Search - The New Method 20/20 - Perfect Pilates on DVD

Another Great New Method Program!

Yoga Dad | 07/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have become a big fan of the New Method programs over the past few months. For almost 10 years I've done Yoga daily and for about the past year have added Pilates before doing my Yoga practice. I have a very large collection of Yoga programs (over 100) and a growing number of Pilates and "Pilates based" programs. I would consider these New Method 20/20 programs to be "Pilates based" rather than strict Pilates.

I really enjoy doing practices which are a mixture of Yoga and Pilates and the New Method Programs answer this need and then some. The "then some" is the fact that the New Method programs integrate other types of movements besides Pilates and Yoga. Many add Ballet type exercises which are excellent for coordination and balance and in this particular program one of the sequences adds some kickboxing type moves, though done in a slower controlled fashion.

The first program on Perfect Pilates is led by Lisa Wheeler and is actually more Yoga movements than Pilates plus it has some of those kick boxing moves I had mentioned. I have her on other New Method programs and really enjoy her as a teacher, she explains clearly and demonstrates beautifully. She also has an upbeat personality but isn't overly perky.

The second program led by Jennifer Kries is definitely more Pilates oriented but there is a lot of Yoga in it as well. It has a real intense abdominal focus (particularly in the last two segments) which I found really targeted that area. Jennifer Kries is an amazing teacher and an inspiration to work with!

Both programs are in a class setting and there is one student designated to show the exercises in a more modified form. The set is a studio setting but is not sterile by any means. I believe all the New Method programs come from a Television show so the set is always consistent. There is live drumming in the background which helps to establish the rhythm of the exercises.

If you're looking for traditional Pilates then this program won't be what you're looking for, there are many excellent programs by Jennifer Kries, Hilary Burnett, Ana Caban, Moira Stott and others that focus on that more "classical Pilates" approach. But if you like the fusion of Pilates, Yoga, Dance and other elements in short (20 minute) practices then I think you'll find these practices to be enjoyable and effective.

Highly recommended!"

Nice Stretching Intro To Pilates and Yoga

Paul Horan II | Honeoye, NY | 02/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am Maureen, a 40 year old woman who has been pretty sedentary although never overweight. This tape is perfect for me to start stretching out those shrinking muscles of mine and work towards strength and flexiblity. Very nice pace and nice drum music. Though they switch quickly from floor excercises to standing excercises so you have to be ready with a blanket or mat to roll out quickly on the floor. One tip...when I first started, the excercises seemed so easy I thought "wow, I'm a natural" then after about a week I decided to put a mirror out to watch my form and the excercises got much harder. I was "breaking in the mid section" over and over on almost every excercise. Once you dicipline yourself with the mirror not to break in the mid section while doing the movements, they aren't so simple any more. And on the floor excercises like the scissors, I was really bending my knees badly, Once I used the mirror and learned to keep the knees straight, I got A LOT more out of the excercises. My stomach muscles are developing definition in only about a month. I really like it. I do the 1st workout one day and the 2nd workout the next day which keeps me from getting bored. In 4 months or so I hope to be able to go through both workouts, in correct form without tiring. Here's to your health!"

Good beginner workout--plus, headache relief

Paul Horan II | 12/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very good workout for beginners. The instructors are non-annoying and the drum music in the background is calming. As an added bonus, I use this workout whenever I have a headache and it usually goes right away!"