Pilates is something I've never got into great depth with, but have practiced on and off for 14 years (with classes and DVDs).

This morning I felt like I needed something "core oriented" so I dug out this DVD (my go to Pilates DVD, "Element Pilates Slim & Tone" is with a friend).

I was pleasantly surprised, I had done this workout years ago and found it too rushed, so I put it away and forgot about it. But this time I got into it more because the exercises are now more familiar to me. The sequence is similar to that on Element Slim & Tone, but done at a quicker pace. I think the workout is about 35 minutes long, but felt like less.

The reviewer below gives a list of the exercises, so I don't need to list them out again, but a couple of other exercises are included such as Seal and Boomerang, which appear towards the end.

I'd say this is a good workout that doesn't feel too long and no time is wasted (something I like in a workout, especially as I workout in the mornings), I did still feel that it is a bit rushed, but I think if I do this several times I'll get used to the sequence and find it easier, and then hopefully be able to do the exercises with better form.

I also enjoyed that it felt like a well rounded workout. Pilates workouts can sometimes feel too ab oriented for my liking, so it is nice to get a lot of leg work in (e.g. there is a side lying leg series and a kneeling leg series). The workout ends with some pushups too so the upper body is not neglected.

I liked this workout enough to want to do it again, I struggled with the more advanced exercises (e.g. teaser, jacknife, boomerang and a side plank one) even following the modifier, but I prefer workouts that give me a lot to work up to.

The instructor and one of the backgrounders uses a pilates pole for many of the exercises, but it is very easy to do without. In fact, a few exercises in I barely even noticed the pole being used.

There is a bonus standing workout which uses a pilates pole and resistance band. I haven't tried it but watched it through, I thought it looked too fussy (all that messing about with a band). I tried a resistance band workout in the past and got annoyed with it, I don't like fussing about with equipment!

If you already have "Element Pilates Slim & Tone" I'm not sure if you will get much more out of this one (other than a change of scenery / new instructor), as the sequence is fairly similar. But if you have solid Pilates experience and are looking for something fast paced, this should suit you.

Instructor Comments:
The instructor seems friendly enough, he doesn't really go into detail or give form pointers, but this is something I also like as it increases the longevity of a workout (I also like Tracy Anderson as an instructor, who is not exactly known for being chatty!). He refers to the background exercisers as "my girls", some might not like that, but I think it is kind of cute, it doesn't seem to be said in a derogatory way (he does also mention that they are "fellow instructors" and mentions that one of them is the best at doing the Boomerang exercise).

BalletCat