Pilates Beginning Mat Workout [VHS]

"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

Price: $14.98

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Pilates For Beginners (3 DVD Set)

This 3 DVD set has everything you need to begin learning Pilates and to progress at your own pace. Never before has a has a single collection of Pilates DVDs contained so much valuable information to help you explore the hworld of Pilates. Be inspired and motivated with this amazing library that will grow with you for years to come.
DVD HIGHLIGHTS: * Over 40 routines for a wide range of needs * Modifications of poses for less-flexible people * Routines from 15 - 60 minutes Pilates For Beginners 3 DVD Set contains the following DVDs:
Pilates for Inflexible People
Pilates for Inflexible People is for anyone who considers themselves inflexible. Joseph Pilates developed his method not for people who were already flexible, but rather to help inflexible and/or injured people become more flexible, strong and healthy. Pilates Complete for Inflexible Peopleis the perfect companion for anyone on this wonderful journey to increased health and vitality. A wide range of poses are taught and modified to help both beginning and intermediate students experience the benefits of Pilates. No matter how flexible you are, these customized workouts allow you to progress at your own pace. Includes remedial yoga sections to concentrate on flexibility. Over 15 routines!
Pilates Complete for Weight Loss
Pilates Complete for Weight Loss is the perfect way for beginning, intermediate and advanced students burn fat, build muscle and achieve and maintain an ideal weight. These workouts are designed to transform how your body looks, feels and performs, and is the perfect complement to any weight loss program. With over 15 customized mat workouts to suit your physical and scheduling needs, there is no better way to learn, progress and experience Pilates in your home. Great for beginners and advanced students Over 15 routines!
Pilates Complete Sculpt and Tone
Pilates Complete Sculpt and Tone has everything you need to get into the best shape possible. With a wide range of routines, these routines will help you achieve a sculpted, lean physique. Easy-to-use menus allow you to select a workout that fits your scheduling and physical needs. You can choose a workout by either body part (abs, legs, arms, back and glutes) or by type of routine (mat work, circle, weights, balance ball or small ball). No matter what shape you are in now, these customized workouts allow you to work and progress at your own pace. Over 20 routines!

Price: $39.99

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Partner Pilates.

Fitness trainer and former Olympian Annabelle Rosemurgy is the owner of a chain of Pilates Studios in Southern California, called Equilibrium. I’m excited to finally have a PILATESpost up in herre. Please to enjoy…

Who doesn’t like to fall in love?

There’s nothing like it.

But, as anyone who has fallen in love can attest, over time, couples start packing on the pounds.

You’re dining at nicer restaurants – drinking a little more extra wine than normal, sharing desserts regularly.  Soon you are ordering in comfort food, watching movies, and cuddling.  Within a few months, couples look a little worse for the wear.

With Spring right around the corner, put down that stale box of Valentine’s Day chocolates and do something good for each other…Get cut not comfortable with the one you love.

I’ve created a routine that’s designed to be done twice each time you hit the gym and four times a week.  It will have lovers back to their pre-relationship bodies in no time.  After all a couple that sweats together, stays together.

Cupid Crunches-Targets the Obliques.

Man and Woman are on tandem machines.

Each person sits on the right outer thigh extending the left leg out.  Hook leg under “X” strap.    Holding the body bar, extend arms straight above the head lengthening the upper body, focusing on keeping the core engaged and chest open.  Slowly extend arms and torso out.  Hold for five seconds.   Slowly contract and return to starting position.   Perform 10 crunches.

Alternate sides, doing 10 more crunches.  Man and Woman alternate body positioning so they appear to form a T shape.

Lover’s Limbo Crunch- Works the Abs and Quadriceps.

Each person sits facing forward on the rear platform of their respective machines  keeping the tailbone tucked underneath for lower back support.  Hook both feet under the S strap with knees bent towards the chest.   Extend arms directly out from the shoulders holding the body bar.   Arms should be shoulder width apart, palms facing down.   (This is the starting position.)

Keeping abs engaged, slowly release the carriage away from the body, keeping the body bar directly in line with the shoulders.  and Crunch knees into chest, lifting the upper body to meet the knees.  As the upper body returns to the starting position, arms press up above the shoulders reaching towards the ceiling.

Focus on keeping the pelvis tucked underneath, protecting the lower back and neutral spine.

Tag Team Tease Him – Works the core with a focus on the Obliques.

Woman places hands on the foot bar.  Her shoulders are square to the bar.  Cross the right foot in front of the left, heel to toe.

While slowly releasing the carriage away from the body, keep the pelvis open facing outwards, legs straight, and the spine neutral.  Extend legs out to a full side plank position engaging just the right oblique.   Continue to keep pelvis open and spine long.

Engage triceps to stabilize the upper body.   Slowly contract the right oblique, keeping the pelvis open, and raise the hips towards the ceiling folding in half.  Perform 10 reps.  Alternate sides, placing left foot in front of the right.    (This exercise is compatible with all Pilates machines.)

Tag Team Tease Her-Works the Obliques.

The Real Ryder has a unique, articulating frame that allows it to steer, turn, and feel like a road bike. That side-to-side motion requires constant shifts of balance – continuous adjustments and corrections that correspond to a rider’s movements on the road while encountering wind shifts, obstacles, and banked and curving surfaces.

While the woman is on the Megaformer, the man is on the Real Ryder Bike (or other stationary bicycle).  If using a Real Ryder, he will steer and cycle to the right, holding that position for one minute.

After one minute, he will repeat, steering and cycling to the left.  Cadence should be between 80-110 rpms, using moderate resistance.  After a total of six minutes (three minutes on each side), man and woman tag team and switch exercises.  If a Real Ryder is not available, each person should ride for a total of six minutes using moderate resistance and at a speed of 80-110rpms.

Love in an Elevator Lunge-Works the Glutes and the Hamstrings.

Woman places right foot on platform and left foot approximately six inches from the front of the carriage.  Keeping the left leg straight, push the carriage back by bending the right leg, keeping the knee over the ankle and the knee stationary throughout the exercise.

Bring the carriage back in by pressing through the right heel engaging the right glute and hamstring as the body returns to its starting position.  Throughout the move focus on keeping the core engaged, the upper body tall, and the chest open, stabilizing the upper body.

For a more intense exercise,  the woman can hold 4lbs dumbbell weights giving the option to perform a variety of exercises like bicep curls, upright rows, shoulder presses, or lateral raises.   Alternate legs.  Perform 10 reps on each side.

Simultaneously, the man stands at the rear of the machine facing forward with 8-10lb dumbbells in each hand.  As the woman lunges back on the carriage, the man stands with feet shoulder width apart and steps forward with the right leg.  He bends the right knee in a lunge position  at the same time the woman is lunging (cheek to cheek).

He then presses through the right heel, engaging the right glute, hamstring, and quadriceps, right leg pressing back and returns to starting position.  Alternate legs. Perform 10 reps on each side.

Couples Spoon with Tricep Dips: Works the Triceps and lower Abs.

The man and women are on tandem machines.

Each person puts their hands on the bars on either side of their respective machines.  Both start with legs straight  out in front of them.  Each of them presses up off the bar, squeezing the shoulder blades, and keeping the chest open.  Lift hips up into a pike position, using the lower abs and triceps for stabilization.

Slowly release from pike position, keeping the legs tight, bending the elbows into 90 degree angles while keeping the shoulder blades squeezed together and chest open.  Hold for four seconds.  Press up for four seconds back into pike position.  Repeat 10 times.

Ahh…ain’t love grand?

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Pilates/Yoga Starter Kit (10 Minute Solution: Pilates For Beginners, Element AM & PM Yoga For Beginners, Element Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility, Element Pilates For Weight Loss)

10 Minute Solution: Pilates For Beginners
NO TIME TO EXERCISE? We have the solution for you, the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day, and we've developed 5 Pilates workouts that are just 10 minutes apiece. Each segment teaches the fundamental techniques and proper form required to reach those fantastic results that only Pilates can deliver! Compact and ultra-efficient, the 10 minute sessions fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into 5 separate workouts, mix and match your favorites to fit your schedule each day, or do them all together for one incredible, body sculpting 50 minute beginning Pilates workout. Core Basics: In this set you'll use proper positioning to strengthen your abdominals with maximum benefit, and you'll streamline your waistband using core fundamentals. Lower Body Basics: Learn how to stabilize your torso as you sculpt your hips, glutes and thighs. As a bonus, you'll get a nice core challenge workout while you create those long, lean legs. Upper Body Basics: This fluid segment will not only tone and trim your arms, but also help you develop beautiful definition in your back and shoulders. Total Body Combo: In these all-body exercises your hips, spine and shoulders will work harmoniously to strengthen and tone your body from head to toe. Look forward to a new lean physique! Long & Limber Stretch: This relaxing sequence can help you improve your posture while using Pilates principles to stretch your legs, spine and shoulders.

Element AM & PM Yoga For Beginners
Yoga is a wonderful way to help you keep fit, relieve stress, and ease your everyday experiences. Filmed on a beautifully serene location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, these two 30-minute programs will help you realize all the benefits of yoga by unveiling a new connection between your body and mind. The AM sequence enhances basic poses with gentle repetitions to invigorate, tone, and streamline your body while reconnecting to your breathing in a new way every time you practice. The PM sequence in designed to dissolve stress as it lengthens and opens your muscles. You'll learn to use your alignment to expand your breathing capacity, nourishing your body and balancing your entire being.
About the Instructor: Elena Brower, Certified Anusara Yoga teacher, encourages you to invite yogaâ??s healing beneficence into every realm of your life. She is the founder of Virayoga in New York City and author of Alchemy, A Glossary. Named one of New York Cityâ??s top yoga teachers by Fit Yoga magazine, Elenaâ??s clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts, Minnie Driver, Eva Mendes, Christy Turlington and Rebecca Romijn.

Element Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility
Stress relief and flexibility programs are natural compliments in yoga. When you release mental pressure, you simultaneously relieve tightness in your muscles and joints. Similarly, when you focus on reducing stiffness in the body, you automatically release tension held in the mind. These two rejuvenating yoga programs, filmed in a tranquil garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean, can help undo the physical and mental effects of tension. The Stress Relief sequence uses the breath, longer holds, and forward bends to encourage the body's relaxation response. This calming sequence will dissolve anxiety, improve quality of sleep, reveal clarity of thought, and activate the anti-aging benefits that restorative yoga provides. The Flexibility sequence uses simple but effective flowing vinyasas to enhance agility, alleviate pain, cultivate a greater free range of movement, and reduce risk of future injury.

Element Pilates For Weight Loss
Pilates can transform your body in a way no gym equipment can match. Filmed on a breathtaking location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this dynamic beginner's workout is designed to maximize calorie burn while teaching you the basics of Pilates. With a combination of Pilates-conscious cardio and mat Pilates, this sequence uses the principles of control, concentration, precision, center, breath, and fluidity to help you sculpt a new shape. The gentle, low impact exercises will strengthen and tone your whole body to develop a slimmer, leaner body line.
About the Instructor: Brooke Siler is a second generation Pilates teacher, trained directly under Joseph Pilatesâ?? own protégée for 12 years. She is the celebrated author of the New York Times best-selling series of books The Pilates Body and Your Ultimate Pilates Body Challenge. As owner of re: AB® Pilates Studio in New York City (www.reabnyc.com) and founder of the re: AB Pilates Teacher Certification program, Brooke has trained countless celebrity clients including Kirsten Dunst, Lauren Hutton and Madonna.
â??Never done a roll up? Brooke Siler whoâ??s trained Rachael Weisz easily you through a mat and cardio routine.â? - The Best Workout DVDS US Weekly; January 12 2009 ed.

Price: $59.98

Click here to buy from Amazon

Pilates Beginning Mat Workout [VHS]

"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

Price: $14.98

Click here to buy from Amazon

Pilates Conditioning for Weight Loss [VHS]

VHS

Price: $14.98

Click here to buy from Amazon