Pilates DVD Review #2 - Denise Austin's Pilates for Every Body

I just did an entry about one of the segments from this DVD.  Unfortunately that was the best segment.


My standard disclaimer: I have been doing Pilates off and on for about 10  years...mostly through an old Denise Austin VHS (yes, the actual video tape) but more recently through mat classes.  So I guess my level is intermediate at best.  I have been doing Yoga for about a year and I'm beginner-intermediate.

The next pilates DVD (from the library of course) I tried was Denise Austin's Pilates for Every Body.

Let's face it, this DVD is old...and you can tell.  Hello 2002 graphics. 


She does some weird dance movements to warm up.  Next she goes to mat work which is okay...not the best I have seen with Pilates.  She uses a band at times which is not always needed and not everyone has one.  Next is the standing leg series (see previous blog entry) - awesome!  Then more work with the band targeting the arms.  She ends with stretching.  

Some of Denise's favorite sayings that I have learned over the years:

• "Let me see that smiling face."
• "Reach up, up up up up!"
• "This is my FAVORITE stretch!"
• "Zip it up."
• "Your spine is your lifeline."
• "Girdle of strength."
• "It's your powerhouse."
  

I give this DVD a 6/10.  Sorry Denise, I love you, but I'm going to have to say to skip this DVD except for the previously mentioned leg and butt workout.

Pilates/Ballet...Denise Austin Style!

Ouch, this short segment will work your quads, hams, and butt.  Unfortunately, it's probably the only good segment of the DVD.  

The segment is from Denise Austin's Pilates for Every Body.

The details:

• Go to Chapter 6, "Integrated Pilates Workout"
• Follow the chair segment.
• Without the DVD, here are the instructions:
• Start in pilates stance with toes slightly out.  
• Use the chair for balance as you kick one leg in front to hip level (double pulse) then back (one pulse).  Do 10 reps (front and back).  During last back kick, hold. 
• Return feet to pilates stance with heels together and toes slightly out.  Do heel beats/kicks for approximately 30 seconds.  The foot closest to the chair stays firm.  With your other foot, hit that heel against the stationary heel.  
• With outside leg, go to the ballet position of passe.  This means your toe is pointed and comes up to your knee, forming a triangle.  Kick outside leg forward to hip level, then back (slightly tilt torso), then return leg to passe.  Do 10 reps.  
• With outside leg, go to the ballet position of passe.  Kick outside leg back (slightly tilt torso), then forward, and swing it through passe.  Do 10 reps. 
• Hold passe for a few seconds.  
• Stretch leg you are standing on (the stationary leg) by picking it up and doing a standing hip opener (heel rests on knee of other leg as you sit slightly).  
• Zip it up again according to Denise!
• Next she does leg circles, or the ballet movement of rond de jambe.  Do 10 reps.
• Lastly, kicks!  Lift your leg out to the side as far as you can go up and then down.  Do 10 reps.  Make sure to point your toe.   
• Repeat all of the above on the other side. 

Pilates DVD Review #1 - The Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge

In the next few posts you'll notice a pattern: that I'm trying to get back in to doing Pilates and Yoga.  My old work building was directly across the street from this amazing gym and I would take Pilates and Yoga, respectively, once a week (included in membership yay!).  That's not possible now, so I checked out about 10 DVDs from my library.

My disclaimer: I have been doing Pilates off and on for about 10  years...mostly through an old Denise Austin VHS (yes, the actual video tape) but more recently through mat classes.  So I guess my level is intermediate at best.  I have been doing Yoga for about a year and I'm beginner-intermediate.

The first DVD I tried was The Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge. 

It is divided up in to four "10 minute express routines" that target your arms, shoulders, abs, posture, hips, thighs, and butt.  Lest we not forget there is no such thing as spot toning...but you can target areas to strengthen the muscles.

In all honesty, this DVD sucked.  I'm not a fan of dividing up sections of Pilates...I believe in full body Pilates while going through transitions.  Yes, it's fine to focus on your butt, but give me more than that.  That all said, the only good segment of this DVD was the segment that targets your hips, thighs, and butt.  Even then, not the best I have seen.  The DVD as a whole does not show the right techniques in many instances re: how to even do Pilates.  I give this DVD a 3/10.