A great resistance workout using dumbbells, resistance bands and an eercise ball. Let JulieB show you how to have a fabulous resistance workout using some simple tools. Workout at-home, or on the road with this simple program!
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10 Minute Solution Pilates on the Ball
Studio: Starz/sphe Release Date: 05/06/2008
5 Stars Pilates on the Ball – 10 Min Solution
I love this DVD. The exercises are challenging, but you are encouraged to work at your own pace. You have 5 to choose from and the instruction is clear.
5 Stars Low impact workout fits into my schedule
Low impact workout fits into my schedule. The host is engaging and makes it easy to follow along.
4 Stars Good for an extra pilates challenge
This dvd is great for someone looking for versatility and a bit of an extra challenge from standard pilates. The ten minute sets are great for time constraints, and the ball adds extra intensity. However, I wouldn’t recommend this dvd for pilates beginners.
4 Stars Pilates on the Ball
I love this video. Laura Hudson is a great instructor (I have two other Pilates DVDs of hers) and this video is a wonderful combination of Pilates and ball exercises. It provides a tough workout without being too difficult and her moves are easy to follow.
5 Stars Real Pilates adapted for the stability ball
In this DVD, Lara Hudson has developed an effective routine with creative moves based on Pilates; the exercises don’t feel contrived at all. This is one of those workouts that sneaks up on you – you may not feel like you’re doing much at the time, but it’s a different story afterwards! I found the “Upper Body” segment a bit too easy, but the “Lower Body” and “Total Body Pilates” were a different story!
The “Flexibility” segment is particularly good; I appreciate that Lara focuses on stretching the hip flexors which tend to get overworked in Pilates. This segment also makes a good stretch after other workouts. Lara is an encouraging instructor with a nice personality.
Like the other “10 Minute Solutions” DVDs, this one is fully programmable which is always a bonus. I would recommend this DVD to intermediate/advanced Pilates practitioners. If you are more of a beginner, you may like Lizbeth Garcia’s On the Ball Pilates Workout for Beginners.
Elaine Petrone knows pain. As a young dancer, she suffered a debilitating injury and was told she’d be lucky to walk without a limp, let alone dance. Her quest to heal herself led her to develop the Elaine Petrone Method. It healed her injury, alleviated her pain, and changed her life. For 30 years, she has been teaching individuals, doctors, and therapists how to do the same.
Unlike exercise programs that are designed to build muscle through repetitive motion and muscle tightening, the Elaine Petrone Method teaches you to “unwork” the excess muscle tension that contributes to chronic low backache, joint pain, arthritis, anxiety, fatigue, stress, and a host of everyday twinges, spasms, and hurts. Revolutionary in its simplicity, this program will show you how to use controlled breathing, two squishy balls, and gentle movements to let your lower back and hips heal themselves. (Coming in January 2007 for pain in the shoulders, neck and head: “The Elaine Petrone Method: Stop the Clock.”)
Muscles respond to stress by activating a cycle of pain in your body. Whether your pain comes from injury, improper body alignment, or just the stress of everyday life, get on the ball and get relief!
5 Stars everything is not for everybody nor every body
I too have read some of the other reviews and am quite surprised at the vitriol! Can’t people just say that they don’t like something or that they did not have success and why? Plain and detailed descriptions of both success and failure can be quite helpful and that is what I come to Amazon reviews for.
I was fortunate enough to have taken classes with Ms Petrone at a New York health club in early 2001. Every single thing she ever said in that class or the tape that I subsequently bought from her, was true and happened to me in my own body, right there in the class and at home. I do understand that there are people who can’t do anything unless there is someone there pointing or touching and describing every little thing. Those people could never be satisfied with any tape, DVD or book unless it came with the instructor herself! That’s why there is a whole industry built around personal training and it does not mean there is anything wrong with the Petrone Method.
I also have a very early version of the kit. Mine came with a booklet, a VHS and a cassette. If I am not mistaken, the VHS is to show the positions because she does not want you to look at the screen while you should be concentrating on the movement, with your head down.
I also understand that I have had the benefit of personal instruction, so the cassette was a reminder of what I already knew.
I am currently learning Yoga from a Book that came with a DVD and a CD: Peaceful Weight Loss Through Yoga by Brandt Bhanu Passalaccqua. The DVD is meant to show you how the movements are supposed to look and the CD has the same verbal cueing with music so that you are not looking at the screen when you should be looking at the ceiling or the mat. That method does work, but this author’s DVD is really a visual representation of the illustrations in the book (which come with instructions that could be confusing if you have never seen the movement performed), and what is on the CD. He does a whole class on the DVD. Perhaps Ms. Petrone’s next set could emulate this man’s formula.
Ultimately though, it is important to bear in mind that no matter how great something truely is, such as Ms. Petrone’s little balls, everything is not for everybody, nor every body. Temperment and learning style are as important as the quality of the product. As a personal trainer, I make lots of money explaing to others how to do things I learned mostly from books. However, I learn best from verbal instructions too.
3 Stars Misrepresented
The product picture shows a full kit with 2 balls and DVD, so you’d expect to see these things when it’s receieved. Think again! No balls are included, just a DVD. The product desc mentions nothing about “balls not included”. The DVD itself is OK as it has some decent techniques not included in the original Petrone kit.
4 Stars Method good but DVD #2 needs work.
I would gladly have given a five star rating if it weren’t for the second DVD; it is really poor.
I have the orginal balls with the book and had difficulty using them with only still pictures and text as guidance. I ordered the version with the DVDs hoping it would provide adequate follow along instructions. The first DVD descripes the breathing and position method; it was very well put together. The second one is only Elaine’s voice and no pictures. Now, that’s the time I needed more. Her instructions without pictures allows too much room for error. I had to rely on my book to work with the other parts of the body. This DVD (for the Back, Elbow and Neck) was bad. You can’t even concentrate with only a voice going on and on. It became fustrating and I finally turned it off.
The first DVD explains the method along with proper breathing. So the second DVD would really only need good pictures of ball placement for the other various parts of the body. It need not labor on with redundant breathing instructions.
If there is to be a second edition DVD instruction, please incorporate pictures as described above. Elaine’s actual method is very beneficial.
3 Stars Great Concepts: Bad DVD
I like these miracle balls. They seem to help my low back. But, I don’t know if they would help other parts of my body because the DVD that came with the balls only explain the one series of low back exercises. I can’t even find a book by Petrone (let alone a complete DVD) that explains all the positions possible with the balls. I actually thought my DVD was damaged because it ended so abruptly and didn’t get to a couple of things I thought she was going to explain. I kept going back to the menu and trying again. This was a good idea executed poorly. I guess I will keep searching for more information on how to use my new miracle balls.
5 Stars Miracle Ball
It is a great product for pain relievers. I strongly recommend it as long as you follow the directions properly.
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.
5 Stars The miracle Ball
A great workout to strengthen your core muscles and improve your posture
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.
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.
Adam Ford’s Swiss Ball Abs DVD will quickly increase your core strength and stability. This comprehensive core-conditioning program trains multiple muscle groups with functional integrated movements, incorporating your back and obliques as well as your abdominals. The three 20-minute workouts in Swiss Ball Abs will redefine your mid-section with cutting-edge exercises that precisely target your lower and deep abdominals.
Many people have done a few sloppy crunches on the Swiss ball but few have realized its full potential. Adam’s simple and safe 3-phase progression delivers remarkable results. You’ll enjoy increased functional strength, flexibility and balance through all three planes of motion. Whether just beginning or advanced, start Swiss Ball Abs now and get that `six-pack’! You’ll look great, and feel even better.
From the instructor: This is the second edition of my Swiss Ball Abs DVD. Most of the exercises are about the same as the first edition but the video footage and audio was totally redone when I produced my Swiss Ball Upper and Lower body DVDs. In response to customer’s feedback the second edition features better navigation and contains additional content like an FAQ section on sets, reps, etc. Thanks to everyone for your comments on the first edition!
2 Stars Not for Beginners
This workout is extremely hard. It requires excellent balance which I certainly do not have. I am not in terrible shape either, but i could not do the workouts at all, even the beginner workout. I spent most of the time trying to figure out how to get in the right position or balance correctly. It is not worth it for a beginner or even the average fitness person.
5 Stars I can see my stomach muscles!!!
I love this DVD. I love the challenges, the pacing, the variety, and the duration. And the more times you do it, the harder it gets because you can do the exercises more precisely and focus on better form. The music could be better (tho phase 3 isn’t bad), but that’s not what’s important to me.
Granted, I have Swiss ball experience and my balance is pretty good. I’ve had personal trainers in the past, and have had years of yoga practice. I can see how beginners might have a hard time. Perhaps they could have a friend help them with their form, or just focus on doing a half version of the exercise at first (e.g., just hold push up position with toes on the ball, vs. also pulling the ball in toward your stomach and extending out).
I have a ruptured and herniated disc in my lower back, and have always had a soft squishy belly. Almost every morning I wake up with some level of lower back pain. You’d think the last thing I should do is a core workout. But it truly helps me get my day started without ibuprofen. The stretching at the beginning helps a lot, and the exercises are pretty safe. My core is getting so much stronger. I’ve been doing this video (mostly phase 2) and the Perfect Abs video 4xs/week for about 2 months now and there’s a definite difference in my appearance. I don’t have a six pack, but I’m not sure I’d want that as a woman anyway. I’m 36 and my 16-year-old nephew tells me my stomach looks better than his. Believe me, that was not the case 2 months ago.
1 Star Swiss Ball Abs and Core
Wouldn’t recommend any DVD for ball exercise. Nearly important to view video and exercise especially when you doing lying exercise.
3 Stars Poor Cuing and hasty Transitions
Three workouts; phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3
Cuing is poor and transitions too fast for a beginner. If you are a beginner and have never used a Swissball before expect some frustration. The video will be on the fourth repetition of the next exercise before you are ready to begin.
However, the angst caused by this will fade with practice and as you memorize the video which will render cuing unecessary
5 Stars GREAT WORKOUT
I have been looking for a step-up in my Ab program and this fit the bill. The pacing is so correct because it allows me to make SURE that my form AND my breathing are correct. I have been doing Jane Fonda Challenge and Denise Austin’s Hit the Spot and Super Stomachs and some Tami oblique work with weights and needed a place to go. This one is it.
