Method: Pilates - Target Specifics (Full Screen)

Abs (15 minutes)
Arms (15 minutes) - Need 1-3lb weights
Hips (15 minutes)
Thighs (15 minutes)

You will recognize many of the signature "Method" postures and exercises in this workout, however there are quite a few surprises. Not only are all the exercises even more precise than before, they seem to be the "next" challenge. The pace is slightly faster at times and the "dégagé" reaches a new level of intensity.

Some of the Exercises:

The Hundred
Roll-Up
Leg Circles
Rolling Like a Ball
Double-Leg Lower Lift
CrissCross
Active Moving Cat
Active Cat with Yoga Press
Down Dog
Exercises from the Side Series for Legs
Swimming
Sun Salutation
Standing Sculpting Series
Chest Expansion
Boxing
Plié Series (makes you feel like you are doing ballet)

It is helpful to have Jennifer Kries' new book: Pilates Plus Method to learn the names of all her exercises and read the finer details of how your body should feel as you work through each exercise. She also gives excellent advice about the dégagé:

"Try to feel as if you were pushing your foot through the sand on the beach, moving with great resistance." (from her new book)

There is hardly time to give extra advice, but Jennifer still manages to give you tips throughout this workout. If you have been doing her exercise videos over the years you will almost "hear her advice in your mind" as you go through the exercises.

If you are just starting to exercise with Jennifer Kries try:

The Method - Pilates: Precision Sculpting (1996)
The Method - Pilates: Precision Toning (1996)
The Method - All in One Workout (1997)
The Method - Precision Yoga (1998)
Pilates Method and 3-Dimensional Toning Box Set (2002)

The Method Pilates "Target Specifics" seems to be the most advanced workout I've tried so far when I do all four sections in one hour. If you can make it through the list above, you are ready for this workout. Once you complete Target Specifics, you will reach a new level of confidence and fitness. For me, this was the next level in my Pilates practice. The drums keep you motivated and keep you at the pace you need to be to burn those calories! Definitely an intermediate to advanced workout.

If you are just starting to do Pilates, it might be difficult to learn the moves and keep up with the fast pace. Start with some of the slower paced workouts from 1996 and learn the basics. I'd also recommend finding the Winsor Pilates workouts because they are excellent for anyone who is just discovering these amazing exercises.

Results from The Method workouts include:

Flat, firm stomach without having to do sit-ups or crunches
Defined buns without lunges
Sculpted Legs without bouncy aerobic exercises
Tones arms without heavy weights
Improved posture and flexibility. Even your feet become more flexible.
Mind and Body Healing - Your mind becomes calm and your body feels invigorated.

If you are looking for a Pilates/Ballet/Yoga challenge, this is it.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

Jennifer Kries is a great instructor. She speaks in terms that someone new to pilates can understand, and really gives you motivation without being annoyingly perky. I've been using this DVD for a couple months now, and haven't tired of it. Thats a record for me.

Since I started this DVD, I look more fit and toned than I have in years. My husband is very impressed with the results, especially on my butt. I highly recommend this for anyone at any fitness level.

This is a great DVD to have in your collection. If you're short on time, you can pick the area that you need to work on that day. If you want to make this a full workout, you can use the entire program.

For abs, Kries includes almost the entire Intermediate Pilates mat program. As with all Pilates programs, proper form is important here if you want to feel the work. If you're new to Pilates, you may want to watch this section a few times before you join in.

For the arms and upperbody, Kries uses most of the Standing Sculpting series as well as a few yoga-inspired moves. A lot of people have mixed feelings about this work. It would be very difficult to get large muscles or even gain significant upper body strength using these light dumbbells (3 to 5 lbs is the maximum recommended). However, proper technique will contribute to overall integrated strenght, that is, properly using your center as well as your limbs. Again, this may be better done after viewing a few times.

At first glance, there is quite a bit of repetition between the Thighs and Hips section, and that can be annoying. However, upon closer examination, there are enough differences to justify doing both sections. The Hips section is predominantly ballet and Pilates movements. The moves here concentrate on lateral movement, thus more effectively targeting the hips. A bunch of plies as well as tendus and degages (ballet kicks) are performed here. You may want to modify if you have sensitive knees.

The Thighs section uses a small bit of ballet and Pilates, concentrating on yoga. This section includes Sun Salutations (sneaking in some upper body strengthening as well), Awkward Chairs/Fierce Pose and Lunges (again, modify if your knees are not your strong suit).

There is quite a bit of overlap between this and Kries' newer offerings. However, it would be a good way to introduce yourself to her fusion-style in small pieces before you take the plunge into some of her longer tapes.