|
 CATEGORIES
 Fitness
Diet Beauty Health Kitchen Household Money Making Educational Automotive Other
|
PILATES BEGINNING MAT WORKOUT
Description: The Pilates Beginning Mat Workout is the place to start if you've always wondered if Pilates was right for you.
Reviews (51):
 Rock hard Abs
Reviewer: Anonymous 01-07-2002
This was a hard workout that left my abs aching. I have been doing it for a couple of weeks now - three days a week and my abs are getting rock hard. This tape will also help your balance, flexibility, joint stability, and coordination.
 Feel Better Immediately
Reviewer: Anonymous 01-06-2005
This workout is not complicated, but the moves are challenging. The instructor does a great job of teaching and motivating as well as demonstrating the moves. With this workout, it is possible to feel better immediately.
A Great Workout
Reviewer: Anonymous 01-14-2005
After just 20 minutes, you'll feel like you got a great workout. The instructor is a great teacher, moving not too quickly, nor too slowly.
No More Back Pain!
Reviewer: Anonymous 08-14-2003
This workout has done magical things for my back. It used to hurt all the time. It is a great workout that really gets your abs in shape.
 Disappointed
Reviewer: Anonymous 01-14-2005
I was disappointed with this video because the instructor moves much too fast to properly complete the moves.
 Poor Quality
Reviewer: Anonymous 03-16-2003
The quality of this video is really poor. The instructor barely cues breathing at all, which is an esential part of doing Pilates correctly. The class is also much too short.
Teacher Moves Too Fast
Reviewer: Anonymous 09-28-2002
I had real trouble with this, because the teacher moves too fast between exercises. The editing is realy terrible. It is choppy, constantly changing angles, & the color fades in and out like a home movie.
Good For Beginners
Reviewer: Anonymous 09-25-2002
I do this tape in the mornings & find it is a good way to wake up. It is a good level for beginners because the exercises are challenging but not impossible.
Simple But Not Boring
Reviewer: Anonymous 09-22-2002
I do this exercise every day & although not exhausted afterwards, I do feel like I've had a good workout. I do not feel bored, even after many times of doing the tape. Things are explained really clearly, so I have been able to follow along well.
I Feel Stronger & Leaner
Reviewer: Anonymous 01-18-2003
For those of you that hate going to the gym, this is a good "at home" workout.
Tape is Choppy
Reviewer: Anonymous 07-21-2002
I thought this would be a good beginner exercise for me. However the tape is really choppy and it it is too difficult to see the correct positions.
Strains the Neck
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-06-2005
I found that that there was a lot of strain placed on your neck, so I suggest you don't waste your money on this tape.
Caused Back Injury
Reviewer: Anonymous 05-26-2002
You can really injure yourself with this video. I still have back pain & I stopped using the video over a year ago!
Terrible Tape
Reviewer: Anonymous 03-13-2003
The instructor here does not spend enough time on the breathing or the form, which is the key to any Pilates workout.
NOT for Beginners!
Reviewer: Anonymous 02-05-2005
Maybe this tape would work for beginners in Pilates who are already in good shape. But if you are like me, NOT in good shape AND a Pilates beginner, buyer beware!
I was a total Pilates Newbie
Reviewer: Cristina E. Buxo "KiKi" 05-02-2005
I started using this DVD on April 19th and I already feel the difference. I had never ever done this before. Ana and her sidekick, Tara, make it easy. I mostly follow Tara but after 7 sessions there are one or two moves that I follow Ana. I do use the fast forward through the directions most of the time now. Either that or I hold a possition working on strengthening my core muscles.
I either do it every day or I skip a day but I don't go more than one day without doing it. I want to make sure I keep going. I do break out in a light sweat. I am not that out of shape but I am using muscles I have not used for anything since High School.
I just recommended it to my mom. She has not worked out in a while and she wanted to try it, I hope she loves it as much as I do.
The shortness of this DVD makes it hard to say you don't have time to do the work out. I look at it this way, it is shorter than a sitcom. I am looking forward to being able to follow Ana in all the moves.
A Terrific beginners Pilates Workout
Reviewer: Lisa Marie Dobbin Halifax, Nova Scotia 04-10-2005
For the past 4 months, I have been doing the Pilates for Weight-loss (for Dummies series) which is great,but I decided that I wanted to explore Pilates from the ground up. I picked the Giaam series over the Stott because the instructors used in the Stott ones put me to sleep (they do seem very knowledgeable, however, I need someone to help get me moving at 5:00 in the morning!) Ana Caban is an outstanding, intelligent teacher who not only is great to listen to, but also great to watch. I liked this video because it helps you to start developing the balance and core strength you will need for intermediate moves (like the Giaam Intermediate Mat Workout).
I'm not completely new to fitness - I do other activites, like weights, aerobics, and cardio, but I use this video currently for my less demanding days along with an ab stability ball workout. After a few more weeks (about 2 months in total) I will feel ready to be challenged by the Intermediate, but until then, this will definately help me build the balance and stance skills I need to go further into the pilates program.
I recommend this video to anyone new to pilates. This is the video to start with! I should also say that it took me a long time to take up Pilates because I deemed it ....flakey (there, I said it). I was wrong. I am 5'0 tall, and Pilates difinately changes your body type into a sleek, long dancer like frame (yes, even at my height). To optimize its effectiveness, you should do it 3 times a week, and then do cardio 3 times a week (like Taebo, running or walking) to burn off your body fat.
Excellent but short introduction
Reviewer: C. Daly 03-28-2005
So far this is the best workout I've found to introduce a beginner to TRUE Pilates, without adding in exercises that are discouraging for a beginner. It consists of 10 minutes of information about the Pilates method, then a 20 minute mat workout. The exercises are all from Joseph Pilates' original 34 mat exercises, which is more than I can say for many of the other Pilates DVDs I have reviewed. Modifications are done alongside Ana, so you can choose which way you would like to do it. The only flaw is she doesn't modify for tight hamstrings, which I have.
What I loved most about this workout is that it most resembled the Pilates classes I used to take with a certified instructor. I just think it's unfortunate that so many of the exercises were left out to keep the workout short. There are definately more exercises which can be modified to a beginner level.
There is also a bonus "Energy Boost Pilates" workout, which was a real disappointment. Imagine my surprise when, instead of Pilates, we were supposed to be hopping and jumping up and down with no shoes! I guess she was trying to add a 5 minute "mini-cardio" routine before the Pilates but it didn't work for me at all. Then she goes on to do about 10 minutes of Pilates. About half the exercises were in the Beginning Mat Workout, about half are new. I like the new exercises but it is a pain having to fast forward through the dumb jumping jacks sequence.
If you are extremely out of shape then I recommend getting Ana Caban's "Easy Pilates" DVD to start out with. It has fewer exercises and more modifications.
A lot of people have mentioned that they prefer "Pilates for Dummies." I much prefer this DVD to Pilates for Dummies because Pilates for Dummies does not show modifications until halfway through the reps. Pilates for Dummies includes exercises that are too difficult for a beginner while neglecting some beginner Pilates exercises. Personally I think this is a much better introduction to the Pilates method.
 excellent for beginners, but soon outgrown
Reviewer: Sekhmet 03-16-2005
I found this to be an excellent introduction to Pilates. Ana Caban is a wonderful instructor and knows how to give cues. I never had to crane my neck from an impossible position trying to follow things on screen. I could always depend on the audio.
That said, there's a caveat. I soon outgrew it. Not the exercises, but the instructions in between them. After a couple of weeks I would have wished for a version without all the talk in-between. I'm using the remote to fast-forward, but it's cumbersome.
Great way to get into Pilates
Reviewer: L. Colburn Florence, Texas 03-03-2005
I was new to Pilates, so I tried out Ana Caban's beginner's workout. After doing the workout 3 times a week for a few weeks, my hubby says to me "you're buns are lookin' pretty firm hon". Well, that's worth it to me! My tummy's getting firmer too. I have most of the moves down pretty well and look forward to moving on to the intermediate workout.
If you're new to Pilates and want to get started, this is a great workout.
Only for complete beginners
Reviewer: M.S. Sudbury, Ontario, Canada 02-03-2005
This is a very good starting place for anyone who is an ABSOLUTE beginner. If you have even a bit of coordination or have dabbled in Pilates or Yoga this dvd will be too slow for you.
While the instruction on the poses is good, the progression is very slow and you'll feel like you're lying around waiting for your workout to begin.
The second part of this series (Intermediate Mat Workout) is an excellent workout and the instruction in the dvd is clear enough even if you haven't done this one first.
If your remotely fit and coordinated, I would recommend skipping directly to the second offering in this series.
Ana Caban is a goddess
Reviewer: Kathleen D. Pacyna "Katie" Cleveland, OH, USA 01-06-2005
I am a veteran of all types of workout videos and this one is by far my favorite. Pilates itself is a challenging and worthwhile workout that also, when done correctly, can help relax and soothe as well as strenghten. This workout is not complicated because Caban makes it easy and fun, but the moves are challenging. I never feel cheated or clueless and, for a video instructor, Caban does a great job of teaching and motivating as well as demonstrating the moves. Using this workout, it is possible to feel better immediately.
Not happy with product quality
Reviewer: Mrs Lisa Owens England 07-12-2004
Product is faulty and jolts in my dvd. A complete waste of money as I will not sell to someone knowing it's faulty, unlike this seller.
Short and no warm-up
Reviewer: "ela__yar" Lüneburg, Germany 11-15-2003
I think the title of my review says it all already. The workout is not bad, but it is only about half an hour long ( including the initial instructions about breathing ) and there is virtually no warm-up. The instructor makes you start with 'the hundred' and claims that 'this is your warm-up'.
Likable but poor filming
Reviewer: Nancy J. Foss Cowlesville, New York USA 09-08-2003
While Ana Caban is fun to follow, the filming in this video is definitely geared toward Generation X'ers. If you are not a fan of five-second scene changes, switching back and forth from black and white to color, and odd screen angles you should try a different video. My own personal favorite, a shot that begins as if your nose is against a pillar in the room, then slowly panning out to the instructor. To bad because Ms. Caban is very likable.
Great Workout!
Reviewer: Anonymous 07-04-2003
I've been doing Pilates for 5 months now and I love Anna's videos! The beginner mat workout is perfect for anyone who hasn't worked out before. I started doing them to get rid of a little belly chub I had left after having my daughter. Within two months I'd already lost over 5 lbs and I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight, a happy 111 lbs! I was absolutely floored at how easy and fast it was to loose the weight and get my body back into shape especially after having a baby. Something I'd been warned was almost impossible to do.
I've since moved onto the Intermediate workout and I agree with the poster who said this one is a lot harder. Be warned! Make sure you can do EVERY stretch before moving on. I made the mistake of moving onto the intermediate workout before I'd mastered the open leg rocker and teaser. I kind of thought I would be doing different stretches than the ones in the beginner workout. Wrong! Not knowing how to do those specific stretches made the 2nd video a lot harder than it should have been. 3 months after starting it I'm finally getting to the point where I can do the stretches without to much difficulty. I'm giving myself another few months before moving onto the advanced workout just to be safe.
Disappointed
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-14-2003
From someone who was introduced to pilates at a studio, this video was disappointing. The instructor moves way too fast to properly complete the moves. She misses key tips to help execute the moves properly. I recommend trying another instructor!!!!
Disappointed. Only 20 min
Reviewer: Elise Bauer Carmichael, CA United States 04-18-2003
I've started a Pilates class and had thought that this video would help quide my private workouts. I was quite disappointed with it on several levels. First, there are only 20 minutes of exercises. This is hardly a workout, and nothing comparable to a typical hour long mat class. Second, the teacher, Ana Caban, moves much too quickly through the moves, neglecting to reinforce the abdominal and breathing activities throughout the various exercises. Without this constant vigilance, necessary to the beginner, the exercises can strain the back, which is exactly what happened to me. Although Ana brings a lot of spunk to her presentation, I would have appreciated much more attention to the subtlies of doing the movements properly, as to get the full benefit of the Pilates method, without straining the back.
As a beginner in Pilates, with many years experience in yoga and martial arts, I found this video to be inappropriate for beginners who have not already strengthened their powerhouse.
Spend your money on a class instead!
Reviewer: Frank Newgent Tomahawk, West Virginia 03-06-2003
... The quality of the video is quite poor, both the instruction and the filming technique leave A LOT to be desired. The instructor barely cues breathing at all, which is such an esential part of doing Pilates correctly. The class itself is way too short and the sequencing of exercizes doesn't flow. ...
This Is the One to Buy!
Reviewer: Anonymous 02-16-2003
I love this workout! The DVD itself is exceptionally set-up. Whether you want an introduction to Pilates, to learn about the intructor Ana Caban, or to go straight to the workout, you can navigate all the options with ease. Plus, the DVD includes a bonus energy-boosting workout that is fun and works! The workout itself is about twenty-five minutes and moves at a slow, easy to follow pace. Once you are familiar with each exercise, the pace allows you to fully concentrate each movement for the greatest impact. Ana Caban gives clear, concise intructions for the beginner and more advanced. She also adds a sense of humor to the workout and is very likable. I have no crticism and will purchase her Intermediate Mat Workout as soon as I am ready!
Thumbs up for Ana
Reviewer: Anonymous 02-10-2003
I highly recommend Ana Caban's Beginning and Intermediate Pilates mat workouts. It was more demanding than I expected. Ana does an excellent job explaining the movements, and I like that she offers modified versions to either increase/decrease the level of difficulty. It's also very helpful (believe it or not) that she constantly reminds you to breathe. Through her instruction, Ana helps you to see/understand that the movements are challenging when done correctly, and not necessarily as easy as you'd think. Stick with it until you've become completely familiar with the workout. Then you'll really be able to focus on mastering the movements, and you won't be just `following' along. I noticed that as I got stronger, I was able to perfect the movements rather than just keeping up with the video.
Most importantly, Ana is very likeable and pleasantly motivating. She is not annoying or overbearing as some other instructors can be. Although the production quality isn't the best, I don't find it distracting. I find I'm focusing more on my breathing and body movements and not the music, for instance.
Be sure you are completely bored and unchallenged before moving onto the intermediate tape. I don't think I was fully prepared. I've been using the intermediate tape for over 6 months and have not out-grown it. I absolutely love it! I'm happy because I can see an overall difference, including my posture. Even my husband tells me he can see the difference . . . and that my "whole body feels toned".
Good workout, Too much Talk
Reviewer: Anonymous 12-26-2002
Both my husband and my daughter, beginners, thought there was far too much talking and self promoting on this video. It is a "personality" routine, which some folks enjoy. We all switched to the Classical Pilates Complete Workout.
Not bad...a little fast
Reviewer: Anonymous 12-16-2002
This video covers it all, but it goes very fast. It works best with a Pilates book, where you can underline the exercises and use the video to make sure you have correct form.
Fair to Middling
Reviewer: "lareece102" Rome, Georgia United States 11-05-2002
It gets old fast. I'm not in outstanding shape, but it wasn't a challenge for long. I think if you're interested it might be better to get a used copy and save a few bucks.
Can you keep up?
Reviewer: Anonymous 09-27-2002
Nice teacher but tape is too ambitious for a beginner. She moves too fast between exercises.
The editing is just terrible-choppy, constantly changing angles, color fades in and out. Like a home movie.
Go for the Pilates for Dummies if you don't want to be frustrated.
good beginner tape
Reviewer: Anonymous 09-25-2002
This is a good Pilate's tape for beginners. The exercises are challenging, but not impossible. There are two instructors one who does a 'modified' or easier version and one that does the tougher move. The tape gives lots of instruction and direction for breathing and proper form. I also really liked Ana, she is perky but not over the top. I do this in the mornings and it is a good way to wake up. :)
Breathing is OFF
Reviewer: Anonymous 09-23-2002
This instructor is the only one I know who cues you inhale as you exert. I have taken Pilates at the gym and using other instructors and you are not getting the full value of the workout this way. I would venture to guess that it is somewhat harmful because breathing is such an integral aspect of Pilates.
Other factors about this video and the instructor that take away from the workout are the production quality and the instructor's need to pose for the camera. Stick with a fitness expert like Michele Dozois, Kathy Smith, Karen Voight, or the new Cruch video.
Great Workout, at home
Reviewer: Anonymous 09-11-2002
If you are the type of person that enjoys feeling great after a workout, but hate going to the gym- or attending crowded classes, then this is a good purchase for you. I feel stronger and leaner afterwards.
NYC Ballet Workout
Reviewer: Anonymous 09-05-2002
Challenging and great form techniques.
Flattened my stomach and lifted my "buns"
Reviewer: Anonymous 08-09-2002
I have been using this tape for about two months, and I am very pleased with the results. My stomach is flatter, my "buns" are way higher, and my legs look tighter. The instructor is excellent, and the tape is FUN FUN FUN...
Is it just me or did anyone else notice that many of the one star negative reviews sound as if they were written by the same person?? They slam this tape and then they recommend other pilates tapes instead of this one. Well, I'm not a girl who's into conspiracy theories but this makes me wonder....LOL
Don't believe the nasty reviews. This tape will give you great results in a very safe manner.
Not impressed,
Reviewer: Anonymous 07-21-2002
Agree with other reviewers - instructor is much more concerned about her appearance on the video than showing proper technique. I bought this because I thought it would be a good "beginner video" and emphasize the correct postures. The tape is too choppy and hard to get a good look at correct movements. Am now looking for another video.
Dont waste your time
Reviewer: Elizebeth Neumann Seattle, wa 07-18-2002
My husband gave me this as a gift knowing I like to workout and was looking for a new pilates program, otherwise I would never have bought it.
If you use the method pilates then this will be too easy for you, and the method series is pretty easy to begin with.
I have back problems and this only made it worse, now reading the other reviews on this page I wish I had seen them before I did it the first time.
Some things are better to just pay the extra money and pay an expert to teach you how to do them right. Save your money and go to a class or a pilates instructor and use a machine. It is a world of difference.
Don't be a Dummy!
Reviewer: Anonymous 07-11-2002
This video just does not compare to others. Pilates for Dummies is such a better video on all fronts. There are less exercises covered in this video, the instructor is a pre-madonna, and the production is terrible.
Pilates for Dummies on the other hand covers 18 exercises, is clear and specific with instruction, the instructor is a nationally recognized fitness professional with over 15 years of experience and the production is crisp.
And then, compare them on price-- this video is not worth it and doesn't add much value for your money.
Not Impressed
Reviewer: "jlbock Nebraska 07-02-2002
I tried this video last night despite the negative reviews posted here (thank heavens it's borrowed and I didn't pay any money for it) and am hugely disappointed. The instructor is too worried about her own workout to take the time to really make sure that people who are following her are instructed correctly. I'm going to listen to other reviewers who have wound up with back injuries and not do this video again. I'll wait until I get my Pilates for Dummies video to try Pilates again.
Great Video
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-26-2002
Despite the poor production quality and bad editing, I found this video to be a great introduction to Pilates. In the first part of the video Ana Caban gives detailed instructions on proper breathing and form. She explains what is correct, what is incorrect and how you can avoid straining your neck. After she explains the basics, Ana moves into the workout which I found to be great. Throughout the workout she continually gives cues as to proper breathing and form. Ana is never annoying, she explains what you need to know and maintains a flow throughout the workout. I have experienced no back problems since doing this video, and now the intermediate one, regularly. I feel no stress and strain on my muscles during the workout and have never been in pain. I do concentrate very hard on getting proper form however and have watched and listened to Ana very carefully. On a personal note, I used to have chronic lower back and abdominal pain. Since I started doing this video and the intermdiate one regularly, the pain has disappeared. I would highly recommend this video.
Spread the WORD!
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-25-2002
I have had dull lower back pains for over 2 months consistently now. I have gone to several doctors and the last one I went to immediately asked about my exercise patterns and probed into the pilates instruction I have been using. I was shocked to hear from him that he has been seeing numerous patients who now have back pain resulting from improper pilates instruction. He even named off this instructor as a primary contributor to the problems his patients are experiencing! I couldn't believe it! Now I am in therapy for my back and will be for at least another 6 months. This is a total travesty and both the instructor and LivingArts should be held accountable. Please spread the word-- this instructor is really doing more harm than good.
The good news about pilates is that it is a safe exercise and very beneficial if done properly with good, solid instruction. My doctor was very knowledgable and recommended Michelle Dozois, Jennifer Kreis, and Karen Voight... names I have seen before.
Can't get past the annoying instructor
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-23-2002
I can't say much about the workout since Ana Caban kept astonishing me with her narissistic attitude and her coy mugging for the camera. A friend of mine tried the tape it as well and asked me, "Did she REALLY say that?"
Excellent
Reviewer: Carrie MI 06-11-2002
This is an excellent introduction to pilates. This tape will help you learn the exercises correctly. It is a fun short effective tape.
INJURY alert
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-06-2002
I know that you aren't suppose to comment on other reviewers but I felt compelled to write a review after reading a few of the recent reviewers talk about back injuries resulting from the lack of instruction provided in this video. As a medical professional I have seen a significant increase in people coming to me about recurring back problems. When I ask them about their lifestyle and any changes in their lives I have found that they are using this video. I felt it was my responsibility to do my own research so I purchased several pilates videos including this one. After reviewing about 6 videos and instructors, in my opinion, this instructor is an amateur compared to others out there and I am tremendously concerned that there are so many people following this video. I am very concerned about the future pains and injuries that people will realize over time-- it doesn't happen over night. I have done pilates myself and it is a great exercise. I often recommend it to patients and refer them to professional instructors (I highly recommend them to take private instruction first) so they can benefit from the exercise without injury. If you really want a video I recommend Karen Voight, Jennifer Kreis, or Kathy Smith.
Don't waste your money
Reviewer: Anonymous 06-06-2002
I didn't like this workout at all. I prefer Lynne Robinson's videos much more. There is a lot of strain placed on the neck in these workouts and it isn't necessary. It is fast paced but fast paced does not equal good. Even though Lynne Robinson's workout is slower paced I feel the muscle use the next day and I never felt it with this tape.
Love it....
Reviewer: James Sutherland NY State 06-05-2002
I love this tape. I'm not, by nature, an exercise lover and I generally hate, hate, hate exercising to tapes because the instuctiors usually perky enough to make me want to hurl. Caban is low key and calm. She explains the moves well, and provides alternative, lower stress forms for those who need to work up to the full strength positions.
I've had no trouble with injuries at all, although I can easily see how you could aggravate an exsiting condition doing Pilates. Anyone with even a hint of back trouble should probably steer clear of Pilates because it demands a lot of your lower back. As always, beginners should start out slowly, avoiding the tendency to be gung ho and hurt themselves.
About my only criticism of the tape is that it switches too quickly between the exercises, not giving a beginner much time to transition. I didn't mind simply pausing the tape the first few times, until I'd memorized the sequence and the basic body positions. At that point, I could work on fine tuning the exercises.
One thing I found was that after a few sessions I became a lot more aware of the muscles that I was using and this let me be more aware, in turn, of when I was doing the exercises most effectively.
Average Reviewer Rating:
Add my review on this item
|
|
