What a wonderful introduction to pilates. I wish that these videos would have been out long ago! Mari Winsor begins this routine by explaining the major principles of pilates. She calls it "Pilates 101" and stresses that pilates is a work in process and it's important to start slowly and really understand the basic concepts: the "powerhouse", body alignment and breathing. She suggests after mastering the pilates principles in this video that you then move onto her 20 min. Workout video and then further challenge yourself with "Accelerated Body Sculpting".

Mari instructs while 2 exercisers perform the moves; one showing modifications. Her only equipment suggestion is a mat.

This 24 min. routine consists of 7 basic exercises:
-The Hundred
-Roll-up
-Single Leg Circles
-Rolling Like a Ball
-Single Leg Stretch
-Double Leg Stretch
-Spine Stretch Forward

Before each exercise, a visual is shown on the screen for a few seconds. The background is all black and Mari (in white)performs the move a few times. Arrows and illustrtions show proper from and alignment.

Mari explains each exercise step by step very thoroughly, explaining proper form and why you are doing it a certain way. she says to let "the mind guide the body". Through each movement she stesses focusing on the powerhouse, body alignment and to keep breathing. My only complaint is that she doesn't focus more on when you should be inhaling and exhaling as your are performing the move. I believe that this is key - with certain parts you should be exhaling and others, exhaling. Proper breathing just helps the movement flow better. She tends to just say "make sure that you are breathing".

This video is absolutely perfect for learning the "hows" and "whys" of pilates. Beginners learn to continually focus on the main concepts (powerhouse, breathing, body alignment etc...) so that it becomes natural. I also feel that it is a very reliable video to go back and check your form and technique as you progress. Although it is a wonderful reference, more experienced pilates exercisers would probably only use it once in a great while.

Instructor Comments:
Mari has done a wonderful job with these videos. She is very pleasant and provides very thorough instruction both visually and mentally.

Lisa :o)