This is a 40-minute pilates-inspired stability ball workout.

Stott Pilates has four stability ball workouts, Level 1 through 4. Ultimate Balance is the Level 4 workout. Stott rates all its videos on a 1 to 5 scale for difficulty, and Ultimate Balance is a 5 (most difficult). I am strictly an intermediate exerciser, and while I could not do all the reps on a couple of the exercises, and I could not do the last exercise (a one-legged pike) at all, I would still consider this workout doable for most intermediates with some prior ball and pilates experience.

The setting is a corner of a studio with white brick walls and a pale wood floor -- rather pretty, especially compared with earlier Stott productions. The music is very soft and piano-y. The DVD has an option to work to music only, but I learn so much from the instruction I can't imagine wanting to do this myself.

On the DVD the exercises are individually segmented, so it is easy to skip to the next one. The exercises are also separately chaptered, but note that, once the individual exercise is shown, the DVD returns to the chapter menu rather than continuing on with the workout.

The only equipment is a stability ball, plus an optional yoga or exercise mat for added foot traction. The workout is done barefoot.

The workout is based on an intermediate reformer routine (as opposed to Stott's Level 3 3-D Balance, which adapts a pilates intermediate mat routine). I've never worked out on a reformer, so some of the exercise names were new to me, but everything was well explained so I never felt confused.

Ultimate Balance is co-taught by Moira Stott and P.J. O'Clair. One instructs while the other demonstrates, then they switch off. Both Moira and P.J. are absolutely meticulous in their instruction. I suppose this might bug some people, but I really appreciate it and learn from it. I don't feel the pace suffered for it, probably because one person demonstrated while the other instructed. (Moira has done some videos solo where she both instructed and demonstrated, and I did find those slow-going.)

The workout begins with 12 minutes of gentle moves which warm up the body while reviewing general pilates principles. I enjoy this little tutorial, and it helps me get focused for the workout itself, which is much more intense.

The workout proper begins with a series of bridges with the feet in various positions on the ball, and the legs moving the ball in and out while in bridge. Very challenging on the hamstrings!

Additional exercises challenge core and shoulder stability. There is some ab work (the "Coordination") but I wouldn't call this an ab-intensive workout. Two rowing series are done, but without hand weights, which makes them more of a stretch. Other nice stretches are interspersed -- I especially like how the Mermaid was adapted to the ball for extra range of motion. The workout concludes with a series of pike-type moves, also quite challenging.

Occasionally modifications are referred to, but not usually shown. I expect Moira and P.J. assume you would turn to the Level 1 and 2 ball workouts if you are having a lot of difficulty with the moves in Ultimate Balance.

The DVD has a few annoying quirks. You must "agree" to Stott's legal disclaimer by pushing the "enter" button at the beginning of the DVD. Also you cannot skip the opening commercial blurb (although at least it is short and fairly tasteful). On the other hand, the DVD has some nice extras, particularly the clips (decent length ones, too) of the other Stott video offerings.

As noted, this is the most difficult stability ball workout produced by Stott. It is not the most difficult ball workout I own, however. I personally find Body Bar Equanimity, Fitball Lower Body Challenge, and TLP Core Foundations harder. But Ultimate Balance leaves me with a stretched out, peaceful feeling the others don't. For that reason I would recommend Ultimate Balance and 3-D Balance to ball afficionados who enjoy pilates moves.

Instructor Comments:
Moira and P.J. make a good team, with P.J.'s warmth contrasting with Moira's more formal demeanor. Moira is definitely more at ease now than she was in her earliest videos. Both women are top notch instructors.

JustSandra