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Pilates - Beginning Mat Workout 
Actors : Ana Caban
Studio : Living Arts
by Living Arts
Release Date : 2001-07-20
Publisher : Living Arts
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9781930814097
UPC : 029956313408
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 262 reviews)
List Price : $14.98
Our Price : $5.99
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Description |
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Pilates is a full-body conditioning exercise program that uses a series of machines and exercises. It works the entire body, both the right and left sides, in unison. It focuses primarily on what Joseph Pilates called the "powerhouse," the group of muscles that begins two inches above and below your navel, then wraps completely around your front and back--kind of like a corset. It also includes your buttocks. The DVD features the Pilates Beginning Mat Workout, plus a bonus workout and interview with instructor Ana Caban. |
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Americancivilwar.com |
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"Remember what Joseph Pilates said," instructor Ana Caban says. "'You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions.'" Pilates has become very popular and for good reason. By working the core muscles (the abdominal and back muscles in the center of your body) you improve strength and posture and develop a lean, long line. Certified Pilates instructor Ana Caban is a splendid teacher. First she demonstrates alignment and technique for 10 minutes, explaining the cue words you will hear and how to do the basics, emphasizing how to use the core muscles to strengthen the abdominals and back throughout the workout. Then she introduces a challenging 20-minute series of Pilates moves, instructing clearly, demonstrating beautifully, and continuing to advise you about technique, breathing, and form. Even though this is a beginning Pilates workout, Pilates is never easy, so these moves will feel extremely difficult if you're new to this kind of exercise. For example, you learn to hold your abs tight whatever move you're doing, and you move only the muscles you're working at the moment, using your stabilizing muscles to hold the rest of the body still (much harder than it sounds!). Another participant demonstrates modifications throughout in case Caban's moves are too difficult or your muscles fatigue. If you've been wanting to explore Pilates and you're willing to put in the effort and concentration, this video gets our top rating. --Joan Price |
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love this work out |
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First let me admit that I am not in great shape. So besides walking I wanted to try something to help tone my body & try something new. I just love this DVD for those of us that are not in great shape this DVD goes slow enough that you understand the movements and she gives you a modified version if you can't accomplish it how she is doing it. In a month I started off doing mostly modified and now there is only one exercise I can't do normal. This is a great DVD and it is something for those of us that really are beginners. |
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Excellent DVD |
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An excellent DVD, Ana is very good at cueing the moves and this is a fvorite of mine and one the pilates DVDs that I have been using consistently since I started with various DVDs this year. If you are new to Pilates this one should be on the list to look at. |
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Good dvd for a beginner is hard to find |
Ana Caban's Beginning Mat workout DVD is clearly divided into three sections: A 10 minute intro, pilates exercises, and an energy boost section. The introduction provides information about what effects pilates has on the body, pilates principles, common terms heard throughout a pilates workout, and what you need in a workout. The energy boost at the end is a 12 minute challenge which begins with some standing exercises. Some of the exercises in this section will give you a taste of the intermediate version.
As an instructor Ana Caban is very personable and encouraging, she consistently says the name of each exercise before it happens (which other videos leave out), and she gives a challenging workout even for intermediate students.
Down Side: With the focus being on keeping her audience moving, she does not incorporate the principles as much as I would like to see in a beginner level video. I would particularly like to see her focus more on the pelvic placement and alignment in each exercise, as it is essential to fully understanding most exercises.
* Pace - The pace is too fast for complete beginners
* Level - High beginner
* Clear breath cuing - Fairly clear breath cuing
* Inclusion of pilates principles - The pilates principles are mentioned in the introduction but not incorporated into the workout as much as I would like to see, especially considering it is a beginner level workout
* Explanation of the goals of an exercise - The goal of each exercise is not always clear.
* What you get out of doing an exercise - Occasionally she mentions changes that you might see in your body.
* Target muscles - The basic amount of muscles used are occasionally mentioned.
* Common errors in specific exercises - Common errors are rarely mentioned - and they are important for a beginning student to know.
So, it's not the best beginner's video, but if you have taken some pilates classes before and are already familiar with the pilates basic principles within your own body, this is a great video to supplement your training at home. Its pace will ensure you finish well refreshed. Once you have mastered the Beginning Mat Workout you can segue to Ana Caban's Intermediate Mat Workout.
Also, if you know anything about pilates, you will find it's not the quanity of reps you do, it is the quality. So you do not need an hour long work out to get results with pilates or 100's of reps! |
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good beginner's dvd |
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I've never tried pilates before and I thought this was a good workout. It was interesting enough to keep my attention, the exercises were easy to follow, and I definitely felt it in my abs. I've been doing it for a few weeks and I really like it. |
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Love it! |
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I am a Pilates beginner. I read the reviews and decided to start with this one. I absolutely love it. After doing the 25 minute session, I feel great. I have also tried the 12 minute energy boost and did have more energy after doing it. I would recommend this dvd to any Pilates beginner. I am looking forward to moving on to Ana Caban's intermediate dvd in a month or so. |
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