This unintimidating video explains Pilates mat techniques in easy-to-understand language. Not only can you tone and reshape your entire body by using this video - but you may even change your mind about exercise. What is the ultimate workout machine! YOUR BODY!!! With the authentic Pilates Method (developed decades ago by Joseph H. Pilates), you can reshape and tone your entire body to look longer and leaner by using these simple-yet-effective techniques. Anyone can do Pilates, regardless of age or fitness level - and that means you! Pilates for Dummies offers step-by-step instruction for 18 popular Pilates mat exercises and makes working out at your own level easy to do. This video incorporates floor techniques that are taught as part of every Pilates mat class to help you strengthen and lengthen your muscles, improve your posture, and tone and tighten your mid-section.

About the instructor:
Michelle Dozois is a 14-year fitness professional and Method Pilates certified instructor. She's the co-owner of Breakthru, a personal training and Pilates studio in Pasadena, California. Michelle has appeared in over 15 exercise videos, including Buns of Steel Platinum Collection and 10 Minute Solution.
Pilates Workout for Dummies is a 60-minute DVD, ideal for both the first-time and intermediate Pilates exerciser. In the Basic Workout, well-toned instructor Michelle Dozois clearly and patiently presents 18 classic Pilates mat exercises, first demonstrating and explaining, then doing 6 to 10 repetitions. She explains what the Powerhouse is and how to use it, and covers the basics you'll need if you've never done this before (or need to be reminded), offering alignment tips, breathing, and extremely clear instructions for executing each movement. Dozois suggests modifications for making the exercises easier (or, occasionally, more challenging), and includes cautions against common mistakes and reminder tips for doing each exercise effectively. This is a fine first workout for Pilates novices. The Intermediate Workout consists of some of the Basic exercises and several new ones, all done at a faster pace and with more challenging instructions. This is a workout you can progress with! --Joan Price

Customer Rating:
Summary: A Great Starter DVD
Comment: This is one of the DVDs that I picked up to learn Pilate (also took a couple of classes at the local gym, but primarily used my DVDs) Pilates for Dummies includes a good introduction to Pilates - the terms used and proper positioning and you really should make sure to listen carefully. If you think the exercises are easy, go back and review things to make sure you are doing things properly. Then you will feel things.

The poses are presented with great detail so you can follow the proper mechanics on how to do the poses then you move throught the poses with variations to make things easier or harder as you feel you can do.

Really pay attention to each pose and performing it properly and you will get a great workout. Start with a few minutes and work your way up as you get more proficient.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Pilates for Dummies
Comment: Very easy to follow and moves along. Other Pilates DVD's I've tried are dragged out and not fun to work along with. I have been doing it faithfully since receiving it. Still working on Beginners. There is also an Advanced section which I will get to after a few months. Already notice firming up of abs and legs.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Very Good
Comment: I am new to Pilates and some other exercises and picked this DVD up to learn. Very well worth it with good instruction and exercises, I am feeling stronger and happy I purchased this.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good DVD
Comment: This is a good beginner's guide to pilates. It makes my body feel good and worked out.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Instructive
Comment: I've now used this video several times and have been impressed with it. The instructor provides solid, easy to understand explanations. I appreciate the simplicity of the production; there is no cheesy music or distracting panning to other buff exercisers. The moves aren't super easy, but the instructor gives ways to make them easier and also encourages a beginner to only do as many as they are comfortable with.

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