Search - Pilates for Life: Pilates for Flexibility on DVD

Rented from library, basic stretches for 20 min

Lena, LMT | Nassau, NY | 04/01/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Since on a good day I can do a side split, I just FFwd quick to see if I'd like it overall. It has Amy with the man you see on the dvd demonstrating the poses on simple open studio space. Amy does a voice-over narrates with a semi-soothing voice while she demonstrates the poses & the man shows the modifications. The music is soft, twinkling with a nice beat, kind of a light Enigma style which I enjoy.
The poses done are basic shoulder rolls, using a strap/stretchy band for laying down single leg stretch, bridge pose, laying down spinal twist, sitting wide legged stretches, modified crescent yoga pose thigh stretch, modified yoga pigeon pose, downward dog, standing fwd bend, basic side torso bend & ends with neck stretches.
Though the menu only gives choices of 2 workout levels, beginner & intermediate... on FFWing & looking hard, I could not see a difference in either the types of poses, length or how they are executed. I tried 2 different dvd players to make sure it wasn't a glitch. So be aware it is only one 20 min workout.
For those who like a slow, relaxed simple stretching workout, this is for you. There is no real pilates, this is more yoga/stretching. For those looking for a moderate or faster pace or who have already all basic stretches on other dvds, skip this.

You can see a preview at eztakes com or look up at google video"

More like a stretching video than pilates...

Leggy | 09/18/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The first thing to note is that this video definitely does not come with two workout levels. I completed the beginner level and decided to immediately move on to intermediate and it was the exact same thing!
I don't know a lot about what makes a workout considered pilates, but I do know this was nothing like any of the pilates classes or videos I have followed -- very little ab or glute work. I think with regular use this video will 100% improve your flexibility, but as far as getting a great workout I'd definitely pass. I really don't see how this 20-minute stretching routine will tone anything in your body. Overall I'd say it's a nice post-workout video to relax and stretch your muscles."

Good Pilates-based flexibility routine

dnk | Boston, MA United States | 03/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I liked this DVD a lot better than the other releases I've seen from the Pilates for Life series. In less than twenty minutes, the instructor guides you through a series of movements/postures designed to take to release your muscles: Bridge for your abs, Spine Stretch Forward and Saw variations for your back, Lunges and Pigeon for the glutes and hip flexors, band-assisted stretches for the hamstrings and inner thighs, Downward Dog for the calves and hamstrings, and side stretches for the neck and shoulders. Although there were some yogic influences, all of them, with the exception of Pigeon, are movements that show up in Pilates, whether on the mat or on the Reformer.

My only complaint about this is that it is not a relaxing workout per se. In fact, my calves, neck and glutes felt a little tight when the workout was over. However, I do believe that over time this would release tight muscles and would complement a regular Pilates mat routine."