If you don't want to shell out the monthly membership cost for a fitness club, you can use a DVD to learn the basics of Pilates at home. Pilates uses gentle stretching movements with deep breathing to strengthen and tone the core. Additional benefits include improved joint mobility and flexibility. Most Pilates at home DVDs require no equipment except for a comfortable exercise mat.
"Pilates Workout for Dummies"
"Pilates Workout for Dummies" is one of the top DVD picks from the Think Pilates website. It is designed for beginners and intermediate Pilates exercisers. The video includes helpful pop-ups that appear on screen to aid with your workout. The pop-ups provide hints, key terms, bust myths and provide important reminders. You are taught 18 mat exercises over the course of 60 minutes. Poses include swan dive, spine stretch, leg rocker, leg circles, hundreds, corkscrew and side kicks. Michelle Dozios leads the DVD; she is a fitness professional and certified Pilates instructor.
"Stott Pilates Firm & Fit"
"Stott Pilates Firm & Fit" DVD focuses on improving your form on the mat. This DVD is appropriate for intermediate Pilates followers who know some of the more basic moves. The SNEWS website rates this DVD with four out of five clapping hands and recommends it for improved flexibility and stability. Features of the DVD include 10 warm-up moves, 30 different core exercises, stretching moves, leg exercises and ab work. Each exercise requires you perform approximately six to eight reps. The DVD has a total running time of 47 minutes.
"Pilates Core Challenge"
"Fitness" magazine recommends the "Pilates Core Challenge" for beginners and advanced Pilates exercisers. Gaiam produces the DVD and it is led by instructor Ana Caban. Caban is an award-winning certified Pilates instructor, who was once a professional dancer. She turned to Pilates for injury rehabilitation and now has multiple DVD titles released through Gaiam. Running time is 60 minutes and exercises include scissors, planks, leg stretches and roll ups. The DVD has a 40-minute workout and 18-minute fast track option.
Considerations
Check the exercise DVD before you purchase it to make sure it fits your comfort level and does not require expensive equipment. For example, some Pilates DVDs require you use an at-home Reformer. This device uses cables, spring and pulleys to create resistance as you complete Pilates moves. You should also find out what fitness level the DVD is recommended for and whether or not this level matches your Pilates ability. Read the instructor's biography to determine qualifications. Also, consider running time and the number of workouts included before you choose an at-home Pilates DVD.
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