Body Reform: Total Body Training

Karen Voight
Year Released: 2000

Categories: Pilates/Core Strength , Total Body Workouts


I’m reviewing this workout after doing it twice in the 1 1/2 years or so that I’ve had it.
This workout has also been named Body Reform: Total Body Training and Pilates Total Body Training. (In my opinion, it should be renamed one final time to “Total Thigh Training.”)

General workout breakdown: This workout, done entirely seated or reclined, lasts just over 50 minutes. It consists primarily of floorwork exercises targeting the thighs, hips, and buttocks, with some work for abdominals and minimal work for the upper body. It’s hard to describe the exercises because they’re unlike anything I’ve seen in Pilates (the closest I’ve come is the extra side leg series in Classical Pilates Magic Circle video), and I’ve had limited exposure (by choice) to other floorwork routines. There are some moves that have a vague Pilates feel to them, and there are some traditional crunches and some with a twist as well as moves like push ups, but most of the exercises seem to be Karen’s own ideas.
The pace is leisurely, with enough time to get into position and execute the moves effectively, but you’re never waiting around for Karen to set up a move. In other words, things flow together smoothly. There are lots of repetitions, but Karen seems to know just when you’re getting bored or your thighs feel like they’re about to fall off. Karen balances exercises with stretches, so you won’t end this workout feeling tight.

Level: I’d recommend this to someone who feels they’re at least at the beginner / intermediate crossover point through someone at the intermediate / advanced point. While Karen’s form instruction and pointers are very good, I think this would be too overwhelming to someone new to abs and/or floorwork workouts. There are few modifications mentioned for those without much dexterity or flexibility.
I consider myself almost a solid intermediate; I have about three years of Pilates experience but am still working on improving my flexibility and strength. I first tried when I was at the beginner / intermediate crossover point and had little experience with Pilates rings; I enjoyed the workout more when I did it last week since I felt I could do the exercises better and more fully, thanks to my improved flexibility, strength, and dexterity with the ring. I felt a slight burn in my thighs for the rest of that day.

Class: 1 woman joins Karen.

Music: jazzy elevator music.

Set: bright interior studio space with hardwood floors and neutral walls with different shapes cut out of them and different colored and patterned lights shining on them.

Production: clear picture and sound, helpful camera shots (almost always showing all of both exercisers).

Equipment: mat (or equivalent) and Resist-A-Ring (aka Pilates ring, Magic Circle, or fitness circle / ring). Both exercisers are barefoot.

Space Requirements: enough to lie down with arms and legs extended, with a little space to each side.

DVD Notes: I have this on the Total Body Pilates DVD, which also has Abs & Back. There are no chapters within the workout.

Conclusion: This is a nice workout, and I have no doubt this could do wonders for the thighs. I personally don’t see myself using this regularly enough to see such results. For one thing, my rotations are crowded enough as it is; I have yet to figure out how to work this video in. For another, this doesn’t have much of a fun factor for me. To be honest, I’m not a fan of floorwork, unless it’s traditional Pilates or yoga. I will say I found this video tolerable, but it failed to jump off of my shelves into my DVD player for well over a year until I consciously selected it.
If you are looking for a Pilates video that uses the ring, try those by Ana Caban, Classical Pilates, Stott, or Mari Winsor.

Instructor Comments:
As always, Karen’s instruction is clear and helpful; she mirror cues. She offers great form tips, especially regarding the ring, and her own form is exemplary. She is a gently encouraging but professional instructor—definitely not the perky cheerleader type.

KathAL79

03/14/2006