Reviews: Pilates Videos

Comparing Pilates DVDs

Perhaps the most well-known Pilates instructor is Mari Winsor. The Los Angeles-based fitness instructor pioneered a variation of the discipline based on what she calls "dynamic sequencing." The low-intensity workout moves quickly from one move to the next. As a result, Winsor's routines are known for providing more of a cardiovascular workout -- increased calories burned -- than other Pilates programs.

Her classic Mari Winsor: Pilates (*Est. $14) is known for its stellar cuing and excellent instruction. Winsor, say reviewers, is one of the most professional instructors in the industry. Unfortunately, users at Amazon.com say that while the video is suitable for beginners, those prior Pilates experience will find the routines somewhat rudimentary. Last year, Winsor released the Slimming Pilates Kit (*Est. $60). The kit includes three DVDs and the Accelerator tool. The six 20-minute routines provide enough variety to ward off boredom. However, reviewer Kristen Seymour of ThatsFit.com notes that while some of the moves are new and innovative, those familiar with Winsor Pilates will recognize many of the sequences.

Another brand that has made a name for itself is Stott Pilates, garnering a great deal of attention from the fitness community. Pioneered by Moira Stott-Merrithew, the Stott Pilates method is a slight deviation from Joseph Pilates' original program. Stott Pilates focuses more on the stabilization of the upper back and shoulders and promotes a neutral spine position; this is thought to minimize strain through the shoulders and neck. The program has 17 different DVD series, ranging from the popular mat work series to a weight loss series to a Pilates for kids series. There is also a Professional series, which includes highly advanced moves. While there are only a dozen reviews at Amazon.com, consumers are particularly fond of the mat work series, of which there is a beginner, intermediate or advanced version. Stott Pilates: Advanced Matwork, 3rd edition (*Est. $43) is a favorite, with reviewers appreciating the excellent cues and advanced routines.

Winsor Pilates and Stott Pilates represent two of the most classic Pilates DVD series on the market. However, a plethora of other DVDs and programs have emerged in the past five years. In particular, the Exhale: Core Fusion line of Pilates videos has garnered incredible accolades.

Exhale: Core Fusion is not a pure Pilates program. Instead, it combines elements of the Lotte Berk method, Pilates and yoga. A variety of DVDs from this series have topped the exercise video guides from some of the most prominent fitness and women's lifestyle publications. Fitness magazine calls Exhale: Core Fusion - Lean & Toned (*Est. $15) one of the top 10 fitness DVDs of 2011, earning the title Top Trouble-Zone Tamer. The DVD offers five segments, each focused on a common trouble area: upper body, thighs, core, butt or abs. Reviewers say that the routines feel different and unique, but offer stellar instruction, cuing and motivation. Previously, ThatsFit.com had named the DVD one of the top picks for 2010, as did Organic Spa Magazine.

Exhale: Core Fusion - Lean & Toned is not the only DVD in the series that has performed well with testers. In fact, Exhale: Core Fusion -- Pilates Plus (*Est. $15), earned a runner-up position as the best exercise video for abs in our most recent exercise video report. Pilates is a discipline primarily based on performing controlled movements through the contraction and release of the abdominal muscles. Research has linked Pilates to an increased strength in the overall core. Real Simple names the video as one of their top 10 favorites, saying the "streamlined workouts" please both beginners and veterans. The video receives a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from more than 100 Amazon.com reviewers, with several praising the instruction, pace and effectiveness of the routines. Meanwhile, FitBottomedGirls.com -- which arguably has the largest database of detailed editor-written reviews -- calls Exhale: Core Fusion - Body Sculpt (*Est. $15) one of the most challenging videos they've reviewed.

Exhale: Core Fusion would be considered, in many fitness circles, a Pilates fusion program. Interestingly, we found the best reviews for Pilates fusion programs over pure classic Pilates programs. In many reviews of the Stott Pilates and Winsor Pilates DVDs, users complain that the routines didn't provide enough of a "true workout." Reviewers felt toned, but many say the programs were not as calorie-torching as they would have hoped. Pilates fusion workouts like Exhale: Core Fusion deliver the lengthening, toning moves of Pilates, but with more energy, more fun and more cardio.

Pilates for weight loss

This brings us to another segment of the Pilates video market -- weight loss. Several Pilates DVDs and videos are specifically designed to help the body lose weight. Element: Pilates Weight Loss for Beginners (*Est. $14) receives high marks from user-generated reviews and the editors of FitBottomedGirls.com. The instruction is clear, and while the moves are more basic than those of some other routines, reviewers still found themselves receiving a good, solid workout. While Element: Pilates Weight Loss for Beginners is probably not for those who need a higher-energy workout, it is good for those just getting into Pilates.

Those who are looking to lose weight with a Pilates routine and are more advanced may want to consider the equally highly rated Weight Loss Pilates with Kristin McGee (*Est. $15). The DVD was introduced back in 2009 and received some media attention. Reviews from professional publications are largely outdated, but the DVD has maintained its popularity with consumers. About.com's Marguerite Ogle says that the workout provides a good mix of cardio and Pilates-based exercises, although she warns that some of the moves are high-impact and others are not well suited for those with back problems.

Pilates workouts also come in time-efficient versions. The 10 Minute Solutions line of fitness DVDs features five 10-minute routines. Each focuses on a specific muscle group and can be mixed and matched depending on how long or how intense a workout you're looking for. 10 Minute Solutions: Rapid Results Pilates (*Est. $14) receives fairly good feedback from reviewers on Amazon.com, CollageVideo.com, FitSugar.com and TopExerciseVideos.com. Reviewers like instructor Lara Hudson's clear cuing and impeccable form. The routines are particularly loved by those who enjoy a faster-paced workout, though some complain that there are too few reps for moves to be truly effective. It is important to note that several reviewers warn that the video is not a true Pilates workout. Natalie Belford of TopExerciseVideos.com says the beginner-to-intermediate-level workout is "a mash of yoga, calisthenics, and weightlifting moves."