The Bottom Line
This is a great choice for beginners or exercisers wanting to learn more about the principles behind Pilates. The programmable workouts and multi-angle viewpoints make this a unique DVD that exercisers can change as often as they like, setting up ever-changing workouts.
Pros
- Programmable DVD allows users to change workouts daily
- Multi-angle viewing makes it easy to learn the right way to perform each move
- The exercises are gentle and simple, perfect for beginners
Cons
- May only appeal to beginning exercisers
Description
- A programmable Pilates workout for beginners giving users the freedom to create their own workouts
- Multi-angle view and instructions provide new exercisers with tools to learn proper techniques
- 19 simple exercises introduce newbies to the Pilates world with gentleness and ease
Guide Review - The Quick & Dirty Guide to Pilates
Debdoot Das' Pilates DVD is unique in it's programmability. You can go through the workout as-is, in a random fashion or you can simply choose each exercise one by one. This programmability also extends to angles, giving you the option of viewing moves from the front, side and overhead just by pressing the 'angle' button on your remote. Even better, you can get detailed instructions by hitting enter button at the beginning of each exercise and turn the music on or off without leaving the workout. To start, you'll view the introduction which explains the main elements of Pilates--proper posture (neutral spine), the Pilates 'scoop,' and breathing. The instructions for the scoop are quite hilarious as Laura Helms says in her perky British accent that it's like 'holding in a fart.' The workout itself includes 19 exercises, although if you're looking for traditional moves (like 100's or roll-ups)you won't find them in this workout and some Pilates moves are given different names. The moves are very simple and slow, perfect for any fitness level but probably most appealing to very beginners. Some of the moves include pelvic tilts, knee drops, spine curls (bridge) and cat stretch. The music is gentle and unobtrusive and the moves are done in a very slow and controlled manner. Overall, this is a gentle workout that's great for learning the basic skills needed for more vigorous practice. The programmability is impressive and very unique.
Updated 11/9/2005
