Search - Hilary Burnett's Pilates Basics on DVD

Beautiful Beginning

Melanie Workhoven | Canyon Park, WA | 12/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hilary Burnett's Pilates Basics is a perfect way to begin your own Pilates discovery. I say discovery because Pilates has the most marvelous way of showing you a new sense of your own strength and elegance -- starting with your first time through this tape. And Hilary is the perfect guide. Her vocal style is soothing and encouraging at the same time. She uses clear, and evocative imagery to describe each move. You will find yourself feeling empowered right from the start. No matter what your level of fitness may be, this is a great way to get aquainted with Pilates. Not only is it fun and completely do-able for the beginner, you start to feel the positive effects right away. The basic is also a great companion piece for her Intermediate and Advanced tapes. On days when you want a lighter or shorter workout, you can do the 10 basic Pilates moves mindfully and get wonderful benefits. Like the other tapes in this series, The Bastyr chapel setting creates a feeling of sacred space. The music is uplifting and helps you keep flowing through the workout. This introduction to Pilates is a gift you really need to give yourself."

Love this video!

Lesa Berry | Wytheville, VA United States | 08/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am very new to Pilates, in fact, this is the first Pilates video I've ever owned. I bought this particular one because of the high reviews and I have to say that the reviews and ratings are right on target. I love this video! Pilates is very challenging but also very rewarding. I am a mother of two small children and I also work. This video fits wonderfully into my schedule. Who can't squeeze in 24 minutes while the kids are asleep? I even look forward to my next workout! I plan on buying the intermediate video once I master this one. By the way, I too love the scenery that's in this video and Hilary is a great instructor. She's very calming, yet motivating. Buy this video, you won't be sorry!"

Good basic Pilates introduction with strong focus on breath

Beth Cholette | Upstate NY USA | 11/06/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although I was already familiar with Pilates via other instructors (namely, Ana Caban's videos and Brook Siler's book), I decided to give this video a try to see how I liked Hilary Burnett's style. The best thing about Hilary's instruction is her strong emphasis on breathing. Although all Pilates workouts stress the importance of proper breathing, I found that Hilary provided more detailed instruction and descriptive cues, making it easier for me to understand exactly how and when I was supposed to take each breath. Another unique aspect of this workout is that it is the only Pilates practice I've ever tried which includes some brief stretches to warm up for and to cool down after the actual Pilates exercises.The workout itself consists of 10 basic Pilates moves. Hilary sets a nice, easy-going pace to the practice, and she provides helpful pointers about how to perform the exercises. Each move is appropriate to someone at a beginning level, and for some exercises, Hilary offers modifications via an inset on the screen. My one problem with this video was that I found her modifications to be less effective than what I've seen from other instructors, especially for those with limited flexibility like myself. Plus, given the short length of the workout, it is not overly challenging, although I did feel thoroughly stretched out at the end.The video is filmed in a softly lit, living room type setting, and soft guitar music is occasionally heard in the background. Hilary provides mainly live instruction with additional tips via voiceover. Overall, this is a solid introduction to the Pilates method, but beginners with limited flexibility might want to consider seeking additional resources (a book, another video) for further assistance on modifications."

Wonderful Introduction to Pilates

Crista | 06/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was really interested in learning more about Pilates, but I wanted to make an informed choice before purchasing any DVDs.I went to several websites and found that many people raved about this particular DVD. I went to the instructor's website as well before purchasing to learn about her background. Everything seemed wonderful, so I made my purchase and I WAS NOT DISSAPOINTED! I love this DVD. After a stressful workday, it really makes me feel relaxed. It did not take me very long to progress to the intermediate DVD, which I also love. Oh, and by the way, I am seeing the results of investing in this series. I have improved abdominal strength and I'm losing inches (I'm also dieting to improve my overall health)! I haven't mastered all of the moves of the intermediate DVD and that's a good thing-I want to get my money's worth by using this series as much as needed to improve my core strength and overall fitness."