I consider myself an intermediate pilates student (although I can sort of do the advanced routines too). This dvd was one of the first ones that I bought. I didn’t realize that it would kind of advanced. It is difficult because everything flows together, you have to remember the form-pointers and/or modifications (if you need them), and it includes some exercises that you might not see on beginning pilates dvd.

Of course I wasn’t really paying attention to these things when I bought it, and I LOVE this dvd. It is one of the only completely dread-free strength workouts I have (excluding yoga). The moves correspond well with the music, and the program moves along fast enough that I actually sweat while doing it (which is not necessarily true with other pilates dvds). In other words, I think this music + flowing style of pilates has some added benefits: 1) it’s more mind-body (less distracting), 2) it gets my heart rate up a little, 3) it’s a thorough workout that’s over in 20 minutes, so it’s easy to fit in anywhere. Also, because there is no spoken instruction (on the first track – which is the one I use), I find it easier to incorporate my magic circle or stability ball in creative ways.

As far as I’m concerned, this dvd is a staple in my collection – and one of my two favorite traditional pilates workouts.

Alison (alikruegs)