Pilates - Beginning Mat Workout

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Starring: Ana Caban
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Type: DVD
Studio: Gaiam
Release Date: 2001-07-20
Pilates is a full-body conditioning exercise program that uses a series of machines and exercises. It works the entire body, both the right and left sides, in unison. It focuses primarily on what Joseph Pilates called the "powerhouse," the group of muscles that begins two inches above and below your navel, then wraps completely around your front and back--kind of like a corset. It also includes your buttocks.

The DVD features the Pilates Beginning Mat Workout, plus a bonus workout and interview with instructor Ana Caban.

A nice introduction to basic pilates moves but...
You would benefit from in-person training with an experienced Pilates trainer to fully understand some of the movements that Ana explains.

Ana explains the basics of proper form well, but she speaks a little too quickly sometimes, and people who are totally new to Pilates may find themselves rewinding every now and then to listen to what she just said or to get another view of the movement she's demonstrating.

It is a good idea to rewind if you do not understand something Ana says\demonstrates because if you do not use proper form, you can end up either not getting the full benefit of the exercise or straining your back.

I bought this DVD for my girlfriend who is looking to get in shape this year. She is a beginner, but with some rewinding and my help (I've been part of a Pilates Mat Class for 3 months now), she was able to make it through most of the workout on her first try.

After repeated viewings of Ana's videos and adding cardio to our exercise regimen, my lady and I look forward to making significant progress over the next 3-4 months.

Great for Beginners and Everyday Workout
This dvd is manageable for the absolute beginner and someone who wants a daily workout. There are 2 girls to follow in the dvd, one who modifies the workout, so when you are just beginning you can complete the workout. The other gal does the full range of motion workout, so when you are feeling strong and ready to do it you transition to watching her.

It is a great core workout and I rotate between this and a walking routine/dvd "walk away the pounds".

Product was OK--a little boring
The product was ok. However, I had a HUGE problem with Amazon. First, your website does not give a confirmation page to proof before you submit your order. When I got the email confirmation a few minutes later, it showed I ordered 2 DVD's instead of 1! I immediately phoned a representative at Amazon because the website would not let me make a change to my order because the website said it was already "processing". This was within minutes of placing my order. A nice lady I spoke to on the phone said she canceled the entire order for me. But then, about a week later, I received "2" DVD's! I went to the return page to return the extra DVD, but it said I could only replace the extra DVD with the same item, not return it. So now I have received and paid for 2 DVD's when I only ordered one! I will never do business with Amazon again! I'm sure this review will never be posted.

Great Workout for Beginners!
I bought this tape thinking it would be too easy for me but it turns out that it was a bit of a challenge. If you haven't worked out in a while and aren't that flexible then this tape will give you a bit of a workout. If you are an excersise buff then don't even bother with it. It got mailed to me fast too. I would definitely buy from this vendor again.

Perfect for Beginners
I think Pilates - Beginning Mat Workout is perfect for beginners because you can follow the woman who is on the DVD with Ana and do the exercises at a simpler level. I have never done pilates before, but I was able to follow pretty well, probably not as fast at first. I did not worry too much about doing the exact number of reps that she did. Over time I have seen myself improve and I am able to do some of the things that I couldn't do initially and I can keep up on most exercises. I like the fact that there is room for growth and I can use the same DVD to continue growing. Eventually I will follow Ana. Pilates has improved my posture and my flexibility.