Pilates Complete for Inflexible People

I like the way this video is formatted, and I like the hostess...she's not all perky and obnoxious like a lot of workout instructors. However, I think even this DVD aimed at people with flexibility issues, it's too advanced for me. I like that it has a basic lesson at the beginning so you know how to align your body while you exercise, but I had trouble getting past 15 or so minutes of the basic routine...the thing is, I'm in the process of losing a lot of weight, and I'm still pretty overweight, by about 50 lbs, so maybe because of that, I have trouble getting into the right position and I end up straining more as a result. I'm fairly fit when it comes to cardio, and I have recently started using therabands for strength training (I can't afford gym membership, and the resistance tubing is just as effective as weight traning), but I just can't seem to do this workout effectively yet. I'm still pleased with the product, and I hope I'll be able to use it once I lose some more pounds and inches. I've incorporated the basic lesson into my workout routine, actually, because it helps with some of my back issues to do those exercises...maybe doing them over time will get me more adept at doing pilates. This is for inflexible people, but I guess for me it's just not modified enough. So if you are overweight and not in the greatest of shape, I would say that you should try it after losing a bit more weight when you are in need of toning exercises. I just don't think pilates was designed for larger people.

I purchased this video to do with my teen daughter, who has gravitational insecurity and dyspraxia, which manifests in her as delayed gross motor skills, low muscle tone, bad posture, and inflexibility. The first time we tried it, I jumped ahead to one of the yoga/pilates leg workouts, which was a mistake as it was long, and too hard for her. A few months later I convinced her to try again, from the beginning. It was just challenging enough for her, without being impossible. It works for us to do each workout 5x/week for 1 or 2 weeks before moving onto the next. The workouts seem to build on each other, so I suggest starting at the beginning.The video isn't as polished as the cover would have you believe and it takes a couple of times to really understand the instructions, but its worked well for us and has improved our strength, posture and range of motion.

This isn't for people who want to improve their mediocre flexibility, it's for the really inflexible people who want to work up to having acceptable flexibility. Yes, it's slower than a general pilates video and the beginning moves are modified and remedial, which is just what those of us who really are inflexible need. Along with the pilates there's also a yoga section. The yoga is at the same level as the pilates, modified for the inflexible. I hate to admit that these workouts were challenging for me, that's how inflexible I am. But they were achievable and I started seeing the improvements within a few weeks. The improvements have kept me interested and I'm using it 2-3 times a week. I hope to get up to 3-4 times a week and move on to a Beginner DVD eventually. If the "beginner" programs have been beyond your ability, try this one and work your way up.

I ordered this dvd because my dvr ceased to work, so I could not watch my old pilates tape, which is no longer available. I was particularly interested in the fact that it was for inflexible people - I am 68 and lack flexibility (also range of motion in my knees because of knee replacements). I did not see any movements that seemed to be modified towards increasing flexibility. Basically, the moves were the same as the ones in my old tape - that was disappointing. I can not do any of the exercises that have to do with being on my knees or sitting back on my heels - there were quite a few of these and I feel that I won't get the full benefit of the program by leaving any exercises out. It is a wonderful dvd for people with no limitations, but, as I said previously, I did not see any exercises that would take inflexibility into account. Same exercises and movements as in pilates dvd's with no mention of inflexibility.

I have never done Pilates but because of major back issues was a little hesitate to try. This DVD is perfect for my needs. The Instructions are clear and modifications are suggested or shown if any pain is experienced. There are so many choices as to routines according to your time and mobility level. After one session of a 15" routine my abs felt pleasantly sore that night. (but not my back). There is even a section with Yoga but I am pacing myself and not going to overdo yet.I am very pleased with this purchase and will buy the other DVD FOR YOGA for Inflexible people once my back issues are solved. For someone who is in excellent shape with no mobility issues this might not be challenging enough. But as I said for someone who is very stiff and wanting a safe beginners routine this might be perfect.

I bought this DVD when I was starting out to get fitter, flexible and tighten up my core. I was afraid I was too inflexible to do anything active without injury. However, when I sat down one morning to check this DVD out and try the routines, I was bored out of my mind.Other reviewers have mentioned the glacial aspect of the presentation. I agree with it. I found myself wanting to move faster, or at least faster than the pace of a poky pony! And yes, the background/setting is dark and reminded me old New England houses now used as yoga/pilates/arts centers with tons of darkwood, etc. Margaret is likable enough, but her style did not click with me.I'm off to try and sell it; perhaps it can do some good for someone else.

one of those fitness selections which seemed like a good idea at the timegreat exercise but I need more self motifivation

I just can't get into this workout right now.