The Method: Balanced Zones

Jennifer Kries
Year Released: 1997

Categories: Pilates/Core Strength , Total Body Workouts


For this review, I'm going to compare BZ to popular "Method" toning tapes: 'PT' (for Precision Toning), 'TS' for Target Specifics and 'BZ' for Balanced Zones. Note: I'm not including Precision Sculpting because I only tried it once (borrowed from the library) and didn't like it at all-- I can't remember why specifically, but I think it was because there was too much upper body (which I really don't care for from the Method. I prefer Cathe and Cory) and very little ab work (which is why I like the Method).

BZ is probably my favorite Method toning tape. It's right in between PT and TS: it's not as boring as PT, but is much more thorough, has much better instruction and is more intense than TS. BZ is divided into 3 segments of 25-30 minutes each. It's way too long to do at once, but it's easily broken up.

The first section is all ab work (most similar to PT), which is my favorite. This section isn't as boring as PT, since it is a class setting, uses music (I think) and isn't as long, BUT, it's harder, doesn't move as fast (rep wise) and has better instruction than TS's ab section.

The second section is upper body and abs again. You use the 'Method' toning bar (3 measly pounds!). You can substitute dumbbells somewhat easily, and use nothing for the abs. I think the Method's upper body work is basically a joke, so I usually FF through until I hit the ab work. Actually, this segment reminds me a lot of Clare Dunphy's Balance, Line, and Strength (but hers is a lot harder, since you're using heavy weights).

The last section is lower body. This is similar to TS's last 2 sections: ballet, yoga and 'side series' (also in PT), but it's longer and harder than TS (and also has more thorough instruction than TS).

All in all, I think this is my favorite of the Method's toning videos. It's not as boring as PT, but has better instruction and is more difficult than TS.

Instructor Comments:
Jennifer is so flexible and elegant. She gives great form pointers. She's perfect for this type of video. I hope the Method makes more tapes like this, rather than clips from their TV series. I really like Jennifer.

Emily

01/27/2000