Everlast Pilates Deluxe Kit

Advantages: Good Instructions and clear photographs
Disadvantages: You may prefer to attend a class

...Pilates has become increasingly popular over the last decade, not the least due to celebs setting the pace, but also because it is an excellent way of getting into shape. It was developed as a means of keeping troops fit and healthy in a prisoner of war camp in WW1. Today there are many courses and books available, although it is probably better to take a taster class or sign up for a course if you are a beginner, so that you can get the benefit of professional tuition. However, a book like this one can be a useful supplement and once you have mastered the basics, provides a good means of exercising at home. It is important then that any book should provide reliable information and clear illustrations to help you make any progress. BACKGROUND Pilates was the brainchild of a German athlete, Joseph Hubertus Pilates. As... Read review

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Advantages: A flexible excersize workout
Disadvantages: You need a big enough floor space to really stretch out in

...of the excersizess difficult to complete. **************************************************** MY TIPS... 1. buy this DVD - you'll make a saving on going to classes 2. get a Pilates kit together - baked bean tins, towels, comfy stretchy clothes, hubbies fishing rod etc and keep the whole lot in one place. I keep mine in the cabinet underthe TV, so now when we run out of Baked beans, my husband knows exactly where he can find them (shame... must find a new hiding place for my pilates kit!!!!) 3. Stick with it and you'll notice changes in your posture, tone, fitness and health almost immediately. You'll also feel very smug about being a couple of inches taller - esp if you are a short ass like me. Pilates is not the be all and end all though, I would also recommend that this excersize regime should be combined with a more athletic... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to follow.
Disadvantages: None.

...I have tried exercise DVD`s before and they are usually 5 minute wonders. It is with good intentions that I buy them and with great enthusiasm that I try them but then they take pride of place in my DVD collection not touched again for months. I am not lazy, I attend a gym and enjoy exercising but find it difficult sometimes to become motivated at home. One of the classes that I used to frequent at the gym was pilates but work commitments made it more difficult to make the class so I decided to give the DVD a go. I think I paid about £10 on the internet. Pilates is a way of toning your body whilst concentrating on breathing and relaxation. It is not a form of aerobic exercise, it is quite gentle. It can be enjoyed by all ages and there are variations on each movement and degrees of difficulty. It helps very much with posture... Read review

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