Jennifer Kries' Pilates Method: Perfect Mix

I tried this Pilates DVD, going on a suggestion from a friend that Pilates was the way to go. It focuses a lot on isometric exercises (which I love...see my review for "Callanetics") and core control. However, this DVD was not what I was expecting it to be.Granted, I consider myself to be in pretty good shape, as well as one of those "freakishly flexible" people that the Amazon editors call Jennifer Kries, so my review may be biased for the already-in-shape exerciser. However, this DVD doesn't do as much as it could.The core conditioning segment focuses on the abdomen and somewhat on the back. Here, I would strongly highlight the Amazon editor's comment about Kries not doing a lot of reps of each exercise. She doesn't. She does maybe 8 and stops. You do feel it in your abs, and then all of a sudden, the workout is over! Kind of frustrating for someone who likes ab exercises. If you are a beginner, you will probably find these exercises challenging. Most are traditional Pilates maneuvers, and each can be modifed to the difficulty level you wish.The metabolic booster section, meant to be a cardio workout, was more of an exercise in awkward choreography. If you had bad knees AVOID THIS SECTION OF THE VIDEO. She does a lot of lunges, with weights no less, and twisting...you're basically asking for a torn knee ligament.I admit that Jennifer Kries is a very empathic instructor, and her style is very gentle and encouraging. It's a good start for a beginner, but if you're in decent shape and are looking for an alternative to a complete body toning workout, this is probably not the DVD for you. I only use the Core Conditioning segment as a supplement to my current routine.

This is a great video and my second Pilates video with Jennifer Kries. Jennifer is inspiring to watch because of her flexibility. She describes the moves well and is good at encouraging the viewer. I usually do the whole tape to get a good workout even though it is broken up into three segments. It begins with good basic floor work to strengthen abs, legs and whole body. By the middle dance section I am beginning to sweat. The dance section is fun and challenging. The end segment is a good cool down. Each time I do this tape I feel relaxed, long and lean. Over the next few days I notice that my hamstrings and stomach muscles are pleasantly sore. My bestfriend said she noticed that I looked more toned after doing this 1-2 times per week than I did when we were walking 20 miles per week. I've definitely noticed a difference in my stomach and leg muscles. I have been doing the video for several months and still find it engaging - though I'm purchasing some new ones to help mix up my routine and advance my skill level.

The first time I did this tape, I did not like it at all, and I did not like Jennifer Kries. I made myself do it again, and for whatever reason, it has now become one of my favorite workout tapes. I think it was probably due to the fact that Jennifer is probably the most flexible person I've ever seen, and those "smooth" sit-ups are hard for a beginner, so I just didn't like her!! But now I especially like the last segment for those mornings that getting out of bed can be an exercise in itself! It really energizes you. One of the reviewers said not to do the 2nd segment if you have bad knees. That one is my favorite, but I have noticed some pain in my knees and I have had a RCL ligament replaced in my knee 8 years ago.....All in all, I think this is a very good tape for people with limited time, and a basic knowledge of Pilates.

I have enjoyed other workouts by Jennifer Kries for the past couple of years. I absolutely love the core conditioning and AM/PM segments of this program. She holds the stetches longer, gives better directions on posture and focuses more on breathing than in the other programs I have. I already loved what I had and ordered this for variety, and I have been very happy with my purchase.The matabolic booster was a nightmare for my friend and I when we tried it. We sat sat and watched it then tried it ourselves. Unless you are already coordinated and smooth, this segment is not helpful. I can't walk and chew gum at the same time, so swinging weights and trying to combine 3 or 4 other movements at the same time only led to big bruises and frustration. Forturnately, we tried this when the 2-year old was out of the house.This program is totally worth the purchase price, but I am going to have to look elsewhere for a more aerobic workout.

I have taken a few Pilates mat classes, and found this DVD to be excellent for a beginner. I like Jennifer Kries because she explains the moves really well - you don't have to keep looking up at the screen to see what she is doing because her descriptions are so clear. Also, she is down to earth and no nonsense, and I just like her style. One great feature of this DVD is the cardio section. Many Pilates workouts don't include cardio work, and this one is nice 'cos it uses light weights and is low impact (but still manages to raise my heart rate). I normally do The Firm workouts, and am used to more strenuous weight and cardio work, but this workout has made a difference in my abdominals and my flexibility. I'm looking forward to trying Jennifer Kries' other Pilates workouts.

I wanted to give this 5 stars, but I don't ever use the core part of the workout, so I didn't think that was fair. The Metabolic Booster workout is amazing though. It's a great mix of stretching, light weights, and balance/posture moves that moves fast enough to keep me interested. I've done this one 3 times this week, and people keep commenting on my posture! I highly recommend this one, and anything with Jennifer Kries.

今話題のピラテス、ウェイトを使ったエクササイズ、ヨガストレッチの3部構成のワークアウト。体の調子や気分に合わせてチョイスしてやっています。ヨガだけでも結構スッキリしますよ。インストラクターが｢吸って、吐いて｣をきちんと指導してくれるし、本人の息遣いも聞こえるので呼吸のタイミングが分かりやすいです。続けていけば、確実に体に効きそうな期待がもてる1本です。