 "Standard Caban... very good!" | 2008-08-14 |
| - Reviewed By theclarinetist |
If you have done much of Ana Caban's videos, then this DVD will not be a shock to your system. I never did the "Pilates Beginners Workout" (my first Caban video was quick start pilates...), so I'm not sure how well this DVD works as a follow up to that beginner routine. However, as a stand alone workout it is very challenging.
I would compare it in difficulty to her Maintenance Pilates DVD (if you've done that). There are a few different exercises that I haven't seen in other Caban Videos (the swimming, for example), and she also does some of the commentary live (as opposed to via voice over), and explains a few things differently than in her other videos. Also, I'm not sure exactly when this was filmed, but it has a very 90s feel (especially some of the camera effects), so it's kind of amusing (in a nostalgic way), especially if you grew up on a steady diet of Saved By The Bell and M.C. Hammer pants like I did!
If you are already a Caban disciple and looking for something very different from her other tapes, this might disappoint you because it's mostly the same exercises from her other workouts (in which case I would recommend the Rael Pilates DVDs... the System 27 is AMAZING, and very different from Caban's approach). However, if like me, you do Caban videos frequently and are just looking for some variety (different audio/cueing/imagery, different pics to look at) this workout will certainly get the job done!
ENJOY! |
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 "good" | 2008-03-12 |
| - Reviewed By vonfriedeburg |
classic pilates or not, I found the workout good. not very challenging and a bit short, that's true but then you have the extra bonus. i thought it was nice and smooth and very well explained. actually the movements go from one position to another in such a good order that it kind of comes naturally to follow without too much explanation. That of course, if one is a bit (just a bit :) in shape and has some basic knowledge of pilates.
i didn't find the shooting so disturbing nor the sound quality bad as other reviewers complained. very nice instructor. to the point and concise.
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 "Not bad" | 2008-03-02 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3PXJTYTP319PY |
I only started doing yoga and pilates a couple months ago, and I got this video because I felt confident that I was intermediate enough to attempt it. I was nervous before I first did it because it kept warning that it was a lot harder than the beginner version that I hadn't done. After I did it though, it really was not the difficulty I expected. It is slower paced, and doesn't have as many repetitions as I expected. The intermediate work out is only about a half an hour long also and I was expecting an hour. It is not a bad work out though, but i consider it more as a warm up for me.
The bonus workout I think is reason enough to buy it however. The bonus workout is what i expected the main workout to be. And it has a really pretty setting. Its much faster, and you do not put your head down nearly as much as the main workout. It is much more difficult and works up a better sweat.
I really recommend Denise Austins Power Yoga and Pilates for a great yoga/pilates workout. Its fast and Denise is just so fun to work out with. |
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| "great follow-up to beginning mat workout" | 2008-02-16 |
| - Reviewed By User: AKOQTRSSMAP8A |
| Great follow-up with clear directions and nice pace. Different levels provided. Poses challenging, just wish it was a little bit longer (I am used to doing an hour class). |
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| "Great intermediate workout and great bonus workout!" | 2008-02-09 |
| - Reviewed By jessicastacey |
I'm a beginner/intermediate in Pilates, and this video has helped me progress tremendously. I'm right on that threshold where the beginner workout was way too easy, but this workout is still a challenge.
In order to follow the quick pace of this workout, you should have a solid base of Pilates knowledge - the names of the positions, how to breathe, etc.
The bonus workout is fabulous as well! I won't lie and say I'm the most athletic person, so this workout gets my heart rate up nicely and is very challenging on my abs/core. It's quick and to the point and a nice complement to the main workout.
Additionally, I love the interview with Ana. She seems like a really fun, genuine, driven, and talented person, and I think it really comes through in her workouts. For me this is huge, because I don't respond well to overly enthusiastic or perky instructors.
Overall, I love this video, and if you're a beginner who wants to advance to the next level, this is a great video. |
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| "Fast results" | 2008-02-01 |
| - Reviewed By susmcdo |
| I originally bought the vhs version of this several years ago and LOVED it. I saw results really quickly. This is the first pilates video I have ever done. I have done winsor, but still like this one best. However, I lost my vhs version so I am buying this one. :) I am not an athletic person and not very flexible. After a week or so doing this workout, my flexibility greatly improved, as did my core strength. I first noticed this amazing improvement when I was at the grocery store pushing both kids and groceries in the buggy. I suddenly was aware that I was standing up very straight and pushing the heavy buggy without having to lean into it and bend my back forward! I felt so strong! Anyway, buying tonight! :) Happy stretching! |
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| "A real workout!" | 2007-10-10 |
| - Reviewed By estherstiff |
| You will definitely feel the workout on this DVD! If you've tired of the Beginner level workout, this workout goes at a faster pace and blends familiar poses with new ones, so you feel challenged but not overwhelmed. |
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| "It Works" | 2007-08-07 |
| - Reviewed By suzin45 |
| This workout produces results. I have seen increased flexibility and toning by using it twice a week. |
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| "Excellent follow-up to classes!" | 2007-06-22 |
| - Reviewed By mitsukai |
I took 12 weeks (6 beginner, 6 advanced beginner) of classes in a studio that was rather far from my home. I loved the class, loved my instructor, and enjoyed exercising with the other women in the class. When the time came to jump up to Intermediate Mat class, I really couldn't afford the fee or the gas to get me there. I set about finding myself a good DVD that would offer the same moves as the classes I took. This one seemed to have a lot of good reviews, so I bought it. I am VERY pleased to say that aside from a few preliminary stretches and one move I liked very much (the Roll-Over), this DVD includes everything from my class. In fact, I'd say it's more like an advanced beginner level, than intermediate...because I have already learned all the moves here. However, since it took me a month or so to find a DVD I liked, this will catch me up nicely, and then I can move on to something hopefully a little more challenging with Ana. Ana reminds me very much of my instructor, cueing clearly and precisely and reminding me to keep my belly tucked in. I know I can use this DVD without needing to watch the screen.
I also have to add that although the second girl in the video is supposed to be demonstrating modified poses, I noticed several where I was unable to see any difference in her pose and what Ana was doing. Some were modified quite well, just not all of them.
In all, I am pleased with the purchase. The quality of the DVD is about average...nothing spectacular, but then, I don't need spectacular to get something out of an exercise DVD. I just want good cueing, and camera angles that allow me to see what is being done. This video accomplishes that just fine. As for the few missing poses from my class, I'll just add them in on my own. Also...I could go for a one hour pilates workout...this one is only 30 minutes, and then there's a bonus of 15 minutes separately with is basically the same stuff.
4 stars because of the missing moves, the 30 minute length and lack of challenge. Still a worthwhile video. |
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| "Good to build on" | 2007-06-01 |
| - Reviewed By ddickins86 |
| This DVD was good for me because I was already taking classes at the gym and I wanted something to do at home on my off days. I think it is a good DVD but I already need something a little more advanced. |
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