Customer Rating:  
Summary: Mediocre at best, and way too repetitive
Comment: Definitely an interesting idea for a video - cardio mixed in with Pilates work. But I have to say that the cardio section is pretty disappointing. I didn't feel that it did a good job of working different muscle groups. All of the movements were based around doing squats...over...and over again. I think my thighs got a good work out but I'm not sure about the rest of my body. And the movements in the cardio section were extremely repetitive - to the point where I completely lost interest and was just counting down until the end of the section.
The (very) brief mat work portion of the video is better, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who hasn't done some pilates before, as the instructor doesn't give very detailed instructions during this part.
I'll still bust out this video when I want a change in routine sometimes, but I'm always instantly reminded of why I don't like it. One of my least favorite crunch videos so far.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Feel the Burn
Comment: I know nothing about pilates, yet this DVD was completely easy to follow. This is the second Ellen Barrett exercise DVD I've tried and I love them both. The 40 minute moves are easy to follow with upbeat music played in the background and the burn is felt for days afterwards.
Customer Rating:
Summary: crunch fat burning pilates
Comment: I think that this video is a fun video and effective at the same time. You feel like you have done your workout, but don't feel like you have worked yourself to death. It is enjoyable, and moves quickly so you don't feel like you have been doing the same move forever. Worth my money.
Customer Rating:
Summary: fun!
Comment: its a different workout than normal aerobics. mixed with pilates moves, this is a great workout, but not for beginners. i feel great after doing it. the first part is standing aerobics pilates, and is a challange. the second part is mat work and is a real challange, but is worth it. lots of fun.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Fun, Light Workout
Comment: Ellen Barrett is an exceptional instructor, and I haven't done a workout of hers yet that I didn't like. This workout isn't as challenging as some of her others, but with the amount of weightlifting and running that I do, a balanced, fluid workout like this one is a welcome change of pace. The standing portion consists largely of squats mixed with fun combinations of arm and leg variations that keep the workout from getting boring. The pace is reasonable - not "break-your-neck," but not "take-a-nap" either - and her cuing is terrific. The "floor" section is short but challenging IF you concentrate on proper form. The music is awesome, and I wish more workouts used drumming like this. It reminded me of The Method's Target Specifics (with Jennifer Kries), which I love both for the workout and for the music.
Overall, I wouldn't use this DVD on days when I am looking for a full-blown Pilates or cardio workout. However, it is a great option on its own for a lighter day, or combined with a weight-lifting, cardio, or second Pilates session for a more complete workout.
As a side note, I agree with some of the other reviewers that a few of Ellen's cohorts should have reconsidered their outfits before trying to work out in them. I usually don't notice that kind of thing - and it would never stop me from doing the workout - but it is actually distracting, especially when the camera cuts directly to them. Try to ignore it.
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