This is one of the Crunch pilates fusion workouts featuring Ellen Barrett, before she started her own Studio series. Having done most of the Studio workouts and very few of her Crunch workouts, I was expecting this to be generally less refined and less intense than her Studio workouts. I’m psyched to say however, that not only is this intense, it was a lot of fun! It was classic Ellen but with a more athletic (and less mind-body connection) feel. This would be a great workout for those who can’t quite digest Ellen’s “heart centers” and “female physique” talk. She is more down to business in Fat Burning Pilates, but still seamlessly combines cardio with standing pilates. This video is most like her Studio Fat Burning Fusion, more traditional/athletic but overall comparable in intensity. The workout has about 25 minutes of standing cardio/pilates work and 15 minutes of traditional floor pilates for an overall 40 minute workout. I was really impressed with the music, which was not only live, but included some catchy tunes which I recognized from different BSS Firm videos. Ellen leads with several 20-something female background exercisers, one of which demonstrates beginner modifications.

Standing work included three kinds of knee crunches (to the front, all the way on the side-these were the hardest, and along the diagonal like you see in many workouts). There was standing mermaid, plie squats (several of these-no surprise for an Ellen workout!), plenty of side to side leg and arm reaches, lots of “elegant arms” during leg toning work, and as a breather between moves, step touching with arms out to the front. The floor work included some great Pilates abs (single and double leg stretch, out and in, single and double leg circles, then some spinal erector work, then a brief stretch).

I was surprised how much I was sweating and working hard. Granted I used this as a recovery workout but I wasn’t expecting it to be so intense! Collage rates this as Intermediate and I would agree with that – I think this is just as intense as a Studio workout. That is, you will feel like you worked, your body will feel stretched and toned, but it won’t kill you. Great for a light day, recovery day, or vacation day for an intermediate or advanced exerciser and would be pretty intense (but doable) for a beginner. Highly recommended and Grade A!

Instructor Comments:
Ellen is very enjoyable. She isn’t quite as mystical as she is in her later Studio workouts, which doesn’t make a difference to me but some might appreciate that. She gives very clear cuing and she mirror cues.

Emily B.