The Method: Balanced Zones

Jennifer Kries
Year Released: 1997

Categories: Pilates/Core Strength , Total Body Workouts


The workout starts off with deep breathing and stretches with a yoga feel to it. There is no music. Then Jennifer does some pretty intense ab work using the legs and arms. This is not traditional ab crunches and oblique twists. Alot of leg lifts using the abs.

The second section uses the Method Toning bar. You can make this useful by using your own resistance. I don't feel that this will build muscle though. Some of the moves are lift up on your tippy toes and look right then left and then bring the bar up in front of you. Some other yoga moves using the bar) like proud warrior but you hold the bar above you) I have to say that I felt this was a waste. I want a workout that will give results. I don't have much time being a busy mother so it's important to me to do a video that will give good results. The whole workout is done barefoot. It is a workout that does a lot of deep stretches too. This section does have music. Tribal beat that is done by a live band in the background. Then Jennifer goes down to the floor still using the bar for more stretches and ab work. Full situps( roll ups and reaching over your toes) are done using the bar. It is very slow so it gets tough especially when they come down and do a twist. I tend to have trouble with my back on full situps but Jennifer does give mofications for beginners. She keeps emphasizing breathing and to resist gravity as you do each move which is really important to her.

The last section is lengthening moves doing yoga. It has no music. It starts off with plies with toe raises. Then some stretches and then it goes into more yoga positions( Sun Breath, Sun Salutations, Plank, Cobra, Cat Position, Downward Facing Dog, Proud Warrior,ect). A lot of inhaling and exhaling. Jennifer does a terrific job on teaching this part.

The set and music of the video was very nice( a mansion setting with upbeat tribal beaton the second section) but it was all done in EP so the tracking keeps coming on my screen and Jennifer's voice keeps buzzing which gets irritating.

Instructor Comments:
Friendly and super flexible, Jennifer gives good clear cueing and great form. She reminds me of Tracie Long but with an Ectomorph Body. Very graceful looking. She also looks like Christi Taylor.

Mandy Lee

06/11/1998