The Pilates Body Kit: An Interactive Fitness Program to Strengthen, Streamline, and Tone

I love pilates and have used variety of pilates equipment, dvds, books, , but was confused how to feel and move from powerhouse, also how to breath position my body correctly. I knew something was lacking from my form and the various dvds and books did not help, either they were confusing, or the workouts were tedious, joyless. After using this set, I realized that you cannot "see" the fine details of pilates, by looking at someone else doing the movement, You have to find them through tuning into your own body. Pilates is subtle, complex. and wonderful to do when you grasp the basics. This set shows me what it must be like to train with top trainer. Wow! what a gift. It is like having one of the best trainers in your room, giving you private instruction! Now I understand and feel my powerhouse and know how to breath and how to use my breath and powerhouse to do the exercises. and have much clearer understanding of correct positions, movements of exercises than I ever did from the other sources. Plus she makes it fun. What a difference! If you've never seen the pilates exercises, then it might be helpful to borrow video or dvd from library and to see the basic movements. then take it back, and use this set to learn the details, to learn how to do them correctly, with joy, from one of the best trainers out there.

I bought this for the two workouts. I have several Pilates videos. But once you know what you are doing, it is frustrating to have to stop to listen to the alignment cues each time. The two workouts allow you to flow through the routines, moving from one exercise to the next without stopping. Since they are CDs, they are also excellent for taking on vacation or business trips. If you have been doing other videos/dvds or taking classes, you might find the beginner workout too short, around 15 minutes. The beginner and intermediate exercises used correspond to those labeled as such in her book The "Pilates Body". Therefore, they don't include intermediate exercises that might be on a beginner video/dvd or advanced moves (like swimming) that you might find on an intermediate video. I give it 5 stars for use by people familiar with Pilates. I would never try to learn Pilates, however, by using these. You really need to see the moves to understand them and to be able to do them properly.

I learned Pilates from tapes and DVDs by other instructors, but now I prefer using this CD for my every day workouts. I like the efficient pace of the workout tracks. They provide great guidance without including every laborious instruction from the introductory tracks, and there are no gaps where an instructor is blabbing and you're sitting on the floor waiting to do the next exercise. Therefore, if you do the 20 minute workout, you're really doing 20 minutes of exercise. I was skeptical about buying this system, but thought it was worth a chance for the price. Now, I'm sold on it. Not only is it easier to fit a workout into a busy schedule, but the results are better, too. I agree with other reviewers, however, in hoping to see another CD soon with a more advanced workout.

With all respect for the two reviewers who were disappointed in getting audio only CDs and not a video, I would like to remind them that watching a video while doing Pilates is virtually impossible as the act of watching will almost certainly pull you out of proper alignment (unless your TV is on the ceiling). These CDs are terrific - They include reminders of all the crucial mental aspects of Pilates, the breathing, the control of movement, and extension and opposition of body parts - and allow you to do a Pilates routine with proper sequence, pace and form while listening to important cues but allow you to concentrate on your own form, movement and breathing. Pilates done right is hard work - if it seems like just another form of calisthenics/yoga, as one reviewer suggested, then it simply isn't being done with proper focus. By the way, I credit Pilates with helping me gain the body control and flexibility to become a much better ice hockey goalie.

With all due respect to the reviewer who expected DVD's, this kit of CD's, cards, etc. is the absolute BEST at home pilates guide I have ever used. Unlike exercise guides that come in the form of books, these cards can be laid out flat on the ground or scrutinized while attempting a specific exercise -- no pages flopping around, no losing one's place! Brooke Siler is an amazing teacher -- not only does she explain the exercises and set the stage for one's success, her technique tips are totally accessible and unique. I've seen other Pilates guides and NONE are as thorough as this kit. Likewise, I was very impressed with her first book. By using it, I was able to LITERALLY change my body following the birth of my son. I've NEVER enjoyed an exercise regiment as much as this one and that is largely due to Siler and her teaching technique. BUY THIS KIT! You will love it!!!