| Customer Reviews (or write your own review) |
Denise Austin's Pilates for Every Body |
 My favorite Denise Austin workout and why |
| For me, this has been a tried and true workout that I return to again and again. As I get into my late 40's, I can no longer do high impact workouts like I used to. I have severe knee arthritis. I did this before the arthritis set in and I can still do it today. From the warm up to the cool down, there is no time wasted. Yes, it gets easier the more you do it but it is because it will make you stronger. I feel it works every part of my body with segments that flow well together. Denise keeps her voice low through the workout which gives me a feeling of calm as Pilates should be. Another thing I love about this workout is how it stretches my back and does NOT hurt my knees. - posted by Bernadette on 6/7/2010 |
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| Gentle but Effective |
| I have started to have some mild knee pain due to years of working out, running, squats, and lunges. I always stayed away from Denise Austin. I think she is very knowledgeable and experienced. She just never seemed like the right instructor for me. I decided to give this workout a try after reading the reviews. If you follow the cueing and put the most into these moves, it is a great workout. But you have to maintain form. I think it's a little too tough for beginners, but for intermediate or even more advanced exercises, it is a very effective, safe workout. Denise does focus on every body part, and I felt all of these exercises, more so than traditional weight training. I will be doing this workout often. - posted by Mary Anne on 1/16/2010 |
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 Great for toning |
| not for heart rate - but she does a great job with the ab/core focus in the pilates and you do break a small sweat but this should be used in addition to cardio. - posted by Ashley on 10/27/2009 |
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| Pilates with more than just core |
| I have used this dvd dozens of times and still enjoy it. Like a lot of pilates routines, it presents genuine toning in a way that isn't harsh on the body. In addition to the core toning that is the hallmark of pilates, Denise also puts emphasis on toning the upper and lower body with a band and ballet moves using a chair as your "bar". As always, Denise is low-key, friendly, and encouraging. However, and I'm used to this with her so I am OK with it, Denise, God love her, just can't seem to count. Numerous times throughout her routines she says, "2 more" or "1 more", and then proceeds to do some random number like 5 or 6 more. She also tends to hold one side of stretching longer than the other, almost like she forgot and held the first side too long and then has to rush through the next side to make up for lost time. (Just a side point: Not to be unkind, but she has no rhythm to speak of, so if you are thinking of getting one of her dance or cardio routines you should know that. I have several of her dvds but steer clear of the cardio ones for that reason. I think her strength really lies in pilates, stretching, yoga, toning, etc.) Overall, if you are aware of Denise's strengths and weaknesses and you can get past that, I think the workouts on this dvd are effective and enjoyable to do. I would recommend them for the novice or experienced exerciser. - posted by Janet on 7/29/2009 |
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| Great Denise Austin Video |
| I bought this V.H.S. tape years ago, and like Barbara, am updating to a D.V.D. I started doing this routine in 2004 and even though I was in decent shape, this one really did it for me. I began to see results almost immediatly. It's the first video I had tried using a resistance band, and you really do need the band for the best results. It isn't for beginners, however. I agree with many of the reviews on that topic. You need to be accustomed to exercising before doing this one. I stopped doing this workout for whatever reason, and went on to something else for a while. Then early last year I injured my back and almost got rid of the tape thinking I'd never be able to use it again. Thankfully, I kept it, and began doing it again last week, being careful to modify some of the moves to accomodate my delicate lower back area. It felt great and now I'm using it every other day, as I need to whittle the winter flab down. I'm hoping to get back into the great shape I was in when I was doing it years ago, and firmly(no pun intended) believe I will! I also have to comment, I love Denise Austin's positive attitude and the music on this tape is nice. I give it an a-plus! - posted by Angie on 3/9/2009 |
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| Great Pilates Routine |
| I bought this workout years ago, and still use it and it's still one of my favorite pilates workouts. I actually upgraded my tape to DVD eventually. You will really feel longer and leaner straight away. I also like, that Denise doesn't spend too much time on each individual exercise, so she packs a lot of variety into a 40 minute workout, no time for boredom... - posted by Barbara NZ on 1/11/2009 |
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| Fabulous Pilates DVD!!! |
| This is one of the BEST pilates DVD's out there! If you really focus and tighten your core like Denise tells you then you will actually sweat during this routine! I love how this series works the entire body and honestly does stretch, lengthen and tone from head to toe. I do cardio and light weight lifting four times a week and this video is an excellent supplement to my fitness regime! I have looked at dozens of different pilates DVD's and this one is definitely one of the most varied and concentrated routines you will find. Denise does a fabulous job guiding you and challenging your core body to get the results you want. I would not use this DVD as a stand alone workout unless all you want to improve is your flexibility. To really get the full benefits I would highly recommend combining a challenging cardio routine several times a week. Then when you do this DVD you will really feel a well rounded and complete workout if done even twice weekly. She targets so many areas and teaches you lots of different pilates moves that really give you a good scope of this type of exercise. I also LOVE the resistance band exercises that she incorporates into the routine, it really challenges your muscles and improves flexibility! Don't take my word for it, buy it, use it and find out for yourself!!! - posted by Kelty on 11/12/2008 |
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| Moves really quickly |
| I thought this workout was a killer the first time I did it (I'm beginner/intermediate level) but I have grown to love it. I get better at the harder moves every time I try. My favorite feature is that just about the time I think I can't stand one more move in a particular segment, Denise moves on to another type of exercise. The use of the band really lets you get into the fine muscles. I like Denise's encouragement. - posted by Barbara on 7/3/2007 |
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| Unique pilates workout! |
| I love the fusion of yoga and pilates in this workout! The use of the dyna band is really interesting-I've never come across anything like it in any of the classes I have taken. The pilates moves are not too challenging (intermediate level in my opinion), but they're still very effective. I love the standing ballet segment at the end--I feel like my body is truly lengthening! - posted by Leslie on 6/14/2007 |
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| Like it |
| I tried the DVD last night, it's good. She's a little chatty, but she's motivating. I have another Pilates tape by her, but I like this one the best. Hope to see results soon. - posted by Juanita on 6/7/2007 |
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