Mari Winsor: Pilates

I started using Mari Winsor's Pilates VHS tapes. I then got this CD just because it was in CD format. I do Pilates to tone my muscles ...especially the thigh and abs and waist. I also notice that my buttocks is more toned. Mari Winsor is obviously a well-trained expert in Pilates. Her tips and verbal cues are are fantastic for focusing you -- so that you maintain the correct form. This is very important as you really have to concentrate on the movement. I am over 50. I was very out of shape when I first tried these exercises, and I now feel much more comfortable in my own skin due to strengthening my core. I sit more comfortably. My posture is improved. I have a greater awareness of my entire body. I highly, highly recommend this CD. I am getting a different one just because I have been doing the same on for so long, I want to change it up a bit. The express workout is great for just getting that Pilates fix when you have a short amount of time. The longer mat workout is more comprehensive. So I give this two thumbs way up. Mari's manner is pleasant, encouraging, yet firm, and the studio, other participants, and even the background music are well done. Nothing grates on your nerves, so you use it over and over without it becoming irritating. I have taken a lot of fitness classes of all kinds over the years, and Mari Winsor is definitely the best of the best. For those reviewers who complain that this workout is boring or not intense, I would say that they are probably into sweating and panting, and really don't understand the concentration and control that go in to a Pilates workout. Using your own concentration, you can make it very challenging simply by really focusing on the muscles you are using, and doing the movements in the correct way. Mari gives good instruction to achieve the proper movements.

I have done the Winsor Pilates workouts for years, since the first videos which I continued to do until my VHS died. I tried to look for the DVD formats of those workouts, but apparently they stopped selling them and those that were available were ridiculously expensive. In that search I found this one and without hesitating I ordered it. I have to say that I still prefer the old workouts where there was a balance between how much she talked and the exercises. This DVD includes a 25 and 55 minutes workout, which in reality is 20 and 50 minutes of total workout because of her talking. This might be a good thing for those that are beginners, but for us that are in an advanced level there are sometimes that we just want to keep moving, -although this moments could be used to meditate or something, RIGHT-. She should have included a beginners section, just like the first of her series. Too much talking, but still a great workout that really delivers results. Oh and by the way, about the music, the same one from The Firm Series and of course the same phrases of all her workouts..."Breathing out the air coming out of your hip socket" Deja-Vu all over again, Mary!

I own a lot of workout DVD's but there are very few that I actually use on a daily basis. Mari's new workout DVD has lots of instruction on how to perfom each move for optimum benifits. She even has a modified version of each one! The express workout has fewer repetitions of each move, but still provides a good workout. The plus with this one is that it is only 25 minutes and is easy to fit in on busy mornings. The full workout is more thorough. I had purchased a pilates DVD before, but this one is by far easier to follow. Plus, there is no equipment required other than a mat. The only downside, if there is one, is that sometimes there is a little too much time spent explaining each move before beginning it. Overall, I would definately recommend it.

I misplaced this dvd so I purchased this one again. I add this teaching to my exercise repertoire. It’s a nice addition to my rebounding and hula hooping exercises.

I believe this is the most famous name in the Pilates DVD business, but I'd say the workout is just okay. It's a rundown of a lot of exercises, but few reps, and not enough time to transition between exercises or rest for 10-15 seconds. This instructor is a bit kooky with her catch-phrases and the video appears to be more about her than about the exercises. To be honest, the yopilates instructor at my gym is way better than this. This video does not have as much emphasis on technique and breathing as the Stott DVDs. Having tried several DVDs, I'd say, skip the DVD and go to a class. You'll get a better workout. Really.

This is an excellent dvd. For a beginner I recommend this video because she does a lot of explaining as you want to avoid injury. I'm a trained ballet dancer and recognize Ms Winsor as an excellent instructor. This is suitable for a beginner without any athletic training just take it at a snails pace. Pilates is hard and very rewarding.

I have been doing Mari's pilates for years and I really find that no one else compares. Whenever I loan out one too many copies, I have to buy a replacement and it is always Mari. The 20 minute workout is a great quickie and the 50-minute workout is a good overall pilates workout. She provides enough instruction without slowing the whole thing down, and you are continually encouraged to work at your own pace. I have recommended and continue to recommend to all of my friends.

I like this workout because I really feel it working my abs. It's a good beginner's routine for pilates; the moves are easy to follow and become easier and more natural with a little practice. I have a hard time getting motivated though because the workout is pretty intense. It's challenging if you're not doing it consistently.

I found the workout far more intense than the video advertisement. Therefore I am unable to use the video.

I really like this dvd because there is a choice of 2 workouts.A shorter express one and a longer one. I can do the shorter one until I get strong enough for the longer one.Also, on days that I may just have time for a shorter version. Good workout. Most are easy enough to do.

I can take it anywhere, slip into my laptop and do the workout. Well paces. Covers all body parts.

Love pilates!

Boring