Element: Targeted Toning Pilates for Beginners

Thanks for this workout! I enjoy the stretches, the instructor's precise instructions and guidance, the pace, the music. The workout is very effective for toning and shaping even in my 70's! The Element workouts, along with those by Jane Fonda, help keep me strong and improve my health and well-being.

I had never even thought about doing Pilates until my orthopedic doctor suggested I try Pilates to improve my core strength and supplement my cardio routine with Pilates. I absolutely love this work out. The instructor explains everything and it’s simple to follow. I do 2 workouts which takes about 40 minutes. I have really noticed the positive changes in my core strength and I have noticed my waist is more defined and my lower abs flattening. My husband even likes the Pilates workout. All I can say is you won’t be disappointed if you purchase this.

I've never done Pilates before, I've always been more of a heavy weights and kettlebells kind of girl, but a recent knee surgery and subsequent pain from scar tissue has me unable to do my usual hard-charger workout routines. However I still want to work out. So I thought I'd change things up and try something totally out of my wheelhouse. Pilates has no impact (very knee-friendly) and mat work doesn't require a lot of equipment beyond the actual mat, and it's focused on the core muscles, all of which is just what I need right now so I ordered this DVD as my first time ever Pilates experience. Now, I have another DVD from the "Elements" series, an A.M./P.M. Yoga one that I like a lot. This Pilates DVD was filmed in the same location and it's very pretty and serene. The instructor is certainly qualified. Now, here's where I have one caveat for you... if, like me, you've never done a Pilates workout before and this is your first time, be sure to watch each workout segment before trying to do it. The instructor talks and moves fairly quickly, without a lot of explanation beforehand. Of course, as you get accustomed to the moves, that's a good thing. Better than having to listen to the same explanation a thousand times, right? But this is supposed to be a "Beginners" program, so it should, I feel, provide more guidance. Granted, it's not rocket science, so it's not hard to learn. But I had to stop trying to DO the workout and just WATCH the workout the first time. And I did that for each segment, watched it once before jumping in. Also, for whatever reason, there are different names for moves that are originally and classically yoga moves. For instance, instead of calling it a "Down Dog" or "Downward-Facing Dog", the same exact move that millions of yoga practitioners have been doing for thousands of years before Pilates was even a thing is, in this DVD, called "The Elephant." 😐 Yes, I know. It's not a big deal but it kind of annoys me. Other than those 2 minor things I'm glad I bought this DVD.

I love this workout! The instructor is fantastic and straightforward, not annoying in the least as you know some instructors can be. You can do one or all four of the workouts and feel great about it, I saw a difference in my body almost immediately, and when I was lazy and took time off from exercise for a few months and started doing this routine again a few days later my husband said " you look good, have you been working out?" Totally recommend have been bugging the girls in my family to start doing it too!

It's a great workout. It got my entire body sore. The only thing I don't like is the narrator isn't very good at narrating when to breathe. The voice over doesn't always match up with what's happening (sometimes the commands are delayed) It's not a deal breaker, but a big part of pilates is knowing when to breathe in vs out.Pros: good work outgreat exercises for beginnersCons: voice over commands are often delayed with the actionbreathing commands aren't given consistentlyOverall, due to poor walk through, I would say this cd really isn't the most appropriate for a beginner

Always thought I was in decent shape until I dried Pilates with this DVD. Wow, it was a wake up call for my core! If you listen to her instructions very carefully and be consistent with this workout, you'll immediately see results with your waistline and posture. I'm in my early 40's and wish I knew about Pilates in my 20's. I was around a 32-33 waistline before and now I'm a 29-30. I have tried other videos and this is still my favorite. Just be patient and don't give up if you find this hard. The results will come!

Zero instruction on breathing or where to position, what to do if you feel pain etc...if you're a Pilates beginner like me, then don't waste your money, this will sit on the shelf-super disappointed as I'd truly hoped for some direction with form etc.

Wasnt sure what to expect but surprisingly like this video! I am super picky about background scenery and the person presenting the video. The background is great and she isnt the one talking while performing the movements. And it was just the right amount of toughness. I work out a lot and this was the perfect challenge. Not too long either but enough to make you sweat and feel it.

Love this video! I had lower back and hip pain, and after doing this video, I had immediate relief! It is a bit more advanced if you’ve never done Pilates before but I felt the instructor was very good at explaining.

I really enjoy doing this workout. I had notice in the other reviews folks found it a bit hard, but i have done Pilates now for a few years, so would recommend it to people who have done Pilates before. I have two of the other Elements Pilates dvd and found them really great to have when needed. Although theSlime and Tone is fast, and can be a bit tricky. Just go at your own pace until your ready. For the price for the elements dvd is great I have a few, and there handy just to mix’s things up if you can’t get to a class.

Easy to follow

Love it and use it very regularly. Calm, delivery and not at all stress inducing. Great for increasing mobility and strength. I'd definitely recommend this dvd.

Good dvd but not at all for beginners.