The Best Pilates Workout Dvds

Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in Germany by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. According to a 2009 Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) study, almost nine million people in the United States practice Pilates. Pilates focuses on using the mind to control the muscles, particularly the core postural muscles, essential for body balance, spine support and torso strength. Pilates DVDs allow you to practice at home.

Beginners Level

Awarded "Best Pilates Video" according to the editors of "Health" (January 2005), "On The Ball Pilates" is best for beginner- to intermediate-level exercisers. You'll contract your abdominal muscles throughout this 30-minute workout because, by using a stability ball for abdominal-focused Pilates, you can only maintain balance by engaging your core muscles. The ball increases the range of motion and adds intensity to standard Pilates movements. Lifting the ball overhead and holding it between your legs improves alignment. The workout includes all of the classic Pilates moves, such as "leg swings," "the hundred," "corkscrew" and "scissor kicks."

Intermediate Level

According to Zoe Anderson, certified Stott Pilates instructor and founder of "Think Pilates" web site, "Stott Pilates Intermediate Matwork with Moira Merrithews" DVD takes first place for its clarity and instructional quality. The focus is on making sure viewers understand the basic principles of Pilates and and how to integrate them into each exercise. Other features that make this DVD a top pick are that the instructor provides proper cues, clearly states the names of each exercise and smoothly transitions from one exercise to the next for a seamless workout.

Advanced Level

Awarded "Best Pilates DVD" by the editors of "Fitness" magazine (February 2010) "10 Min. Solution: Quick Sculpt Pilates with Ball kit" offers five targeted workout segments and includes an inflatable Pilates ball. It is best suited for intermediate- to advanced-level exercisers. The ball enables you to add resistance to certain poses, enhancing effectiveness. For example, for one exercise you squeeze the ball between your legs to engage your abdominal muscles more deeply. Each 10-minute segment uses exercises geared to achieve a certain goal (bun and thigh toning), and you have the flexibility to play any segment in any order.