Pilates - Precision Pilates -

This video consists of three separate 20-minute workouts which break down as follows:

1) Upper Body Sculpting--This is the first time that I have ever seen the Pilates arm series featured in a video (the exercises can also be found in Brooke Siler's book The Pilates Body). Instructor Jennifer Kries works out with two others and starts by completing the standing arm series. After a few yoga sun salutations, the workout moves to the floor for variations on the Pilates arm work, and the segment ends with some additional yoga stretches. The Pilates arm series is meant to be done with light weights--the instructors here used 3 lbs., and I used 5 lbs. which made it difficult for me to keep up by the end.

2) Lower Body Sculpting--Jennifer works out solo in this section, which consists of both yoga and Pilates moves. The first half begins with sun saluations and other standing yoga poses. After some brief ballet-type stretches, Jennifer transitions to the floor for the Pilates side kick series, and she again ends the segment with yoga stretches.

3) Flow and Flexibility--This final segment focused on stretching by blending athletic stretch with yoga and ballet; Jennifer is again instructing solo. Like the other two sections, the first half is performed standing, while the second half takes place on the floor. The actual time for this segment was about 16 minutes.

Overall, I enjoyed this workout, finding it to be a nice mix of techniques and a pleasant change from my other workouts. However, I did not particularly like Jennifer Kries as an instructor. First of all, her cuing was inadequate, as she often failed to explain upcoming movements and frequently failed to cue right and left. Furthermore, I found her to be a bit showoff-y at times with her flexibility levels. Despite these flaws, however, I look forward to doing this workout as a break from my usual routine.

Workout 1 - Upper Body Sculpting: Pilates and Yoga helps to sculpt the upper body. You will be enjoying the swan dives and flow of the movements. The setting is beautiful with pink mats against a pastel gray/lavender background. You will be using weights during the first workout. Jennifer works with two instructors you may have seen on additional Method videos.

Workout 2- Lower Body Sculpting: Jennifer takes center stage and you can enjoy the one-on-one instruction stars have been enjoying for years. She is truly art in motion and her body speaks of years of dedication.

You start with sun salutations and go through a deep muscle workout to target all the areas that encourage beautiful lines and curves. The exercises here are mostly yoga poses. The only thing I don't like is "awkward chair" which I only want to do once in a workout. Doing it more than once sure teaches patience. While Jennifer pushes you to your limit, she never encourages you to go past your limit. More swan dives and breathing exercises, warrior poses, forward bends, ballet positions and the really fun side series (Pilates kicks, etc. This gives you a chance to lay on the floor which is a wonderful moment at this point). Then you do more breathing exercises and stretch out your hips. This all feels so good and healing.

Workout 3 - Flow and Flexibility: Jennifer explains that stretching can be boring and she is going to make it creative and trick you into thinking you are dancing. This is similar to the idea in "Perfect Mix" and has a similar energy, but you are not using weights. It is really difficult to sit here and type this because I'd rather be doing the exercises. lol So, while I did this workout a few days ago, I think I'll go for it again tonight. The stretching looks so "delicious," as Jennifer would say. You will reach new levels of flexibility if you have also warmed the body in the first two workouts. You can really do all three.

I'm not sure why these Pilates Method workouts end so abruptly when they start so smoothly. All of a sudden, Jennifer disappears. I would have enjoyed a "yoga-style" relaxations segment at the end of all of her workouts. Trust me, you deserve it.

If you have been working out for a number of years, you could use all three workouts for a 60 minute full-body strengthen, tone and stretch escape. I say escape because you won't be able to think of anything but this workout and your body. You have to focus to attain the level of precision Jennifer demonstrates.

If you have the choice between a Video and a DVD, go for the DVD. Isn't rewinding a video the bane of the workout existence? It is so eternally slow.

While "Precision Pilates" seems more like "Precision Yoga," I really enjoyed this video. If you want a more challenging Pilates-based workout, get "PERFECT MIX." It is intense and will take you to your limit.

This is now one of my favorite Pilates Workouts because it has so many unique poses and exercises. Make this year you reach your fitness goals, get as many Jennifer Kries workouts as you can find.

Her "Perfect Mix" workout is a true test of endurance, patience and flexibility. Once you can do that entire workout with perfection, you are on your way to looking and feeling better than you did last year. Exercise is one of those challenging aspects of life, but the results (no matter how long they take to appear) can be very satisfying when you see them appearing. I'm not exactly "skinny," but I intend to reach a new level of fitness in 2004. I'm going to review my way to fitness. Now there is motivation!

This workout is for Beginner to Intermediate, but you can take the positions to the advanced level over time.

Another workout to love!

~TheRebeccaReview.com