Denise Austin Pilates for Everybody Review

About the DVD 

So you probably know by now...I can't get enough of Pilates!  In particular I am impressed by Denise Austin's pilates (although not so impressed by her dance video).  All of her Pilates tapes contain central, essential pilates moves like teaser, t-stand, and rolling like a ball, but they also include unique exercisesthat I haven't seen from Pilates instructors before, and particularly commendable are the standing alterations of traditional pilates mat moves.  This DVD also features several ballet-stretch moves which are very enjoyable for work-out junkies like me and very bearable/effective too.

I love this dvd!

It includes:

• 7 minute warm up/stretch (a great, unique stretch.  I just don't like the lunges...my feet slip!  Interestingly, the Chakra dance DVD I reviewed seems to have "stolen"? some of Denise's moves here, and just made them more free-flowing.
• 18 minutes: floor work on arms and abs
• 7 minutes: ballet
• 7 minutes: arms with some leg work
• 6 minute: stretch

Total time: 45 minutes

Which Denise Austin Pilates should I get?

Denise Austin has 3 Pilates DVDs that I have tried: "Pilates," "Hit the Spot Pilates," and this one.  If you're going to buy just one, I recommend "Hit the Spot Pilates" because it is a fully customizable workout dvd.  Although, "Pilates" is probably more introductory.  For those like me, who are just workout junkies and want it all, I recommend buying "Hit the Spot Pilates" and "Pilates for Everybody," because you will probably get bored with "Pilates."

I'm new to Pilates--will I be able to do these DVDs?

Well, as long as your doctor says it's okay: yes!  Pilates is my favorite toning/strengthening/flexibility-gaining workout because it is modifiable.  Although I love Yoga, I often find blood rushing to my head, or my wrists becoming weary.  Not so with Pilates (although minimal Yoga moves are included in most Pilates DVDs). 

Here are some tips to make it easier and still get results:

• Pilates workouts are progressive: they start with easier versions of an exercise, and work up to the hardest version of that exercise.  If you are finding one level too hard, just keep doing the earlier version!
• If the workout involves your legs pointing, perfectly straight, up to the ceiling, and the thought of this makes you say "Ha!" then bend your knees.  You will still get the benefit of the exercise!  Just remember: keep your core and your pelvic area stable.  Only your legs should be moving on these moves!
• If the exercise calls for your head lifted, put it down!
• If the exercise calls for your legs lifted at a 20-45 degree angle, bring your legs up higher.  The closer they are to the ground (without touching) the harder the exercise.
• Go at your own pace!  Pilates is about quality, not quantity!
• Never say you can't: you can!  Always say you can, because it's true--if you aren't doing something now (i.e. take a look at "teaser"--it's the move Denise is doing on the cover to this DVD) you will one day.  So that means you can!

General Tip

If Denise says you should be feeling it in your thighs, and your either not feeling it, or are feeling it elsewhere, you need to either reposition your body or refocus on which muscle group you are, as Denise says, "zipping up"!

Equipment you will need for some exercises:

• A resistance band (preferably with no handles)
• A chair (for balance)