Search - Zone - Mat and Ball Workout on DVD

You don't have to climb Everest to get a good workout

S. Burton | Orem, UT USA | 11/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This isn't a fast-paced, heavy duty workout, but those aren't for everyone, are they? Liz Gillies is a knowledgeable, cheery instructor. The DVD contains three separate programs. All of them are sprinkled with Liz's words of encouragment and instruction. You will get a good workout and even sweat (especially in the first program) if you follow her instructions. If this helps, I'm 42 years old and in pretty good shape, but I'm not (remotely) Karen Voight or Kathy Smith or Denise Austin...In the Fat Burning workout Liz tells you how to keep your heart rate elevated--even while lying on your back. It starts with brief instructions about the ball, a short warm-up, and continues with a cardio section that consists of a lot of bouncing on the ball and lifting your arms which is fun, but also works your legs (if you use them instead of just bouncing). Then it has two segments that keep your heartrate up: a standing leg work section--mostly lunge-type exercises--followed by a good arms workout--standing up and lifting the ball. Maybe I'm a weakling, but it puts my arms to work! The last part is a challenging (for me) workout for legs and abs lying on the floor with legs on the ball which also challenges your balance. This is followed by a cool-down.The second workout, Pilates on the floor, I don't do as often as the others. My DVD is a few years old and I hope they've fixed the problem with the audio which cuts out part-way through the program and comes back later. You miss the audio instructions on several of the exercises, but can follow along by watching. Despite that problem I liked the ball workouts so much I kept the defective DVD. The exercises are good for toning,especially abs, and there aren't so many repetitions that you end up hating life, Liz, and exercise.The third workout is a toning workout on the ball. I think it's a good workout, but I'm not as fond of toning as I should be, so I don't do it as often as the first one. I like it that Liz says, "I know it's hard, I'm feeling it too" and "I'm glad that's over" during and after a couple of the leg exercises. She mostly works the legs and abs--Pilates stuff--and not the arms.I think these are good workouts though a little short, about 30 minutes each. The DVD is a better value than some because you get three workouts."

Too easy, but great for beginners.

jensalways@home.com | 01/03/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Liz Gillies is as sweet as she can be, however, I don't enjoy the workout so much. It does work you out, but it is extremely easy on the toning. I don't feel much - and I've been doing ball workouts for a while. It's great for getting into pilates and just beginning on the ball."

Easy to do at first, but still a challenge later on

Alison | Australia | 08/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I absolutley love these work outs.

The fat burning work out gets me puffing, and I break a bit of a sweat - but I don't feel like I'm about to vomit because I have worked so hard! The first time I did this workout I found it really difficult, but I Was incredably unfit - I think like all Liz's workouts they are ideal for beginners. I still use this workout and I favour it above all the other DVDs I own. Like anything, the more you put into it, the more you get out, but you can make your muscles work - legs, buns, stomachs and arms - and you break a sweat.

The second workout is the matwork out, and it is a challenge. Nonetheless it is definatley for the true beginner as well. I have been doing this when I want to mix up my routine a little, and I always feel my muscles, especially my abs for two days afterwoulds.

The third workout is strengthening but using the ball. This makes it a bit easier in terms of preforming the exercises the right way. This workout is not as hard as the mat workout - but there is one section for the legs that still kills me!

All in all these vidoes are really good for pilates beginners. Every step is explained, with reminders about form and breathing. Nonetheless, the chatter is not excessive, and I still find the reminders useful, even though I could probably recite them verbatum! There is the option of having only the music, in case you find her annoying."

Great way to -de-bulk

Alison | 05/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have used these tapes for quite a while rotating them with others.,, Have been using more ball workouts these days and now want to say thank you! while these tapes can feel very easy at first , what liz should mention is that her workouts are realy different in form,then the typical gym workout. if you really watch her compared to others, she gets deep into core to legnthen mid section..Not bulk up and crunch, this really is harder, but seems easy at first..My body appreciates the difference, I am understanding how working deeper,more mindful not just copy and do..is what has changed my body to the way I wanted to see it..thank you for your insight, great form, and lean way of working!"