Mari Winsor: Pilates [DVD]

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.

So glad I got this DVD!!! It was very reasonably priced, especially for a Mari DVD. I consider her to be the leading authority in all things Pilates, and I'm loving my results! Easy to follow, good instruction. DVD arrived on time, as expected. Thank you!!

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 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.

Mari Winsor has great pilates DVDs. Especially for beginners and people with physical issues (ie. back problems, knee problems, etc.) because she carefully walks you through each exercise. She has some hard core advanced work outs as well. I especially like that I don't have to go out and buy any props. It's just flat out exercising.

Very challenging - not for the beginner. Something to work up to!

This is a great work out! It can be as easy or as challenging as you want it to be. I have a neck issue and choose some of the modifications and some I am able to do so I don't do the modification. It's great to mix and match and do less modifications as I grow stronger.

I was disappointed to learn that this DVD is almost an exact replica of the Winsor Pilates Maximum Burn series...but EASIER. I've been doing the Maximum Burn workout for years and was excited to see this newer version was available. There is nothing new about it (other than the new "team") and now that I opened the package, I can't return. It's a good workout, but only if it's your first time doing Winsor Pilates.

I owned this a long time ago and I'm glad to see it still exists. Great workout. Nice to have a short and long version

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

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.

Love pilates!

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