I’m reviewing this workout after previewing it once and doing it about half a dozen times.

N.B. This has a subtitle of “Firm up from Head to Toe.”

General workout breakdown: Pat and Beth have already described this workout well. I can’t think of anything to add!
I will just add that the 12-min. total-body blitz with Tracy York is the same one featured on Shape Cardio and Shape Toning Workouts.

Level: I’d recommend this to regular exercisers with Pilates experience who are working their way up or through the intermediate level. In other words, I think someone at the beginner / intermediate through mid-intermediate level of Pilates would find this routine appropriately challenging. While parts of the routine seem easier than others, there are some exercises in here usually reserved for more advanced practitioners.

Class: 2 women, one of whom sometimes shows less advanced modifications, join Lizbeth, who instructs live. As Pat mentioned, Lizbeth doesn’t often describe the modifications, so be sure to preview the video and make a note of them if you think you might need them.

Music: upbeat instrumental. It’s nothing too special, but it’s not distracting or annoying.

Set: brightly lit interior living room-like space.

Production: very crisp picture and sound. Lizbeth’s voice is louder than the music, but you can still hear it in the background. The camera usually focuses on all three exercisers from a bit of a distance. If you don’t want to see another extreme close-up, well, this is your video! I would have actually liked to have seen a few more closer shots to help with form, especially for the more unusual moves, but I don’t mind that the err was on the side of too many full body shots.

Equipment: Pilates mat (or equivalent). All exercisers are barefoot.

Space Requirements: enough room to lie down with arms and legs extended and to sweep your limbs around

DVD Notes: The main menu asks you to play all, play program, or choose the bonus features (Meet the Instructor, Bonus Total-Body Blitz, About Shape, About BCRF, About UnderArmour, and Credits). The main routine is chaptered by series rather than by individual exercises (with 6 chapters for just over 30 min.).

Comments: This is a great Pilates video for someone who wants some variety in their matwork-based practices. In other words, if you’re starting to get tired of the same old hundred, roll-up, teaser, etc., this is the video for you. This isn’t a fusion video, really, and there’s a sense of appreciation for the classical Pilates tradition. I appreciate that Lizbeth hasn’t tried to reinvent the wheel here, as she’s just brought some different movements, combinations, and sequences to many of the usual exercises. I feel a sense of reinvigoration and joy with her twists on the usual which I’m inspired to take to my usual matwork practice.
Those with wrist issues should approach this with caution, as there is a rather lengthy sequence performed in tabletop / plank pose. I have trouble with triceps push-ups due to an elbow issue, and it’s too bad that this sequence is such a long part of the workout because it hampers my enjoyment of what is otherwise a nice, flowing workout that does feel, as Pat mentioned, almost like dancing on the floor.

Instructor Comments:
Lizbeth has a very pleasant on-screen persona. She’s very encouraging and positive without being perky or peppy. She does a nice job of cueing movement, with some mention of breath and form. She mirror cues.

KathAL79