the exercises already can do and still get a good workout. Another feature I really like is the option to turn off the instructor's voice and just listen to the music. This is something I wish more fitness DVDs had because after you've listened to the same thing 10 times, it starts to get annoying."

Just Right

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 05/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are looking for a low impact exercise routine with modifications, then Annika Carlson is the perfect instructor and I love her playful teaching style. She guides you through a Pilates routine on two levels. While she does the intermediate level, you can follow along with the modifications. One instructor shows you how to adapt the exercises by using a chair, towel and pillow. You may even want to mix and match the routines or even add in your own modifications or challenges. This routine is highly adaptable for all levels.

While not overly fast paced, I felt it was at an intermediate pace and my heart was beating a little faster than when doing most Pilates workouts. Pilates for Wimps fits easily into your tight schedule and you can be done in 36 minutes. You could also pair this with a walking workout or other videos to extend your session.

Chapters include:

Intro
Warm up
Floor exercises
Standing exercises

There is a bonus floor and standing workout section and you can workout with just music. The bonus sections show the individual exercises.

After a quick warm up you head into the 100 and an active "The Breathing" which reminds me of an active yoga pose. There are many interesting new exercise I hadn't seen before and I could feel them working my stomach in unique ways. The mermaid stretches could have been longer and I would have enjoyed an optional stretching session at the end for 10 minutes.

You will be rolling like a ball, laying on your back with your legs in the air making circles with one leg at a time, holding yourself in push up positions and doing mild lunges which are very low impact.

Overall, an excellent Pilates workout for anyone who is just starting or is intermediate. For advanced students, you may have to add in your own challenges. This workout will improve your posture and increase your flexibility and balance. Quite an enjoyable workout and you can complete it in a short amount of time.

~The Rebecca Review
"

Pilates for the Playful

DJ | USA | 10/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been doing Pilates for a couple of years, but still don't enjoy many of the moves (especially the stomach exercises) even though they're "good" for me. I really enjoyed the instructor's style - no-nonsense like Ana Caban or Karen Voight, but still little mischievous like Janis Saffell. I felt like I was working out with a friend, and I learned a few new moves - like "pretzel" and "drunken arms." At just about 30 minutes, it was just the right length! I'd love to see her do a fun cardio workout - I'd buy it!"