Michelle Dozois
This is a multilevel workout (and so far my favorite of the ones I have in my Pilates collection).
Level 1 - Beginner (if you haven't been exercising for a while, or if you have injuries or physical issues that require modification)
Level 2 - For when you're ready to move on to a more intense workout
Level 3 - The most advanced level (challenging but super effective)
You can mix and match levels for variety. This (imo) is what makes the 30 min. workout go by fast for me. For some reason I'm watching the clock with other Pilates workouts.
Michelle Dozois (the instructor) always starts each exercise with level 1 and as the reps progress instructs you how to do level 2 & 3. It amazes me how she can cue for each level while performing the moves at the right pace, without messing up.
The background set reminds me of Winsor Pilates [each participant/level is shown on a raised platform] and Quick Fix Pilates Workout [the instructor performs the exercise along with 2 other participants showing modifications in the background]. Lizbeth Garcia who was in the QF Pilates workout is also in this one performing level 3 (she's so graceful to watch).
Here's a list of the exercises--
Inhale/exhale stretch
Standing twist
Roll down/up (standing to seated position)
Ab Prep
Dipping Toes (similar to the 'dead bug' move by Keli Roberts)
Bridging exercise
Roll Up
Breaststroke
Reverse lift
Leg circles
Single leg stretch
Criss cross
Scissors
Curl up with double leg reach
Reverse plank
Side lying position (single leg lifts, front/back, scissors, double leg lifts)
Back extension w/rotation
Teaser
Side bends with twist
Plank
Stretch
The workout is in tune with the music. The individual exercises aren't chaptered (dvd version), instead they're grouped into these categories:
-Introduction
-Ab Preps & Dipping Toes
-Bridges & Breaststrokes
-Reverse Lifts & Circles
-Stretches & Scissors
-Leg Reaches & Reverse Planks
-Side Lying Position
-Back Extensions & Teasers
-Side Bends & Planks
-End Credits
I'm not sure if it's from doing all the different levels or the way the moves are executed, but I definitely feel a thorough workout in my muscles when I'm done.
Instructor comments:
The only disappointment I have is with the instructor. It's obvious she's had breast augmentation and the bra that she wears under her top emphasizes that area (it's distracting).
Fitnessfay
11/15/2003 (updated 7/2004)
This is a thirty minute pilates routine.
It's geared toward the beginner
exerciser, although they do have three
different modifiers shown at all times.
The production values are excellent -
the same as the other Prevention
video (Walk Your Way Slim. If you
don't have that but have seen Minna's
Balanced Blend DVD, or any Crunch
DVDs - or even any Natural Journeys
DVDs, the production quality/tone/
music is similar to all of these.) I am
really happy about acquiring this one
because it is just my speed. I am an
advanced exerciser in general, but I
need my pilates spoon-fed to me. This
is perfect. Many of the most basic
'pilates 101' exercises are
demonstrated in this. The
modifications are perfect-I feel less like
a wimp for not doing the advanced
versions, because easier mods are
given just as much credence. The
amount of reps per exercise is very low
- maybe 12 reps total. no more than
that-which, for some will seem like too
few, but for me, it's great because if
there were more I would get annoyed
(I always feel great after doing pilates,
and I realize it's one of the most
beneficial exercises for me to do, but it
isn't my favorite form of exercise to do).
The instructor is Michelle Dozois, and
she is excellent. My only mini qualm
about her instruction/cueing is that
instead of using visualization
techniques to help you achieve proper
form (such as 'imagine a string through
your spine and out the top of your
head, holding you up straight',
'imaging a marble in your belly
button...', etc.), she instead will use
cues such as 'imprint your spine on the
floor, look down at your belly, suck in
your abs tight'. The imagery cues
actually tend to make me work harder
and concentrate more on the exercise,
but this is a taste thing, it's just not her
style. I mention it because I am sure
others have preferences in cueing.
She does often uses encouraging
words, and she talks a lot. These are
both aspects that I enjoy.
I would rate this DVD very high for
those who have a hard time getting
themselves to do 'serious' pilates
workouts, but still desire to do some
pilates.
Instructor comments:
I like Michelle. She is a seasoned
professional.
Kathy Weller
7/12/04
I have been doing pilates for about 9 months. I would consider myself intermediate/advanced.
I was able to get through this workout doing level 3 the whole time. I felt like it was a decent workout, I'll be able to tell better tomorrow by how sore I am.
I think a great feature of this is the levels, so that any level can get a good workout.
I typically hate ab workouts and have a hard time getting through them, but this one went by pretty quickly for me.
Instructor comments:
Straightforward, to the point. Pleasant, but not overly perky.
Krista (benemma)
17 Mar 05
