On the Ball Pilates Workout for Beginners

*intro,
*abdominal connection(with different, effective oblique moves)
*back strengthening(I have a weak lwr back, and can still do these w/o pain),
*core strengthening,
*leg/spine mobility,abs/leg coordination(effective total body moves),
*thigh strengthening(u feel this!),
*back extensions then leg extensions.

After that theres FOUR BONUSES! This dvd is fantastic, a great effective way to use your ball and add variety to workouts, exercises are effective, safe and fun!Lizbeth is a pleasant, motivating,non annoying instructor with an inspiring physique, fit and realistic! I higly recommend this DVD!!!


Keeps on giving   January 15, 2005
A viewer (Berkeley, CA)
186 out of 188 found this review helpful

After my incessant keyboard slouching started taking a toll on my back, I thought it was time to give a pilates inspired workout a try (I was a dancer in a previous life). The end result? While I haven't lost pounds from this video alone, my posture is better, I look taller, my core is much stronger, and my waist is much more defined. And that was after just two weeks. No kidding.

This dvd is an absolute joy, and just keeps on giving. It starts off very gently with abdominal tilts, but quickly moves into floor work that actually has me breaking into a sweat. It's been a few months now and I'm still trying to master some of the exercises ((the ballisk, anyone?). It works every part of your core, and the leg lifts at the end really give you a burn. The music is soothing yet invigorating, and Lizbeth makes an excellent instructor. Pay attention to her breathing instruction - it makes a world of difference (which you should know if you've tried yoga and pilates before). And the best part are the bonus exercises which are just if not more challenging as the main video.


Challenging but inspiring!   January 14, 2005
Marathongirl (Chicago, IL)
40 out of 41 found this review helpful

My husband and I have been using this DVD for about two weeks. I usually hate working out to videos, but this one is truly terrific. It's very challenging, but you see improvements in your stability and strength right away. I also love that you don't have to get geared up to start working out. I've been getting up half an hour earlier each morning, and can do the workout in my pajamas before breakfast.

It stretches you out and definitely strengthens your abs. What I especially love is that you can't master it all at once. You get your money's worth with moves it will take months to really perfect.

I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a challenging but fruitful workout.


Not a Beginners Workout   March 28, 2006
Angie (United States)
36 out of 36 found this review helpful

I got into the balance ball via my chiropractor and love the core training that I got from physical therapy. I wanted to expand on that and have looked for "beginner" DVD's. This claimed to be for beginners but it is not for anyone who isn't already at least partly fit. There is no work up to this work out, in other words when you hit play it is full speed ahead! The moves are challenging not for someone who isn't used to working out. I knew going in that Pilates was a challenging form of exercise; I wasn't however prepared for the speed in which this workout moves. I am keeping this DVD and will use it later after I have toned up more but I would not suggest it to anyone that hasn't worked out in a while!


Relaxing, invigorating workout for beginners   October 28, 2003
34 out of 39 found this review helpful

This is a gentle, stretching core workout. I have been using the stability ball for quite some time, but I didn't think this workout pushed my limits. I would suggest it for a beginner, and anyone looking for gentle, stretching and pilates-based moves. The instructor is good, and explains breathing techniques which assist each move. I did break a light sweat doing this, and definitely increased my heart rate, but I think this workout would be best in conjunction with cardio. Most of the focus is on the core, and I would have liked to see some arms/chest/shoulders included.
The music is soothing and matches the pace of the workout. I'd do this workout again after an aerobic session, but on the whole it is not challenging enough.