51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thorough but quickly outgrown overview, Mar 24 2005
By C. Daly - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Gaiam ~ Easy Pilates with Ana Kaban ~ DVD (DVD)
For those who are new to exercise in general and want to try Pilates out, this DVD can't be beat. Ana discusses the Pilates method and gives an overview of basic exercises that show up often in Pilates workouts (the hundred, roll-ups, single leg circles, rolling like a ball, single leg stretch, double leg stretch, spine stretch, and the saw). She does each movement slowly to emphasize the importance of proper form. Furthermore, she does half the reps in an easier, modified way, then half in the traditional way, although she says you can continue to do the modifications if that's what you feel comfortable with.
This is mainly an instructional video. It is 30 minutes, but Ana is talking much of that time. It is not much of a workout, instead the emphasis is on learning to do the exercises correctly. Learning this is extremely valuable to a Pilates practice, but once you get the movements down, this DVD is quickly outgrown. I'm glad I only rented it because I probably won't use it again, since I already know the basics and require a somewhat more challenging workout. However, I rate it five stars because it is so valuable to those who are totally new to the practice and not in shape.
For some people, this DVD will be way too easy even if they have never taken Pilates. I also recommend Ana's Beginning Mat Workout, which still contains a lot of instruction and modification options for beginners, but is more challenging and has more exercises.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Place to begin your Pilates Journey, May 27 2005
By Tibetan A - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Gaiam ~ Easy Pilates with Ana Kaban ~ DVD (DVD)
I don't know of a better DVD to start your Pilates journey. I had 15 years of yoga experience and 10 of dance and I went out and got an intermediate DVD thinking I was ready for anything. Wrong. I found myself confused about what to do with my feet, and what's this leg squeezing talk all about? What the heck is the "powerhouse" exactly? Years of ballet had taught me to "turn out", but was that the same as a Pilates turn out?
I decided to go back to square one and really learn Pilates. I have no regrets. Now I have beginner DVDs to loan friends!
This DVD clearly lays out the principles and gets you going. If you are out of shape, you will feel this. If you have poor posture, you will notice that your alignment is getting better. I am now doing advanced Pilates, but there are some things on this DVD that I still go back to. If you are serious about really learning Pilates and can't get to a class, this is a great place to start.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Detailed Explanation for Pilates Newbies, Sep 4 2005
By Sheila King "desk-worker mom turned marathoner" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Gaiam ~ Easy Pilates with Ana Kaban ~ DVD (DVD)
Ana Caban thoroughly explains the correct posture, breathing techniques, form and mental approach to Pilates. She then goes through a short beginning Pilates workout, offering modifications for those beginners who are not yet ready for the full exercise.
This is not a video you would want to use over and over again. I'm glad I rented it (from Netflix). I used it three times and returned it and will move on to other Pilates workouts. This video did provide a good foundation for me before moving on to others.