The perfect next step for Winsor Pilates fans
Written: Dec 26 '03 (Updated Jan 11 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A compact workout that packs a lot of punch. Great if you're strapped for time.
Cons: No instruction. Only buy if you're already familiar with pilates
The Bottom Line: If you liked the original Winsor Pilates series, you'll love the Advanced Body Slimming workout.
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| qualia's Full Review: Winsor Pilates Advanced Body Slimming |
Last year, I got sucked into the pilates craze and bought the original Winsor Pilates videos. These workout videos were a good introduction to pilates, and from using them regularly I saw incredible improvements in my muscle tone and flexibility. As I mentioned in a previous review, the original Winsor Pilates system has its merits, but after a while I was ready for something new.
The original Winsor Pilates System features two workouts: the Basic 20-minute video, and the Accelerated Body sculpting 50-minute video. Once I got in shape, I found the basic 20-minute workout too basic, and while the 50-minute workout is more challenging, it has its flaws. For one thing, it's so long that you can't always squeeze it in on a busy day. Also, it's a bit slow in pace because there are long pauses in which Mari Winsor explains how to do the moves. This is a great feature when you're starting out with pilates, but it can be tiresome if you want to get through the workout.
The Winsor Advanced Body Slimming workout is great option for Winsor pilates fans who want a challenging but quick workout. Those who found the original videos too chatty and slow will be glad to find that there's hardly any pause between moves in this video--the transitions are quick and seamless. As a result, this workout is only 20 minutes long, but in that short amount of time, it packs in many of the moves found in the 50-minute Accelerated Body Sculpting workout.
The rapid transitions in this video also make it slightly more intense. You do one challenging move right after another, with little time to recover in between.
As with the original series, this workout is effective at strengthening and toning the “core” muscles of the body (the abdominal and back muscles). Because the core plays such an important role in all fitness related activities, a strong core means lower risk of injury and enhanced performance in your other workouts. The quads and buttocks are also targeted, but the workout doesn't do much for the upper body.
The lack of instruction makes this video unsuitable for people who aren't already familiar with pilates. Unlike the previous videos, there are no "modified" positions demonstrated for beginners or those with weak backs. In particular, the Advanced Body Slimming workout is ideal for people who have already mastered the Winsor Basic workout and the Accelerated Body Sculpting workout and are looking for a new video. (You could always do the moves at a faster pace on your own, but many people like the motivation and the pacing that a video provides.)
As I mentioned, this workout contains many of the pilates moves from the Accelerated Body Sculpting workout, such as "the roll over", "the jack-knife", and the "neck-pull." There's not much in the way of new moves introduced, but the video does feature a more challenging version of "the teaser."
All in all, I've been very pleased with this video. It offers a great muscle-toning workout in a short amount of time, and is perfect for days when I'm too busy to fit in a long workout.
Recommended:
Yes
Viewing Format: DVD
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Epinions.com ID:
qualia
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Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 21 members
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Shutterbug, bibliophile, caffeine addict, crazy cat woman.
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