DVD Review: Kick ABS Pilates Outside the Box

From the teaching training program Pilates Core Integration series comes the latest addition, Kick ABS Pilates DVD "Outside the Box".  All you need is a box, mat and small hand weights to benefit from this 38 minute program.  Created and written by Virginia Nicholas, owner and operator of the Moving Breath Pilates studio in Tempe, Arizona.

The workout starts with a dynamic, functional warm up than transitions into modified advanced Reformer exercises and new approaches to matwork.  Some personal favorite segments of mine include Swimming into Pulling Straps (wonderful cues and rhythm use here) and the Arm Series from  traditional Reformer with Serve the Brownies (Scoops) in a Teaser prep position.  It concludes with a gentle cool down and Eve's Lunge variations.

This DVD is great for creative at home add ins or for the Pilates instructor looking to progress clients to more intermediate Reformer exercises.  A worthy addition to any exercise library.

Click here for more Pilates DVDs to add to your collection.

For more DVDs from Virginia Nicholas click here. 

DVD Review: 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels

She's been in the spotlight on Biggest Loser for the past few years.  Now Jillian Michaels is taking a break from the hit show by branching off with some DVDs, adopting a baby and educating the public more about fitness as part of an everyday lifestyle.  In her DVD 30 Day Shred, she challenges you to loose those extra lingering pounds and get off the couch.

The workout is a challenge!  This routine can be super intense, but how else to you expect to get quick results with about 25 minutes a day (60 if you do all levels)?  Broken down into 3 levels of progression with modifications for each move make this a top pick for an educational circuit DVD.  Each workout includes 3 circuits.  Each circuit includes 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs.  Just when you think you're about to die you get to switch to another move.  Your arms will fatigue from the hand weights and planks/push ups.  Your cupcakes (bottom) will feel the burn days after; this I promise.  

Fit this in on days when you are crunched for time and want a great full body workout.  Do the whole program along with her healthy meal plan you find online to get in shape for those graduations, weddings or big events in your life.  You deserve to have the body you always wanted and Miss Michaels will be there to motivate you every step/hop/lunge along the way!

Click here for more Pilates DVDs to add to your collection. 

DVD Review: Tracy Anderson Method Mat Workout

Tracy Anderson is a big name in fitness working with Hollywood stars such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow.  She uses her background in dance to sculpt long, lean lines in the body using a variety of unique exercises.  This is a complex yet effective workout which everyone will enjoy to firm up and slim down.  

"The Tracy Anderson Method Mat Workout DVD"  includes a dynamic warm up, standing chair leg work (similar to ballet bar work), core sequences, arm weight series and cool down stretches.  You will definitely feel the burn and work all those smaller muscles!  I recommend you take breaks with each section until your body is better able to adapt to these new movements (especially during the arm sequences).  

This is a great DVD to add to your collection to spice up your workouts.  Get a toned behind, sexy arms and narrow your waist all in an hour.  A great compliment to cross train with Pilates also.

Click here for more Pilates DVDs to add to your collection. 

DVD Review: Kick Abs Pilates Workout by Virginia Nicholas

Virginia Nicholas is a wonderful, well experienced Pilates instructor who owns Moving Breath Pilates in Tempe, AZ and teachers as part of Pilates Core Integration Teacher Training Program (PCI).  I had the pleasure of having a private workout from her while nearby on vacation.  She is very hands-on and taught at an invigorating pace.  She has now come out with a handful of DVDs that are highly educational and well executed.    

"Kick Abs Pilates Workout" is an advanced mat routine that can be completed in a little over a half hour.  You are cued through all the moves in the traditional style of Pilates just as you would be in a class setting.  The best part about the DVD is the beautiful transitions and combination moves.  They are sure to test your coordination as well as endurance!

I personally would have enjoyed a longer workout, yet the moves are challenging.  Great for any instructor or elite student for at home use.  Also check out her spine corrector or chair DVDs (sold online) to spice up any private or class.


Click here for more Pilates DVDs to add to your collection. 

Pilates DVD Queue

We all can't make it to class or the studio as often as we would like, so videos are an option to ensure you get a workout into your schedule. Here's some Pilates DVDs out there for you or your loved ones to add to your collection this holiday season:

• Balance Ball for Weight Loss (Gaiam)

Pilates taken to the balance ball gives you a more advanced workout. You can chose to do only a few sections if you are short on time or the full hour. Requires you purchasing a ball for home, but is well worth the results for those that want to take Pilates to the next level.

• Rael Pilates System 17
  

Well experienced Rael leads you in a challenging mat workout with beautiful cuing. You will stretch and tone your way to the body of a graceful dancer in less than an hour. A little more advanced than his System 7, but not as challenging as System 27.

• Winsor Piates: 20 Minute Workout

For those who have a busy schedule and are looking for a nice complement outside of regular classes. Modifications are shown, but this is more for someone with some prior mat Pilates background. The side leg series section is a personal favorite of mine.

• Classical Pilates Technique with consideration of the Neck & Back

Classical mat workouts that shows modifications for those with neck and back issues. Great for those who want to learn safe exercises to practice at home. There is even a "Pre-Pilates" section which takes you through the movements in detailed precision.

• Pilates for Every Body (Denise Austin)
  

For those who prefer more of an aerobic pace (or Denise Austin). She incorporates the use of resistance bands and a chair or wall for added props to add variety. Not the best with instruction of Pilates principles or modifications though unfortunantely.

• Stott Pilates: Fitness Circle Challenge

A magic circle is a great addition to your at home routine and this video is educational to boot. In a little over a half hour you will get toned in a full body mat routine. Stott has wonderful instructional videos and this is no exception.