DVD Review: Pilates Workout for Dummies

I watched the Pilates Workout for Dummies with Michelle Dozois this morning. As with every fitness DVD, I watch the whole thing first before actually trying the exercises.

I have always considered Pilates as exercise, but I never realized how much of an exercise it is! At the start of the DVD, even Michelle recommends that you watch it all the way through before trying any of the exercises. Yep, for a couch potato like me, it's pretty intense.

Almost every exercise has a less challeging option, which kind of gives you an idea that Pilates isn't a walk in the park. Yet, I was struck by how good it can be for the body, toning and shaping. Yes, doing Pilates two or three times a week sure looks like it will help get you fit and flexible!

The DVD actually has two sections that you can play separately -- the beginner workout and and intermediate workout. If you are not familiar with Pilates at all, I suggest you start with the beginner section, even if you're relatively fit. It's a good introduction to the moves.

Michelle, the instructor, is cheerful without being overly cheerful. She's professional and easy to watch. The background music is not overwhelming and suits the exercises. The importance of breathing during the exercises is discussed, and Michelle often reminds you to breath and not hold your breath!

My only real problem with the DVD is that nothing about a warm-up or cool-down is covered. These exercises are intense enough that you can surely hurt yourself if you aren't at least a little stretched before you begin. And cool-down stretches are also very necessary -- your muscles have been doing a lot of contracting. Oh, and the importance of drinking water after your workout isn't mentioned either.

If you are already familiar with some good stretching exercises and are not a total couch potato, this is a good DVD to learn Pilates with. If you don't know a good stretching routine and are a couch potato, I would not recommend this as your first introduction to an exercise program. Try something a little less intense at first, and then come back to this DVD.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It's a good DVD, but it really needs to cover the warm-up and cool-down in order to get 5 stars.