STOTT PILATES Prenatal Pilates on the Ball

Studio: Esi Distribution Release Date: 10/25/2007

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Good video and good workout
The video case says that this is a workout for women in the 2nd trimester. I just purchased it when I was in month 5 and just did the workout for the first time here in month 6. You will need one of the birthing balls and a stretch band (and maybe a towel to kneel on). The entire DVD is about 45 minutes long but the workout is 30 minutes. The other stuff on the DVD include a “workout principles” which outlines the basics for us non-expert pilates people and a “5 minute bonus” workout that is a little more intense.

Let me begin by saying that I am not a big workout/pilates person. Sad to say, I don’t exercise as much as I know I should. I’ve never done any pilates stuff, but I have heard so many pregnant women talk about the birthing ball that I thought I should try one. I’m willing to give anything a shot that might make delivery day easier. I watched the entire workout first a few days ago without doing any of it so that I’d know what I needed. I just did the workout this morning for the first time. It was pretty easy to follow since I had watched it before. There were a few times that I had to rewind because I missed what the instructor was saying or she went too fast through an exercise. I imagine that will get better as I do it more often. There is a nice variety of exercises, and I definitely felt challenged but not too overwhelmed. The difficulty level is low, so a pilates ball guru would probably be bored. For a novice like me, it was the right speed.

I am going to continue using the video as long as my big belly will let me. At some point, I may need to skip over some of the exercises if I’m too big.

4 Stars Good for beginners
This is a low intensity workout and would be good for beginners. You use a stability ball and a resistance band. It is a Pilate’s workout, so there is no cardio. The workout is 30 minutes, and some of the exercises are kind of boring. I use this DVD when I am not very motivated, but know I need to workout. I am now 24 weeks and will continue using it. I like the 10 Minute Solution Prenatal Pilates DVD better because there is more of a variety, I can target specific areas and it is a little more fun.

5 Stars I am so relaxed…
THIS IS DEFINITELY LOW ON THE INTENSITY LEVEL. WHEN I AM FINISHED I FEEL OPEN AND RELAXED. I SWITCH THIS ONE WITH YOGA JOURNAL’S SHIVA REA PRENATAL VIDEO, IT IS MORE INTENSE AND BUTT – KICKING. IF YOU ARE ATHLETIC AND WORK OUT ALOT (WHICH IS DEFINITELY NOT ME) YOU WOULD NOT LIKE THIS. IT DOES CALL FOR THE EXCERSIZE BALL AND FLEX BAND. FOR THE FLEX BAND I JUST USE AN OLD PAIR OF TIGHTS .

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Stability Ball Workout for Dummies

The stability ball is a marvelous exercise tool. Exercise any muscle group and you also engage the core–postural abdominal and back–muscles, which keep you balanced. Stability Ball Workout for Dummies is an excellent introduction to working out on the ball. Even if you’re a first-timer, friendly instructor Liz Gillies, starts with the basics. Then she leads a 45-minute workout of 15 different exercises that work all muscle groups and target the core muscles to keep you steady. Modifications make the exercises easier or more challenging, making this workout adaptable to different levels. In the friendly format of the For Dummies books, Stability Ball Workout for Dummies uses icons to indicate tips, safety cautions, “myth busters” (commonly misunderstood facts about exercise) and vocabulary. You’ll need dumbbells and, of course, a stability ball. –Joan Price

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Caution! Same as other Dummie Ball Workout!
I was looking for a similar workout to Liz Gilles On the Ball workout that was on VHS and was one of the best ball workouts I have ever found.

I purchased both Fat to Firm Ball workout for Dummies and Stability Ball workout for Dummies. Both by Gilles. They are exactly the same workout. So, I’m unhappy about that waste of money. For the workout itself, it was okay, nothing like I was looking for.

5 Stars Excellent Full Body Stability Ball Workout!
I am a very experienced exerciser with 90 percent (or more) of my workouts being done at home w/ DVD’s and the like.

I am a “graduate” of Tony Horton’s P90X workout (which is amazing, a 90 day high intensity program from Beachbody) and in my Post P90X workouts I’ve been utilizing a mix of disciplines using a large amount of Beachbody workouts by both Tony Horton and Debbie Siebers alternating those with Yoga and Pilates programs.

I am new comparatively to working out with the stability ball but have really enjoyed what it brings into my exercise rotation. I had one of Liz Gillie’s Pilates DVD’s (Target Tone) and really liked her a lot. She didn’t dissapoint me at all with this ball workout.

She has a great variety of exercises that workout your whole body and does a great job explaining each exercise. The Dummie’s programs in general are very good (I like the Pilates workout for Dummies with Michelle Dozois quite a bit as well). There are many tips that are given throughout and modifications to make the exericises either less or more challenging.

My only minor complaint is that there were times I felt that things were a bit rushed especially in terms of the tempo for the dumbell. I find there’s a lot more benefit to a bit of a slower cadence, especially on the negative portion of the reps.

Still, it one can just go slower and do less reps if they want, or just pause the program if they want to do as many reps at a slower pace.

So, overall an excellent program that I’d highly recommend!

5 Stars Stability Ball Workout for Dummies/DVD
This workout DVD has a warm-up and cool-down segment along with a great range of exercises using the stability ball. It is possible for a beginner to benefit from using this routine as well as someone who is already in great shape. The exercises on this DVD will strengthen your back muscles and lessen the chance of hurting yourself when working at home or a job.

3 Stars Not the Best DVD
I bought this dvd because I was looking for a stability ball workout that incorporated weights. This dvd had a segment that includes weights, however I found it to be very rough and rushed.

I was always taught that when working with weights that it needs to be slow and steady so that you don’t injure or over work your muscles. I found that to be the case with two other DVD’s as well. (Total mix and quick fix).

I’ve worked out to the DVD twice, because I wanted to give it a far shot. However, a second time didn’t change my mind. I also, like the other reviewer, thought it was too long.

If you are looking for a good pilates or yoga stability ball work out DVD, then check out Lizbeth Garcia’s “On The Ball” Pilates Or “On The Ball” Sara Ivanhoe Yoga.

A book that I would recommend for anyone looking for stability ball workouts with weights is “Weights on the Ball Workbook”. It has over 350 pictures of exercises with weights using the stability ball. You can create your own work out or follow one of their plans. I really found this helpful and an excellent guide.

3 Stars You’re a “Dummy” if you Buy This DVD
I thought this DVD would be fun and interesting. The workout is so segmented due to the pauses (chapters) in between the workouts. The exercises did not make me sore and many exercises can be done without the ball. I would not recommend this DVD unless you are looking for a DVD that you can skip the exercises that you dislike. I prefer a more fluid workout that easily transistions between exercises. The chapters made the workout seem too long. Truly disappointing! I would recommend Denise Austin’s Shrink your Female Fat Zone which uses a stability ball or the QuickFix Stability Ball training instead.

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WINSOR PILATES 2 DVD SET MAXIMUM BURN BASICS and FAT BURNING BACK WORKOUT TOTAL OF 3 WORKOUTS Get started today and achieve the body youve always wanted

Mari Winsor is one of the most sought after trainers by the biggest stars and celebrities in Hollywood. For more than 16 years, Mari has been teaching her Pilates techniques. She founded two of the most noted Pilates studios in Los Angeles. She has been featured in popular magazines and made numerous TV appearances, including Oprah. The LA Times refers to her as the “Oracle of Pilates.” She’s written three books including Pilates Powerhouse. She is delighted to have developed this Pilates system to help you get the body you want.

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On the Ball Pilates Workout for Beginners

Studio: Cerebellum Corporation Release Date: 11/20/2007

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star I do not reccomend this if you are a beginner!
This is not a good beginners workout and it is boring. There are no options given if you are not strong enough to do the moves. Since this is a ‘beginners’ work out- well it would be helpful. Also there is not an overview to the the basic moves, tips or even proper use of the ball, etc. I am truly a beginner- but even if I were experienced- it’s dull.

I bought this because of the reviews- Does Amazon allow anyone to review- or only people who have bought the product!?!?!?!?!?

1 Star A flawed video for sure.
I used to do windsor pilates, I think my video was with Daisy Fuentes. I thought it would be fun to do a workout on my stability ball but I was totally wrong! There is no lower-impact option… which is especially nice when you’re just starting out. She also sometimes says the wrong word and doesn’t correct herself, so it’s hard to understand what you’re supposed to be doing.

Biggest problem: If you’re above 5’6″ (I’m 5’8″) you get a slightly bigger stability ball. This workout doesn’t have that larger stability ball in mind. Some of the moves are impossible because of the size of the larger ball. This is a problem for me and I wish I would have just bought a dvd copy of windsor pilates to replace my old vhs. What a waste of ten dollars!

5 Stars great beginners workout with a great teacher!
lizbeth is a great teacher- for some reason this is one of the few workout videos where there instructor doesn’t annoy me. i think the workout is great- its a constant buildup, offering challenges for the growing advancement. I love her she layers the workouts, challenging several different muscle groups. i LOVE this!

5 Stars Woohoo!
OK, I’ve tried everything and this is a great dvd. I am still a little bit wobbly on the ball, but I’m learning. And Lizbeth is a good teacher. I’ve only been doing this for 2 weeks so far, and I’m certainly feelin’ it after each workout. I haven’t lost weight yet (I think I need to add some cardio in there, but I feel taller and I SWEAR my waist and abs are changing in shape. I love this and cannot talk about it enough!

4 Stars stability ball workout
This dvd really surprised me! I am not used to the balance ball workouts, thinking they would not be that effective. Silly me! This is a great workout, challenging for me as a beginner. Easy to follow and it flowed smoothly. The reason I only gave it 4 stars is because I did have an achy back after, but I have 2 herniated disks, and just need to keep doing it to build up my core (hence the reason for this particular workout!)I would recommend it to anyone though.

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DL FIT Pilates Ball DVD

The Pilates-Based Core Challenge using the DL Fit ball DVD offers a fast , easy, way to improve your posture, keep your muscles toned and flexible and takes the stress and chronic tension out of your body. Running time: 60 minutes. The DL Fit Ball is made of heat-sealed closed cell foam, and it does not need to be constantly inflated with a needle pump. It retains its shape even through constant use and its non-porous material makes it non-toxic, odor-free and environment friendly. Simple and effective, this ball is easy to use and to store. The DL Fit Ball is the next generation of hassle-free, pump-free Balls. The dynamic nature of the DL Fit ball forces you to constantly engage the stabilizer muscles as well as abdominal muscles. This provides a stable base to pull from and plays a primary role in keeping the lumbar spine and pelvis stable during movement. The ball can be used to train the core and the upper and lower extremities as well as release Muscle tension. This Program adds an extra dimension of challenge and fun into your workout. Workout smarter not harder – you don’t have to work hard to achieve a toned well aligned body. Exercises can be modified to accommodate all skills levels from beginner to advanced.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars The miracle Ball
A great workout to strengthen your core muscles and improve your posture

5 Stars Great Ball and DVD combo
This is a great Package of Ball and DVD – excellent features of small size and hassle-free – because it doesn’t require a pump or constant inflation. Stringly recommend this Package for anyone who is a fitness enthusiast.

5 Stars “Expertly demonstrated core-based Pilates workout”
The DL FIT BALL DVD starts with a outstanding demo of the workout with flawless movements which clearly and precisely demonstrate the Pilates method at it’s best while using the ball to test control, balance, strength and stability of the body.

This DVD explains all levels of the workout starting with the “Training Tips” which show how to do the exercises safely and correctly.

The “Fat Burning Cardio Flow Workout” is a very detailed instruction done with slow, precise and clear movements while controlling the ball. It starts with a warm up and moves into a quicker pace with dynamic exercises. The ball is an aid for doing the exercises correctly while increasing flexibility and stretching the muscles keeping them relaxed so you can work more efficiently and gain maximum results. Using the ball enhances inner body awareness by focusing the mind on core muscles as you work with flow and precision.

The “STEP BY STEP” in-depth detailed instructions are a superbly demonstrated slowly so you can easily follow along.

1. The WARM UP: sets up the workout.

2. CORE STABILITY SERIES: sets up awareness of the core and controlling it working from the inside out as you lengthening the spine and enhance hip stability.

3. PILATES BASICS: using precision, control and quality of movement while doing the exercises slowly with the ball to increase strength.

4. BACK STRENGTHENER: increase length, flexibility and stretch the spine.

5. ABS AND PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES: focuses on coordination, stability, strength, identify the pelvic floor muscles, and how to engage and control them as you exercise.

6. WAIST SERIES: how to comfortably trim size, strengthen, lengthen while learning control and stability.

7. CORE CHALLENGE: learn control, proper alignment, using dynamic opposition while doing challenging exercises.

8. LEG SERIES: challenge your balance, coordination and open hips.

9. COOL DOWN: release muscle tension.

I highly recommend this DVD because it is easily adapted to your individual fitness level. The instruction is easy to follow allows you to work at your own pace and the gain the benefits of increased strength, more flexibility, improved posture, cardiovascular endurance, stability, coordination and mental focus and body awareness and the ball is a great tool for helping to achieve this.

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