I'd never tried pilates before ordering Mari Winsor's system from a television infomercial. Clearly her program works since she looks amazing and she has many fit celebrities (Drew Barrymore and Minnie Driver come to mind) as clients. Pilates just seemed hard. I guess I was picturing all those crazy studios with bars and machines and things hanging from the ceiling. Thankfully Mari's programs don't include any of those! Mari's at home program is focused on strengthening and lengthening your muscles you get a toned, lean body. As a beginner to the system I really appreciated Mari's beginner DVD which really explained each move in detail and showed you exactly how to do it, and why. After I mastered the moves I was on to the full 20 minute workout. Thankfully Mari is always explaining just what the moves do and reminding you to breathe properly. After the twenty minute workout you can move on to her accelerated body sculpting DVDs which include workouts for abs and buns/thighs. She also offers a more advanced, almost hour long, full body workout. Mari's program is effective and very gentle - there's no sharp moves or hopping or jumping.

capers01

Vernon Rockville, CT

I purchased the Mary Windsor Pilates collection when it first came out on DVD - and it is my favortie so far. It has the right amount of warm ups, the right amount of low stress workouts, and a great high pace workout. The trio of DVDs allows you to customize your workout throughout the week, so you won't get bored doing the same thing over and over again.

katiemax

Portland, OR

I really enjoy doing the Mary Windsor Pilates work out. There are many different varieties of this product including the basics, a 20-minute workout, and advanced. While they are challenging, my body feels great afterwards. Also, they really help me stay in shape. I am a dancer so I do not want my muscles to be bulky. Mary Windsor Pilates helps my muscles stay toned but lean at the same time. The 20-minute workout is perfect for when I do not have a lot of time to spare during my day. And who can't spare a mere 20-minutes to make yourself feel more relaxed and toned? On the other hand, when I have closer to an hour to spend, I do the advanced. It really challenges me and motivates me to continue to get in even better shape. A lot of the excercises incorporated into the videos remind me of my dance classes. A lot of isolation is used and breathing is key. Mary reviews all of this before the excercises actually begin. Overall, Mary Windsor Pilates is a great workout for everyone from beginners to the advanced.

AlexHackler

Stockton, NJ

I have found the Windsor Pilates series to be very good.  I especially like the 20 minutes dvd.  It allows me to get a good workout in to stretch my muscles and tighten them in just 20 minutes.  The step-by-step guide is great for the first few times you try it.  It shows you how to do each move and even gives you modifications if you have problems with your neck or back so you don't strain yourself.  That is also helpful if you have never done pilates before and can't quite hold some of the positions.  I do wish there was a 20 minute verysion without an explanation for each move.  I now know how to do the positioning and I wish I didn't always have to wait for the explanations so I could get more of a workout in during the 20 minutes.  I have found that these exercises not only help you strengthen your core and other muscles, but they also help me relax.  They show you proper breathing and help you focus.

smile4mmm

Haverford, PA