Video Fitness

New York Style Pilates - Level 3

Jonathan Urla

About Me: I’m an advanced exerciser, though I’m not sure what level I’m at in my Pilates practice. I’ve never taken a live class or worked with an instructor. I can do the advanced section of the Classical Pilates DVD with modifications (and boy do I feel it!). I also like Fit Chic, Ana Caban/Gaiam’s Intermediate Mat, Hilary Burnett’s intermediate, as well as Jonathan’s Yogilates 2.

Set: Studio with hardwood floor, white wall behind exercisers, candles lined up on the floor behind them and on the sides. Rather spartan, but I didn't really mind it.

Chapter Menu:
1. Hundred
2. Leg Circles
3. Abdominal Series: single leg stretch, double leg stretch, single straight leg stretch, double straight leg stretch, criss-cross, spine stretch, open leg balance and rocker, corkscrew, saw
4. Swan
5. Neck Pull
6. Spine Twist
7. Side Kick Series: side double leg lifts, front and back, up and down, little circles, hot potato, battements, inside leg lifts, inside leg circles, clam, star stretch, heel beats, flutter kicks, double prone leg lifts.
8. Teaser
9. Kneeling Side Kicks (includes side planks and mermaid)
10. Pilates Push-Ups

The DVD also includes a bonus standing workout, about 12 minutes long, with just Jonathan using a Pilates pole and band. You could substitute a light dumbbell for some of the exercises.

Music: Jazzy instrumental. Pleasant but not distracting or particularly attention-getting.

Workout: The workout is about 38 minutes long, not including the bonus. It includes a wide variety of exercises, which I liked. While he cues well, Jonathan doesn’t give many form pointers, or describe what each exercise does for your body. The exercises have a good flow. He seems to fit a lot into those 38 minutes. One background exerciser shows modifications.

Somehow, I just don't think of this workout as truly advanced. It's complete, but not advanced. Fit Chic and Classical Pilates make me feel like I've done much more, and in less time with fewer exercises. I sort of felt like I was going through the motions of doing Pilates, but it just didn't work me. The day after, I felt my obliques, but that was it.

While it's a complete workout, I don't feel like it really adds anything to my collection, so off to the swap it goes! It would probably be good for someone who wants something a little below the level of the advanced workout on the Classical Pilates DVD, with a different feel (to the instructor and set).

Instructor comments: Jonathan is in green tank top and cropped pants. He has a very calm, relaxing manner and is warm and personable in this workout. It bothered me, though, that he kept calling the background exercisers (in green capri leggings and yellow tank tops) “girls.” I liked him in Yogilates 2, and wanted to like him here, but that terminology sort of grated on me.

Pratima

6/24/04



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