Simply Pilates [With DVD]

This is a good program for someone just learning Pilates or for someone who hasn't exercised for a while.

I'm retired in the "over 60" category. I've been doing basic Pilates mat for several years. I will never advance pass the intermediate level. This is a good basic program for beginners, and a nice refresher for me as it eases me into the routines when I fall off the habit. It will get you started. No, it is not the true intermediate or advanced level. There are other programs for that. I'm thinking people start too fast too soon. Use it to get started and perhaps a little maintenance of the basics.

I love this DVD for home exercises but with a lot of these things I wouldn't like to try it not having done classes in the past. It's absolutely great for continuing exercises but I'd get a teacher to explain everything clearly in a class first. I like jennifer's firm but clear tone, the speed and the grace. Great for home use - but do some classes first!

It's a good "first pilates disk" while you're trying to figure out if Pilates is the thing for you. Jennifer has a nice voice, shows the exercises well, the workout has a nice pace and flow to it. Don't attempt rollovers though - it's a very advanced exercise that for some reason made it on this disk.

This is an excellent introduction to Pilates (Pilates, not Yoga, as the Editorial Review above states!!) for the beginner who wonders what all of the hype is about, but doesn't want to drop a few hundred on classes or a private instructor. It's a good taste of things to come, and not a half-bad core strengthening program. Ms. Pohlman's book and DVD (I use the DVD almost exclusively when traveling, since I can play it on my laptop) are very clear and easy to follow. The single criticism I have is for the last exercise - Rollovers. Since this, in all other aspects, seems to be a very elementary book, I have no idea why such an advanced maneuver would be included. A second edition should probably replace it with the Seal or Rolling Like a Ball. (Rollovers are extraordinarily difficult for anyone not lucky enough to have a flat chest, Ms. Pohlman!!) However, that aside, it's an excellent intro, and unless you have neck or back problems, it's very comfortably situated in the beginner category.