Pilates Circle Challenge

Bernadette Giorgi
Year Released: 2008

Categories: Pilates/Core Strength


This workout runs approx. 45 min. in it's entirety. There are three premixes: Core Challenge (23 min.), Side Kick Challenge (29 min.), and Butt Challenge (23 min.). There is a brief introduction by Bernadette, or you can choose to just skip that and start right out with the workout.

The setting is in a room with wood floors, light gray walls, some chairs, flowers, etc. Bernadette is alone on a mat. I believe this is the same set as in many of the CIA videos or Kelly Coffey-Meyer's 30 Min. to Fitness, which would make sense as it's filmed by Greg Twombly.

The workout starts with a warm up/stretch. Bernadette reminds you to focus and release tension. The next section is focused on the core. She incorporates common pilates moves such as the hundred, rollups, corkscrew, bicycle, rollover, V-sits, etc. using the circle. There are brief stretches between.

Then it moves into a side-lying series which really works the legs. Again, she does some stretches just when I needed them.

The next section is a prone lying series that really works the butt and hamstrings.

The final portion is the cool down stretch where she uses the circle during the stretches. On all the stretches, I liked that she held them long enough to feel them, but not too long for my tastes.

Everything is on the mat except the final couple of stretches which end in a standing position. Bernadette emphasizes that the circle helps focus on form and work targeted areas. She gives frequent reminders on form and some tips to modify are either given verbally or briefly shown by her.

I would not recommend this workout for anyone new to pilates. I think you really need a basic understanding of the breathing and engaging the core. I think she assumes some prior knowledge of this. It would have been helpful in some cases to have a modifier shown, but it wasn't a deal-breaker for me. If you're someone that needs lots of modification, then it probably would be. The music was 'there' - quiet and in the background and I barely noticed it. This is only the second pilates circle workout I've done, but I really liked it and think I'll be using it a lot. I also appreciated that it wasn't too long, and I can always do a premix to add on to another workout.

Instructor Comments:
Bernadette's dance background is obvious in her graceful movements. She has a very soothing voice and manner.

Terri

11/19/2008