5.0 out of 5 stars
Target Fat Burner, May 23 2004
I love Fat Burning Pilates! Ellen is a pleasant instructor with a great video. It has the benefits of being a low impact video; it maximizes the fat burning opportunity, while target toning with intensity.
At lower intensities, fax oxidation supplies the energy for exercise, which is why moderate exercise is best for someone like myself, as opposed to working out at my max. I have seen results from pilates and it's benefits are maximized by the cardio addition in this video. Core strength is developed and used in daily life. Increased muscle strength means that your metabolism increases as well.
I highly recommend it for someone looking for impressive fat burning!
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4.0 out of 5 stars
More like 4 1/2 Stars., May 16 2004
This review is from: Crunch:Fat Burning Pilates (DVD)
I'm very particular about my exercise videos. I feel they need to be clear and concise, and doable. And enjoyable. I thought the video was all of these things. It was easy enough for me to get how they wanted me to move and what I was supposed to do so that after only a few workouts I wasn't stumbling through the video not sure of what was next. Instead I was having a really good workout. The one thing I don't like about the dvd is the music and the ridiculous man drumming in the back. I would LOVE the option to be able to turn the music off and listen to my own, but it doesn't exist. Does this stop me from wanting to do it? No, in fact this dvd has a permanent home in my player and has to be moved so I can watch other things, but it always goes back in so I can do it everyday.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Change Your Body with this Workout Gem, Mar 16 2004
This review is from: Crunch:Fat Burning Pilates (DVD)
"Have fun, work hard and get ready to change your body." ~Ellen Barrett
Ellen has created an energetic, highly creative routine to encourage you to develop long, lean sexy muscles. This workout is also filled with intense leg work and you will burn those calories. In fact, the first time I did this workout, I broke into a full-body sweat which I guess is a good thing and has rarely happened when using workout DVDs. I had no idea that a Pilates workout could bring that type of intensity to my day.
Ellen is an excellent instructor who is not only highly creative; she keeps you focused on perfect posture. She has cute names for various moves, like angel arms or elegant arms. She adds a real sexy feminine touch to this workout all while subtly motivating you to a heightened level of determination.
The routine starts with a Dance-based cardio routine. Ellen incorporates Pilates moves into a low-impact, but rather fast-paced (nothing is slow, let me tell you) cardio section. The warm-up is quite effective and by the time you do the stretching, you are warm enough for the stretching to count. If you have knee problems, this might not be for you. I noticed that as you become stronger, you can handle the knee bends in this workout. I could not have handled these moves a few months ago. Ellen focuses on the "powerhouse" throughout both sections.
The second mat-based Pilates Floorwork Routine is best done in bare feet and a yoga mat is quite useful. You start flat on your back, which feels good after all the dancing. She starts with the "hundred" with a focus on breathing. Then, you move to scissors, single-leg pull, double-leg stretch, crisscross and back extensions.
If you are familiar with Jennifer Kries' workouts or Winsor Pilates, this will all be very familiar to you. A new move is the "arrowhead" which I've never seen in any workout before. This workout also includes the Child's pose from yoga. The hip circles are challenging, but there are modifications.
Chapter Selections:
Introduction
Warm-Up
Pilates Steps and Imprints
Swan/Mermaid
Angel Arms and Pilates Pushups
The Hundred and Oblique CrissCross
Back Extensions
Reclining Twists and Forward Bends
Lime green/Periodot, purple/Amethyst, orange/Citrine, red/Ruby are the colors you will find in this workout. The stone textured floor and wall in the back give this workout an almost primitive-dance feel. Of course the cute drummer on the left at the back of the room adds to the appeal. The sapphire yoga mats add to this jewel-toned set.
You will love the music in this workout because it changes in intensity just when you need an extra boost of energy. I'm watching this again while typing and I can hardly sit here because I just want to go do this routine again. The music is highly motivational.
Crunch: Fat-Burning Pilates might just be the Pilates workout you have been craving. It truly will leave you feeling more alive, polished and definitely glowing. After finishing this workout, you might start to feel a sense of tranquility, have more passion for your life and think more clearly throughout your day.
Also look for "Crunch Pick Your Spot Pilates"
Winsor Pilates is also perfect for anyone who is just learning the Pilates moves.
Books for additional research:
Jennifer Kries Pilates Plus Method
Ultimate Pilates by Dreas Reyneke
~TheRebeccaReview.com
Week 21 of review your way to fitness
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