Search - Easy Pilates on DVD

Mindy I. (mindyi) from FREEHOLD, NJ
Reviewed on 7/6/2011...

Definitely EASY pilates! Great for the total newbie - which is why I got it, for a friend and my son to learn the basics. I enjoy doing it as well when I don't have long for a workout.

Thorough but quickly outgrown overview

C. Daly | 03/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those who are new to exercise in general and want to try Pilates out, this DVD can't be beat. Ana discusses the Pilates method and gives an overview of basic exercises that show up often in Pilates workouts (the hundred, roll-ups, single leg circles, rolling like a ball, single leg stretch, double leg stretch, spine stretch, and the saw). She does each movement slowly to emphasize the importance of proper form. Furthermore, she does half the reps in an easier, modified way, then half in the traditional way, although she says you can continue to do the modifications if that's what you feel comfortable with.

This is mainly an instructional video. It is 30 minutes, but Ana is talking much of that time. It is not much of a workout, instead the emphasis is on learning to do the exercises correctly. Learning this is extremely valuable to a Pilates practice, but once you get the movements down, this DVD is quickly outgrown. I'm glad I only rented it because I probably won't use it again, since I already know the basics and require a somewhat more challenging workout. However, I rate it five stars because it is so valuable to those who are totally new to the practice and not in shape.

For some people, this DVD will be way too easy even if they have never taken Pilates. I also recommend Ana's Beginning Mat Workout, which still contains a lot of instruction and modification options for beginners, but is more challenging and has more exercises."

Great for real beginners!

snuggybrinks | Canada | 06/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have just completed my second workout with this DVD. It is for real beginners, but is great if you are just starting out on pilates like me. Ana Caban goes through all the basics slowly, I found it very helpful in isolating my powerhouse.
After my workout yesterday I felt it...there are a few moves that I find challenging as I am not very flexible. I have just had my second c-section, so some workouts are just impossible for me. Anyone needing a bit of a challenge sould not get this, but if you are like me (just staring out...it is great) another great one is Gaiam's "Pilates for beginners". It has 3 people at different levels that are all doing the same routine, so you can work up to the advanced level all with the one DVD, it also goes through the fundamentals step by step first.
I will most likely only use this DVD until I get a bit more limber and then move onto something a bit more challenging. One more thing...if you have both a VCR and a DVD player, get the VHS tape as there is no extras on the DVD...just the workout. save yourself some money!!
Best of luck!!"

A Great Place to begin your Pilates Journey

Tibetan A | New England | 05/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know of a better DVD to start your Pilates journey. I had 15 years of yoga experience and 10 of dance and I went out and got an intermediate DVD thinking I was ready for anything. Wrong. I found myself confused about what to do with my feet, and what's this leg squeezing talk all about? What the heck is the "powerhouse" exactly? Years of ballet had taught me to "turn out", but was that the same as a Pilates turn out?

I decided to go back to square one and really learn Pilates. I have no regrets. Now I have beginner DVDs to loan friends!


This DVD clearly lays out the principles and gets you going. If you are out of shape, you will feel this. If you have poor posture, you will notice that your alignment is getting better. I am now doing advanced Pilates, but there are some things on this DVD that I still go back to. If you are serious about really learning Pilates and can't get to a class, this is a great place to start."