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.