Pilates videos

[Kathy]

I don't know if this came up on the old board, but has anyone tried pilates on video? I have heard good things about pilates in general and want to give it a try, but I don't have a lot of time and money to invest in fitness classes. Also, the "Y" is too far from me...call me lazy /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif I want to find a good quality/effective pilates dvd without spending too much. Any suggestions?

[Honey Vibe]

I've heard of it Kathy, but for all the people I know who do Pilates, they use it to supplement gym exercise. I myself used to do Callanetics, which was very enjoyable; I'd certainly recommend AM/PM Callanetics.

[pmichael52172]

I LOVE it, LOVE it, LOVE it and highly recommend it. Did I mention that I love it? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I have scoliosis and was having pain in my lower back years ago. The rinky dink exercises in the booklet my doc gave me weren't helping. Somehow I heard about Pilates and although I'm not committed, I do do it.

When I am committed, I find I sleep better, am more relaxed. My joints don't pop like they use to when bending at the knee and such and my legs/ thighs have become more leaner looking. (Of course I've altered my diet as well) I like it because there's no stress on the joints... no jumping, pounding on the floor or bouncing. Every movement flows like water.

I found a website here http://www.collagevideo.com/showvideo.asp?item=4828
that sold the videos and ordered one by Mora Stott. I liked it but soon a friend bought one for me by Jennifer Kries http://www.jenniferkries.com Hers are the absolute best to me.

I feel you on going to classes and paying for it. Although working out in a class makes the time go by quicker, I prefer home too. It's free, I can wear what I want and I can do it on my time.

Another thing, don't be pulled into thinking you need the equipment in order to take Pilates to the next level, or that you even need to buy a floor mat. It doesn't cost anything except for money for the video. My friend bought Jennifer's videos at Target, so search all stores, Walmart etc. before you go on the net. Just use the net to search your options.

Here's another link to show some of the millions of Pilates floor positions there are out there. http://www.hermit.com/hermit/mat/matlist.html

Let me know what you think and if you have any questions (although I'm not an expert) hit me up at pmichael@voanews.com

[pmichael52172]

I don't know about the other Pilates instructors, but Jennifer Kries does have Pilates movements that involve calisthenics - they get your heart rate going and again there's no jumping, jogging our bouncing involved.

She even has moves where you use 2-3lb dumbells (optional).

I like her videos because each video contains 3-4 seperate condition techniques.... for maybe 20 min or more a piece. (can't remember exactly because I don't time myself).
However, go on collagevideo.com and research all the teachers/techniques... if you have a Real Player, you can even see a small sample of the video you're interested in.

[lshevonne]

I don't stick with it but that's just me and working out. Hey, it is GREAT... You use your stomach for everything and I could feel it after a few days. I first bought the book Winsor Pilates and it has great pictures and detailed instructions. She now has a set of videos out but I havn't got them. http://www.winsorpilates.com/hom.php I did get the videos Pilates Beginning Mat Workout by Ana Caban & Pilates For Weight Loss by Susanne Deason both are from a company called Gaiam. I got mine from Ulta but you can purchase them online http://www.gaiam.com/retail/gai_shophome.asp
Like someone else said did I say it was GREAT! I had more energy and could feel it in my stomach. Hey, I think I've just told myself what I need to do for all this stress I'm going through.... If you stick with it like I should be doing does wonders. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[BlkMane]

I do Pilates. It's great! I actually break a sweat doing some of the routines on video. The Jennifer Kries videos are the best. She has a lot of different ones.

An idea--check to see if you local library has her tapes that way you can try them out BEFORE purchasing.

[Kathy]

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my thread. I found it all very helpful. I think I will check out what's in stock at the library before I spend money on something I'll end up selling. Hopefully they will have some of the videos mentioned in the previous posts. Thanks again.

[Honey Vibe]

Have fun Kathy!

[Leigh]

I like them. I have several Method videos and 2 Physical Mind videos. Jennifer Kries is the instructor in the method videos.

[Leigh]

I have the yoga for weight loss with Susanne Deason and the Method pilates series (old and new). I've been wanting to try the Windsor pilates for some time but was hesitant on purchasing them since the physical mind one's were just OK that I bought. How did the Caban compare to the Deason tape?

[pmichael52172]

Leigh,

I haven't tried all the Pilates videos out there, but I am convinced that Jennifer Kries' way is the one for me. I like the way she sections her workouts and I just plain like her overall. I plan to buy all of her videos.

[Boadicea]

I've just started Winsor Pilates and am using it to supplement Belly Dancing and Naginata. So far, my back pain is almost non-existant after trying one exercise where you "massage" your spine. If you'd like to try it out for half or less price, try bidding for a video on eBay. At least if you don't like it, you won't have paid a fortune for it