Customer Reviews

Kathy Smith:Pilates for the Lo

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In this video, Kathy Smith offers a very good Pilates workout which specifically targets the lower body. She begins with a 6-minute instructional section which addresses fundamentals of Pilates. In this section, Kathy provides excellent descriptions of basic Pilates concepts such as breathing techniques; the c-curve, pelvic scoop, and neutral spine alignments; engaging the hamstrings; and the Pilates powerhouse. This is a great introduction if you have never done Pilates before, but once you are familiar with Pilates principles, you can skip over this section.

The actual workout consists of 25 minutes of Pilates mat work. Kathy begins with classic Pilates exercises such as the hundred, leg circles, and shoulder bridge; her assistant, Lija, shows modifications for each exercise. After doing several moves lying on her back, Kathy flips over to lie on her stomach for some work more targeted on the hamstrings and glutes (for the exercises done while on the stomach, Kathy's instructors are dubbed in via voiceover, which is a little odd given that she uses live instruction for most of the workout). The final section of this workout is performed while lying on your side for the Pilates side kick series. Kathy leads a particularly tough sequence of moves in this series, and you will really feel the work in your outer thigh and hip areas especially. The workout ends with a seated mermaid exercise to provide a nice stretch. If you enjoy Pilates and would like to specifically focus on your legs, hips, and behind, this video would be an excellent choice.

This is the first pilates video I have bought and I love it. It's only 30 minutes and it's perfect if you don't have a lot of time to exercise. The instruction is great and even after a few workouts I'm already starting to notice a difference. I do think it's for beginners so I can see myself needing a more advanced workout eventually. But a great workout overall.

I am 55 yrs. old, work out at home, and attend a weekly Pilates class. I think I am moderately "fit". I had hoped this tape would provide a good at-home workout. I chose this after reading the various reviews for this tape and Kathy Smith's "Abs Workout", and assumed this would be more challenging. Unfortunately this tape is not much more than a beginner's workout, failing to adequately address the lower body, and was a real waste of money. To describe this as a "Lower Body" tape, is simply misleading.
I have been a long term fan of Kathy Smith. I have recommended her Shaper Ball and Aerobic Boxing tapes to friends. I enjoy her style of instruction and the production values. However, this workout simply does not deliver what it promised.

i purchased this DVD because it is difficult to find tapes that focus just on the lower body, and i love pilates. i imagine this DVD would be fine for beginners, but i found it to be all instruction. after the tape was finished, i felt as if i learned a lot, but it was not a very good workout. she seemed like a good instructor though. very slow. so sorry.

I WAS ALWAYS INTRIGUED ABOUT PILATES BUT THOUGHT IT WOULD BE TOO HARD. OF COURSE I CHOSE KATHY SMITH BECAUSE SHE'S MY FAVORITE AND I LIKE HOW SHE INSTRUCTS THE MOVES IN THIS VIDEO. SHE'S VERY CLEAR AND USES GOOD EXAMPLES TO DEFINE THE MOVES LIKE PRETENDING TO BE GOING THROUGH PEANUT BUTTER WITH YOUR LEGS. I DON'T BELIEVE PILATES COULD ACTUALLY MAKE YOUR LEGS LONGER, BUT STRETCHES OUT THE MUSCLES SO THEY DON'T BULK UP PLUS OVER ALL TONING. ALSO, THIS WORKOUT REQUIRE ALOT OF THINKING SO YOU DON'T MOVE YOUR MIDSECTION WHICH IS A CHALLENGE.

I WAS ALWAYS INTRIGUED ABOUT PILATES BUT THOUGHT IT WOULD BE TOO HARD. OF COURSE I CHOSE KATHY SMITH BECAUSE SHE'S MY FAVORITE AND I LIKE HOW SHE INSTRUCTS THE MOVES IN THIS VIDEO. SHE'S VERY CLEAR AND USES GOOD EXAMPLES TO DEFINE THE MOVES LIKE PRETENDING TO BE GOING THROUGH PEANUT BUTTER WITH YOUR LEGS. I DON'T BELIEVE PILATES COULD ACTUALLY MAKE YOUR LEGS LONGER, BUT STRETCHES OUT THE MUSCLES SO THEY DON'T BULK UP PLUS OVER ALL TONING.

i bought this tape the other day, and i have already done it twice.
I look forward to doing this tape because it's not too long (25mins) and it actually works on the areas where i need it.
The tape consists of 5-6 mins of Kathy explaining what the powerhouse is and how it should feel, then moves on to the work out with the "100" and some other pilates abs sets.
Then moves on the the thighs, inner first and then the outter thighs.
This tape is short but sweet, it hurts after you do it and Kathy only does 4 to 8 reps per set, which is good because they are slow and sometimes painful.
I definitely recommend this tape, it is mostly for the thighs, there are barely any butt exercises that she focuses on.
Highly enjoyable.

Kathy Smith does an excellent job of instruction on this video and others I have seen. It has all the Pilates exercises I need to keep my lower body and abs firm. Kathy is easy to listen to in her friendly, outgoing way, and explains each exercise clearly. I have other lower body pilates tapes, but this is the one I keep coming back to when I want a good workout with results! Thanks to Kathy for a quality workout video!

I usually love Kathy's workouts but this one was a disappointment though I liked it better than her Pilates for Abs DVD. There are better Pilates DVDs out there. (Try Jennifer Kries Pilates Method for a true workout!) This one could have been combined with her equally short Pilates for the Abs.

Kathy Smith challenges you with a Pilates workout for the Lower Body. This targeted, isometric workout will build core strength and stability, while challenging you to think and breathe.

Some of the exercises are similar to the Pilates for Abs workout. For example, Kathy starts out with the Pilates Hundred and for a final stretch, she uses the mermaid. Some of the exercises are modifications from the Pilates for Abs video, for example Kathy does the shoulder bridge, but adds a kick. There are even a few exercises that I have not seen in any Pilates workout on the market today. That originality really brings something extra to this workout.

The DVD includes a 6-minute warm-up, and a 25-minute workout. This workout runs about 5 minutes longer than the Pilates for Abs workout. It is challenging, and will make substantial gains in your lower body in terms of strength and flexibility. An essential component of a well-rounded fitness regime.