Pilates is the fastest growing fitness trend - and it's no wonder: Pilates produces visible and lasting results. Learn the basics of this popular workout in Pilates for Beginners with certified fitness instructor and maste... more »r Pilates trainer Jillian Hessel, who grounds you in pre-Pilates fundamentals and then incorporates them into classic Pilates mat work. Beginner's modifications allow you to work at your own pace to achieve a strong, sleek, more flexible body. Deluxe DVD with chapter menus includes three workout levels with beginner's modifications and instructor interview.« less
Creator:Jillian Hessel Genres:Fitness & Yoga Sub-Genres:Pilates Studio:Gaiam Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 12/05/2002 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2004 Release Year: 2002 Run Time: 1hr 55min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 2 Members Wishing: 0 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English See Also:
"This DVD is terrific for anyone new to Pilates or for those who want to improve their form. Jillian Hessel does a great job explaining pilates breathing and teaching the fundamentals. Pilates is one of those things that is hard to learn without a live instructor, but this DVD comes close for those who can't afford live instruction or don't have it near them."
A great start
David A. Cabral | Boston, MA USA | 07/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I started Palates last year with the "Beginning Mat Workout" with Anna Caban. It was great. I came across this DVD a few months back and decided that it would be nice to have two DVDs so that I can alternate, rather than watching the same one over and over. This DVD is a bit easier than Anna's, but great just the same with three levels to follow. I have moved on to the intermediate DVD with Anna Caban and I hope that Jillian Hessel considers putting out an intermediate DVD as well. Oh, one more very important factor, this DVD has an actual MAN performing the exercises with Jillian. As a man myself, it was very refreshing to see that Pilates is not just for women."
Very informative but, annoying mat workout
r. mills | los angeles | 07/23/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Okay, Pilates is complicated, posture is very important along with breathing and holding in some body parts while extending others.
I did weights for years and was just sick of them. I went to a Pilates studio just to check it out. I signed up for private sessions for 4 months, it was fantastic but, very expensive. I was forced to stop most exercises for 3 months after an injury. So, when I put this DVD on it was like starting over. But, I thought it would all come back to me. And, it did sort of.
Even though I think this DVD is informative I found the instructor a bit annoying as I hated every level quickly blurted out for each exercise. After being in a Pilates studio with private instructors I discovered there are very small movements to concentrate on and form is everything so, with 3 levels being done at once I found it very distracting.
I don't think this is a good way to start out again. Or start out at all. I am now looking for DVD's that show each level of instruction separately. Believe me, paying for 3 great videos is better than one video with everything crammed into one. I bought this DVD because it said , "Pilates for BEGINNERS" if it's for beginnners then why did someone decide to have the instructor blurt out levels 1, 2, 3 for each exercise at the same time? -( ANNOYING.
Pilates is much more complicated than weights and if you want to do it right it's a big commitment, which I don't mind making. There are so many things to remember and then forget ..to feel like a private instructor is in your living room I think a slightly slower pace with better visual and verbal queues would be much more useful and informative and effective.
Bottom line is that mat workout felt like a bad, 3 way phone conversation.
r mills
LA
"
I thought it was great!!
snuggybrinks | Canada | 06/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am surprised at the other reviews, as I thought this DVD was great! It was the first one that I tried, and maybe That was why I enjoyed the in depth instruction. I thought it was great that there were 3 different levels included, and I thought that jillian hessler was a triffic instructor. The props used really do help to isolate the proper muscles and since buying them I have enjoyed my workouts even more. This DVD has even prompted me to buy more of the Gaiam series! I love the outdoor locations and soothing music ( I think that that is why they are not smiling, they are focusing on their breathing and centering...I found it to be quite relaxing and soothing.)
I am a real beginner, and feel good in the fact that I can take this one product and advance through it to the advanced level.
It gets an A+ from me!
PS- I also had no technical problems...maybe they have fixed them since the last reviewers bought theirs??"
Excellent for beginners
informednow | cleveland, oh | 09/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been looking for a good beginners pilates tape and this is the one. It was part of a set that Gaiam makes that included a book, the DVD, and a relaxation CD. The combination of the book and DVD are absolutely unbeatable! Both begin by describing the basic tenets of pilates and accompanying exercises. Then the DVD has modified beginners, beginners and intermediate to advanced work out levels, where each level is represented by an individual who is working out simultaneously with the persons representing the other levels; i.e. three people at once doing different levels. The modified beginner can be programmed separately from the main work out if desired. The instructor explains all things in detail in both the book and DVD--perfect for the novice. (MOre advanced people might get bored, but this is what I was looking for) The instructor's credentials are listed in the book; she has studied with Romana and thus her lineage is sound. I think this DVD/book combo is a real find!!"