Search - MTV Pilates on DVD

A strenuous Pilates practice with a strong focus on abs

Beth Cholette | Upstate NY USA | 07/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"MTV Pilates is a strenuous Pilates practice led by certified Pilates instructor Kristen McGee. It is filmed in an attractive outdoor setting, and Kristen works out with three helpers who show different levels of modification (beginning, intermediate, and advanced). Once you get past the opening instructions, the actual workout is approximately 36 minutes.

At the start of the program, Kristen provides instruction on breathing while doing simple prep work for the abs area. She then moves on to a series of classic Pilates matwork exercises, including the hundred, roll-ups, rolling like a ball, and the entire stomach series. Kristen puts a unique take on the traditional Pilates workout by inserting some additional stretches before and after most of the movements. She also includes some of the more advanced Pilates moves such as the rollover and neck pull, although she generally does less repetitions of these more difficult exercises.

Kristen completes all of the abs work (i.e., lying on your back) before moving on to the side kick series. She includes a side plank to begin and also adds a walking leg movement to the end of the series. She transitions with several more exercises specifically targeting the lower body as well as some back work performed lying on your stomach. Kristen then returns to some further abs work with a modified teaser, spine stretch forward, and the saw, and the workout ends with a few short sets of Pilates push-ups and a brief stretch.

I have been practicing Pilates for several years now; I consider myself to be at an intermediate level, and I definitely felt challenged by this workout. Although three levels of modifications are offered, the camera rarely focuses on the modifiers, and there are no alternatives shown for some of the most challenging exercises such as the rollover. For this reason, I would not recommend this workout to someone brand-new to Pilates, especially since Kristen does not provide detailed instructions on executing the movements. However, Kristen does cue very well, and so advanced beginners and others should have no problem following along. I highly recommend this workout to anyone looking for an intense Pilates practice which will particularly work their abdominal area."

Great workout that's not hard on you

goshencooks@aol.com | Cincinnati, USA | 01/11/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I recently bought 3 workout videos to try and this one is the easist to follow and doesn't beat your body up,but boy can you feel the results the next day. Very good for someone who hasn't worked out in awhile. I had trouble with the other videos keeping up with the workout but not this one and I wasn't TOTALLY exhausted afterwards and I can feel the effect the next day. I will recomend this to my daughter who just had a baby about 9 months ago."

Slims and Strengthens. .Refreshing and Effective..All Levels

L. Shirley | fountain valley, ca United States | 02/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This review refers to "MTV Pilates"(DVD)....

Whatever your level or knowledge of Pilates,you are sure to benefit from this excellent workout.The class set in a serene spot,with music to motivate, demonstrates three levels(Beginning, Intermed. and Advanced) of each move. Depending on your strength, flexiblity and physical capabilites in any area, you can adjust and modify as needed.

The workout is a total of 39 minutes,and at the end of that time you will feel strong and refreshed.For the most part it concentrates on slimming and strengthing the core section(abs).The are a good variety of moves in this area that will work your abs from all angles and give a good internal massage as well. Starting out slowly,warming up the muscles you will be using, and learning the proper breathing techniques,the first twenty minutes gradually intensifies as you go along. You may find yourself switiching from intermed. to beginner(or advance to intermed.) at about the halfway point.Giving the abs a little bit of a stretch and a rest, you'll then move on to an effective hips and thighs routine that you can feel working on both the inner and outer areas. Some push-ups follow(again, you can modify to your strength), a little more ab work, some deep breaths to slow your pulse back down and your done.I felt like I needed a little more of a stretch and continued through the credits for a few more minutes.

Kristin McGee is one of the best instructors I have come across. She encourangingly talks you through each move and all levels will benefit from her clear instructions and perfect cuing for each level. You will be able to follow along easily without having to strain your neck looking at the TV to see what she means.I always find it best to view any work out at least once beforehand though, as you can see what the different moves consist of and how to modify to your level.

The DVD is clear sharp picture,with good sound, and has some very nice features to go along with it. First of all there is a break down of each move. Kristen demonstrates each individually and explains the importance of the correct form to use in order get the full effects and to avoid back injuries . This will be helpful to everyone, but especially the beginner. You will also find the choices of playing the DVD with instruction and music/music only/ or instruction only.

I think you will find this to be highly beneficial to slimming and strengthing.It will improve your energy level and reduce stress as well. Practicing this one regularly, will give you the strength and flexibilty to move up a level and will help in all your other work outs as well. A fresh approach,an invigorating workout and an enjoyable class.

Remember to Breathe...Eat Healthy...and ENJOY......Laurie

also recommended for mixing up a little variety:
Start up with Jane Fonda

THE FIX -A DANCE WORKOUT

Tai Chi Innerwave

all fairly easy but efective

"

My favorite pilates video...

Teedums | White Bear Lake, MN | 04/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think this workout is a gem...and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. It is led by Kristin McGee, she has 3 others doing the workout with her, Joy who does the beginner modifications, Jess who does intermediate and Kari, who along with Kristin does the advanced. It is filmed in a very pretty
Arizona mountain setting adorned with colorful flowers.

This routine has more emphasis on abs than anything, but it has a good variety of pilates moves. You will see all the basics, the hundred, rollup, leg circles, rolling like a ball, single and double leg stretch, oblique criss-crosses which focus on abs, then there are some leg exercises such as frontal and side kicks, and other leg lifts. But you will also see more difficult exercises such as the teaser, rollover, neck pull, open leg rocker, side planks and traditional planks. The saw, tick tocks (knee drops), spinal twists are other exercises you will see also. There is not a lot of time between exercises, you move through the routine quickly. Kristin gives great instruction though and lets you know when to inhale and exhale, which is helpful for those fairly new to pilates like myself.

There is some background music which you can hear but it is faint. I personally liked the music and thought it fit the workout well. There is an option on the DVD to pick either just the music or the instructor if you choose. There is also a bonus section where Kristin will breakdown some of the more challenging exercises which is helpful.

Kristin McGee is an excellent instructor, she is pleasant, not overly perky but friendly and encouraging. I highly recommend this video."