Search - Quick Start Pilates for Weight Loss on DVD

Amy B. from GLEN BURNIE, MD
Reviewed on 5/1/2010...

Love this dvd! Have the Abs pilates by the same girl and both work so well!

Thorough workout with a slightly slower pace.

Theresa Ulrich | Elgin, IL United States | 09/25/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The DVD begins with a 2 minute introduction to general weight loss guidelines, including amount of food taken in, sufficient exercise, and the benefits of pilates.

The workout itself is set off the shore of an ocean border with waves splashing on the rocks. The scenery is beautiful and inviting. The music is typical Gaiam relaxation music. There is nothing overly special nor offensive about it, although the beginning segment includes a nice drum beat in the background.

Ana begins the workout in standing pilates stance, then lowers down with arms crossed in front. The following is the list of exercise series included in the workout.

* The hundred
* Roll-up (5)
* Single Leg Circles (5 each direction, each leg)
* Rolling like a ball (5)
* Single leg stretch ( 5 slow)
* Double straight leg stretch (2 modified with arms and legs straight up, 3 normal)
* Spine stretch forward (5)
* Open leg rocker preparation (alternate leg extensions while balancing-2, follow both legs extended and balance)
* Cork screw (3 each side)
* Saw (3 each side)
* Neck roll ( 2 sets)
* Swan dive prep (5)
* Child's pose stretch (2 breaths)
* Single leg kick (5)
* Double leg kick (4 sets of 3 kicks)
* Child's Pose Stretch (3 breaths)
* Shoulder bridge prep (5)
* Side kick series (right side):
Up & Down (5)
Circles (8 each direction)
Bicycle (3 forward, 3 reverse)
* Side kick series (left side)
* One leg teaser (1 leg planted, 1 leg extended diagonally-3 each side)
* Hip circles (2 each side)
* Seal
* Stand without the aid of hands

This workout is low to mid-intermediate. The pace moves a bit slower than typical Cabán workouts. At first I was irritated by this, as I was used to Ana's previous speed, but I soon realized that I was able to focus better and feel the exercises more deeply at this speed. Although it is not my favorite of Cabán's work, I am happy I made this purchase, and plan to rotate it into my collection.

The instruction is impeccable, probably some of the best, detailed guiding that Ana has even done. It is performed in voice over format. As usual, Ana's form is excellent and inspiring. Ana uses a calm, yet motivating voice, and is very easy to follow. Her manner of speaking is not at all offensive, and it is easy to "bond" with her as an instructor.

Pilates for Weight Loss: Motivational Audio Program CD
Narrated by Ana Cabán

This audio CD is an accompaniment to the Pilates for Weight Loss: 30 Minute Quick Start DVD workout. Along with the DVD and CD kit is an access code for more specific dietary and exercise recommendations on a Gaiam web site for weight loss.

The CD has 6 tracks. The first 5 range around 1 minute long.

Track 1 focuses on staying on track with weight loss goals, by giving general recommendations about food intake and exercise.

Track 2 gives general recommendations for healthier eating and the benefits of doing so. Ana even reveals that she herself was beginning to combat weight gain until she started following some of these recommendations.

Track 3 suggests keeping a journal. The journal can record food eaten for the day, helping to create a sense of moderation. Or the journal can be of thoughts, such as lists of activities you have planned or even just how you are feeling.

Track 4 gives specific examples of what topics can be written in a journal. Some suggestions are current thoughts in the head, which exercises you enjoy, focus on daily fitness, or accomplishments.

Track 5 lists ideas of activities that will be beneficial to practice daily. For example, you should take time for yourself, focus on small steps, exercise, expect disappointment at times, think of 3 things you are grateful for, and drink 8 glasses of water.

Track 6 contains the actual audio workout. It is perfect for traveling as it is a mini-version of the workout on DVD.

The first 2 minutes discusses Joseph Pilates's belief on the purpose and effects of pilates.

The next 4 minutes include warm up stretches. This part would be good if doing no other workout before hand, or if relaxing at the end of the day, but it can be skipped if you prefer to go directly to the actual mat work, especially if you had done cardio first, for example.

Stretches while lying on the back:
* Pull knees into the chest, one at a time, with slow, synchronoized breathing. (2)
* Rib cage stretch: lift arms straight up above then pull over-head (5)
* Single leg hamstring stretch
* Lying back twist
* Breathing and relaxing with knees bent, feet on floor

The next 11 minutes begin the actual mat work. The workout is nearly identical to its DVD counterpart, using the same music and most of the same exercises; however, extra attention to description has been given to enhance the ability to follow along with the audio format.
The following exercise series is included:

* The hundred
* Roll-up (5)
* Single Leg Circles (5 each direction, each leg)
* Rolling like a ball (5)
* Single leg stretch ( 5 slow)
* Double straight leg stretch (2 modified with arms and legs straight up, 3 normal)
* Spine stretch forward (5)
* Saw (3 each side)
* Breathing and relaxing with knees bent and feet on the floor while lying on the back

The remaining 8 minutes or so continues with the relaxation music used in the DVD format.

I think the CD is a good reminder for anyone looking to change to or keep healthier habits, regardless of weight loss goals, if any. The actual workout is performed at Ana's normal pace and is at a low to mid-intermediate level. I plan to use this workout for travel, relaxing at the end of a day, or as an add-on.

Ana's instruction is very clear and purposeful, and her tone is soft and encouraging. Her strong visualization skills greatly aid in her description, allowing the exerciser to complete each exercise with good form.
"

Recommended for beginners to intermediate.

Food Fan | New York | 09/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I like how she clearly calls out each movement so that there is no guessing about when to bend my legs, etc. I like how the overall tone of the dvd feels very calm and not rushed (the music and scenery are relaxing) WITHOUT the video feeling slow or boring; I think she accomplishes this by moving from one exercise to the next without downtime, so I don't feel like I'm wasting time (this is in contrast to the Windsor Pilates "Basics set", which spends a very boring amount of time talking about each move instead of just showing or doing the move. The Windsor would be good for absolute beginners who want a detailed How-To tutorial). Anyways, She managed to get through a suprising number of different moves in half an hour, so I felt like I had decent abs/leg adductors workout from it (but keep in mind Pilates is low impact, so it's not going to make you sweat as much as aerobics).
Also, on the same disc users have the option verbal cues in SPANISH.

UPDATE: Since I wrote my initial review, I have tried at least 10 other company's pilates workout, and I would say Ana Caban's is still one of my favorites. She goes through a variety of moves but doesn't feel rushed, she cues well but doesn't talk talk too much, and the background is beautiful."

Highly Recommended

C. Williamson | Los Angeles | 01/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I lOVe it. It is a low-impact workout, as has been said, but what that means is time for lots of stretching and you get a chance to really hold poses. I ended up feeling stretched out and refreshed, instead of tight and unhappy like some other programs.


One thing, for real first-timers, I would recommend another of Ana's DVDs, the Beginning Mat Class, just to get you started. That one really goes into detail about the different poses and what exactly you are doing, with full explanations and modifications, if you need them. This DVD is just Ana, on the beach, giving the name of the pose and some encouragement, but not really describing the movements. I chose this DVD when I felt ready for some new poses and it was the ideal next step from the beginning mat class. I couldn't be happier with my purchase and the instructor. I am a customer for life."