Help Movie Reviews

Trying to learn from a video with no background into the principles of Tai Chi didn't work from me. It was a bit like trying to play follow the leader where I had to try and copy movements that meant nothing to me and merely memorize as best I could what she was doing without any rhyme or reason to why I was doing them. If your're someone that needs to see the whole picture first and know the principles and theory in order to assist you in learning the smaller parts, this might not work for you. It's like trying to learn reading from phonics when you don't even know the alphabet. The quality of the product was good, the approach just didn't work for me.

I've been looking for a Tai Vhi DVD in the Yang Form for ages, this is it. Everything about it is really nicely done... I even took TV outside one day and practiced in the Garden... That was the best. LOL

excellent Tai Chi instruction, Very high quality, good clear audio, I'm pretty new to this, but I definately recommend it.

The exercises are very well suited for each semester of pregnancy, although only 20 minutes per session. One big problem is that the DVD is not broken up into different "chapters" so if you want to watch the second or third trimester (or beyond), you have to sit there and fast forward EVERY time!! This is an annoying problem if you want to use the exercise video a lot. However, the exercises themselves leave you feeling refreshed and nicely stretched out.

This DVD was highly recommended to me and I couldn't wait to buy it. After I read the review on Amazon, I was concerned about not being able to skip to each workout. I contacted the company directly through pilatesforpregnancy.com and they assured me that this problem has been fixed. They were right and I have been reaping the benefits of this workout ever since. I am in my third trimester and I feel fit, relaxed and in great shape! I cna't wait to buy the post-natal DVD and to get the chance to workout with my baby.

Received prenatal pilates as a gift, and now I just bought it for an expecting friend.

I loved this video, it really helped keep me stay in shape through my pregnancy. The instructor was very informative and guided me very well through each workout.

A new and fun way to stay in shape while pregnant...got to love it. Makes great gift for expecting mothers as well.

Okay...to be honest, I can't really say if this is a good DVD or not. I can't stand this instructor and Mari Winsor of Winsor Pilates is much better. So is the Crunch instructor on Crunch Pick Your Spot Pilates (which is actually my favorite one). So yea, the 10 min sections might be great, but an instructor that's hard to understand and is breathing (very) heavily during the workout....not ideal considering *I* didn't get winded at all (and I *always* get winded). I suggest using the other two programs instead. But hey, that's me

This "Quick Fix" series of workouts is a great way to supplement your routines. They are also quite effective on their own. Each in the series is designed to work and help specific areas. They offer three 10 minutes sessions(per DVD),in which you can do one or all three for a total workout. Previously I had tried the "Quick Fix - Power Yoga Workout", which I found to be so effective that I decided to try this one, "Quick Fix - Pilates Abs Workout" for just a little added help for my abs.. I was not disappointed.

With three separate 10 minute segments, you can fit these in to your daily routines easily. If you only have ten minutes to spare you will still feel the effectiveness of the workouts. Work your way up to all three or as I like to do, supplement them with other routines.(I add one 10 minute segment, 3 times a week to my aerobics or upper and lower body conditioning)

Beginning with basic Pilates movements(even if you are new to Pilates, this first segment is easy to follow),the three segments seemed to me to become more intense as they progressed(session 3 seemed the most strenuous). Each one concentrating on specific areas of need. You will find them beneficial for strength and conditiong, toning and stabilization. The whole core section gets worked pretty good, not just the abs, but your back as well. All three are great for lengthening and strengthening your muscles. The instructor is fabulous at reminding us of proper techniques for posture and breathing, however I highly suggest viewing all three segments before you begin. There are also modified movements to follow for those that may need them, but you will find the more you do these, the stronger you will become. Each segment has a 10 minute countdown clock to keep you on track as well.

All you need is a minimum of ten minutes, and a mat(not required but very helpful). I recommend the "Wai Lana" Yoga mat, found here at Amazon. It's comfortable and helps maintain your alignment. The price for the DVD and the mat are both reasonable.

An effective and convienent workout for your mid section. My only teeny complaint, would be that just like the power yoga workout,there is no cool down or stretch segment. If you are doing the entire 30 minutes, you really need that. The DVD is a good quality with a clear picture and sound. It has a menu to go to any of the three segments you want and it's nice to be able to pause it if you want to see some part again.

Remember to breathe....eat healthy..and enjoy!...Laurie

This video offers three 10-minute sessions of working on your abs. Less strenuous than the other Quick Fix abs video, it focuses on Pilates. The exercises are not hard to follow and there are modifications for those of us who are less flexible. The 10-minute format is excellent for people with busy schedules. I have to work on my abs and I'm very glad to find a video that is challenging without being overly daunting. I have to complain about the cover, though. The instructor is not pictured on the cover and I find that insulting to her. (By the way, I first tried to get this video from Barnes and Noble and after more than a month I had to call the company and ask where it was. When I was told it wasn't in stock and there was no telling when it would be, I turned around and cancelled the order and placed an order with Amazon. My Amazon order got to me quite quickly and there were no problems.)

This review refers to the "Quick Fix Power Yoga Workout" DVD(by
Current/PPI entertainment)....

Prepare to sweat...This is a good one. Instructor Joy Kilpatrick takes you through 3 very intense and engergizing 10 minute power yoga workouts. Each segment,through a series of postures and flowing movements, linked by concentrating on breathing ,you will find to be beneficial to both your mental and physical
wellness. Each segment is designed to help in a different area, and each is excellent on it's own, or all three together are marvelous.

You customize your routine to fit your time and needs. Experience with Power Yoga is not essential,but some level of Yoga knowledge is helpful as Joy moves quite quickly,and it's best not to have to look at the TV all the time. There are modified versions of all the poses shown for beginners and
there is a count down clock for each 10 minutes as well. All you need is a mat, to help maintain your poses and also so as not to breath in carpet fibers and dust.

If you are brand new to yoga, I would suggest starting with "Jane Fonda's Yoga Workout". She will give you a terrific and gentle introduction.

Segment one..This one will help you with endurance and stamina.
The classic sun salutation is practiced, and Joy is terrific at reminding you of correct posture and concentrated breathing. I was already sweating at about the 5 minute mark in this one.

Segment two...A series of standing poses that are truely beneficial for stability and mobility. Terrific for toning as well. Again,if your a beginner or are limited in some way
physiclly, you should follow the modified versions.

Segment three...Great for improving strength in your core section. This one really tones and improves strength in your lower body, back, hips and abs.

You will really notice a difference by doing any one of these three segments on their own. Do them all together and you will feel it in every part of your body. I especially noticed the strength gained in my arms and chest.And I often catch myself straightning my shoulders and standing up straighter now too. There is an added benefit to doing any of these work outs and
that is noticeable stress release! A most refreshing addition or change of pace to your workout routine.

The class is quick paced, and you know that you are working hard. You may or may not notice that your heart is really working too, so I would have liked to have a litttle more of a cool down section added to help bring my heart rate down.(My only reason for 4 stars, I probably would have gone 4 1/2 if I could have). Of course you can and should cool down on your own, but it's always nice to have a professional leading you through.

The DVD is a nice quality. Good picture,it is in stereo, and has nice unobtrusive music in the background.It includes a menu for going straight to any segment you want and also can be used to go to the "Currentwellness" web site. The price is very reasonable in comparison to others.

Remember to breathe, eat healthy,... and enjoy.....Laurie

This yoga practice is perfect to do after you wind down for the day or before heading off to work (I would suggest maybe starting with a few sun salutations to warm up the body before beginning in order to get a good stretch). The cueing is great and even though the practice is only 20 minutes you go through a lot of different poses: Triangle, forward bend, warrior I, downward dog, side stretch. I would reccomend this video to anyone who wants to unwind and relax.

I did not like the dance moves on this dvd at all! The dance moves were very boring. It basicly teaches you how to walk sexy and how to have a sexy attitude. It didn't really teach any dancing. It only teaches you a few moves that just about anybody can do. If you don't have a clue on how to act sexy, this dvd is for you. But, if you are wanting to learn some sexy dance moves, this might not be the dvd for you. The dance instucter does give clear and easy to understand advice and instructions. The picture quality is good too.

Although this video will not teach advanced exotic dancing technique, it is a valuable tool for teaching self confidence. Too many women today suffer from low self esteem because we feel that we are just not "good" enough. This video can help to change that in a fun way. Again, for someone seriously interested in dancing, this is not the way to go, but it is certainly a valuable tape.

This DVD was a Godsend! I am glad I didn't listen to some of the other reviews...maybe they can comfortably dance like this but it is hard for someone like me!
I am a bit overweight and have never thought of myself as very sexy. My husband loves me, of course, and I thought this might be a "treat" for him. It became more of MY treat!!
I learned the moves and I started to believe they actually looked good!!! But what really happened is that I started to FEEL good about myself...to feel sexy and not be so hard on myself. It has had a dramatic affect on my life!
I have lost 35 pounds...and my husband thinks I am a Goddess!!! (Which I now realize, I am!!)
If anyone is thinking about getting this product...do it! It is wonderful!! And it's nice to see the women in the video are just "normal" and not perfect! How refeshing!!!
Thank you for making this DVD for women like me, who needed something supportive and not intimidating!

I have been doing yoga for almost 2 years now and thought I might be up to this level. NOT!
This is basically an ADVANCED class recorded onto a dvd with little to no instruction. Yes, there are people at different levels in the video but they hardly show them and she never goes into modifications for the poses. She barks out orders first in the sanskrit name (i guess, because she never explains that either) and then (sometimes) in the english name. Very annoying.
The shooting makes it difficult to see the details of the poses and when Beryl does demonstrate a pose, it's so quick and from too far away, that it's just more of a frustration than a help.
The class is very fast paced and the fact that there are no "chapters" makes it practically impossible to review anything. The further along the class goes, the more ridiculous and more difficult the poses get.
I like a challenge but unless I develop plans of joining the circus and becoming a human pretzel, I won't be working with this video. This might be a great dvd for an advanced yoga student or teacher with a daily practice who just doesn't feel like driving to class every day. Otherwise, forget it. My search for the perfect yoga dvd continues.

I really, realy enjoyed this DVD. I've been doing regularly (5-6 days a week) for about a year now and so I'm basically a beginner but I have gotton SO MUCH BETTER since using her tape in conjunction with classes and independent practice.

When I first started this dvd (I had done the modified primary series for a few months already though) I was familiar with the poses and a bit flexible but not incredibly strong or limber. I have really benefited from this DVD. She reminds me of all the key points and assists with breathing etc. I can't believe how much better I am. I do have a history of dance so I'm not a complete novice, but I do feel she has helped me advance more than other DVDs I have tried.

I feel great as I'm more advanced than quite a few of her students in the DVD. Of course, I'm also quite a bit LESS advanced than some of them too-- but i's something to work towards!

I loved this DVD. The workout is by no means easy. I think that if you either have good endurance or want to improve your endurance, then buy this DVD. This DVD goes no stop for roughly 75 minutes. This is the full primary series she is doing, plus a few poses she throws in. The DVD has no bookmarks or stopping points, it's basically either you do the whole thing or you just fast forward past what you don't want to do.

I know some reviewers saw this this as a hindrance moreso than a help, but the idea is do all of the poses in a certain sequence. The fact that there 8-10 people of different skill levels doing either the full pose or some modification makes up for lack of bookmarks/stopping points. If you do want to just perform segments, then purchase Richard Freeman's Primary Series workout. You can elect to do the whole workout (including opening and closing chants), or just perform segments (sun salutations, standing poses, seated poses, etc.). However, there are no modifications, and Freeman is performing these poses at a near perfect level (check your ego at the door). If you are looking for a shorter more accessible version of Ashtanga yoga, then try either Baron Baptiste's Power Yoga 3 or MTV's second power yoga tape. While Baron offers a condensed (45 minute vs 75-90 minute) version that includes most of the easy to intermediate poses, the MTV version is a loosely based version of the primary series where many of the poses are there, but not necessarily in order, and the instructor uses a lot more creative license.

I found this DVD highly motivating. Seeing people of different skill levels get through the entire workout spurred me to go on. Berly makes the primary series fun and accessible, but you will sweat. If you think that 75+ minutes is too long, then try one of the other tapes I suggested, however, if you want to try to complete the primary series, and want to build the endurance needed to do 1-1.5 hrs of yoga, then buy this tape.

Along with sebastian, I also wonder why "Let it Be" isn't avalable and also the excellent footage from the television special "The Beatles at Shea Stadium" some of which was also included in the "Anthology" series.

Until A Hard Day's Night and Anthology are released in DVD, this, along with the remastered Yellow Submarine DVD, is basically it. You can save money by buying the packaged product. The First US Visit is like traveling in a time machine. Note how George is the only one who looks into the camera and mugs for it on the Sullivan Show debut. As far as I can tell, all the Sullivan appearances are on here.

Help! is essential for the true Beatles fan & collector. Making of AHDN is loads of fun, as well. A nice preview for the upcoming release of that cinematic classic this fall. Yes, Mystery Tour is tough to watch, though the Walrus Video established an MTV type years later. Love to have Let It Be out on DVD, as well, but no signs of that just yet.

I am so excited to watch this Beatles Collector's set but as of today, January 11, 2002, I have not receive my order. Delivery estimate should be between Dec. 16-22, 2001. I don't know what happened. My credit card billed last month, December 2001, but not yet receive my order. Please reply soonest. Thank you and more power.

the instructor in this video did not seem real confident in the moves, and was not very assertive. This ab routine is lacking inmany ways, and the ball routine was very plain. I'd recomment ON THE BALL ABS with LEISA HART, it is much better and more informative.

This ball workout is definitely for someone familar with the balance ball. The frog is an especially tough excerise and the instructor does not go into good enough detail on how to do it. I've used the ball for over a year now, and got this video about 2 months ago. I've done this workout at least 10x and still have yet to master the frog! I definitely would not recommend this video to beginners - one by Suzanne Deason would be much more helpful.

When I first started using this video, I could really feel it working. Now that I've used it a few times, it doesn't seem to be targeting the same muscles. So that means that those muscles have been tweeked!

It's a great workout. The instructions are good (given right before actually doing it.) If you are new to the ball, you might want to watch it a few times. Or get some practice balancing on the ball before you begin this video.

I would've given it 5 stars, but for some reason the dvd doesn't always like to start up right away in my dvd player. I have to stop it and then press play again to get it going.

I think the title of my review says it all already. The workout is not bad, but it is only about half an hour long ( including the initial instructions about breathing ) and there is virtually no warm-up. The instructor makes you start with 'the hundred' and claims that 'this is your warm-up'.

I am not one for working out at all and I've done yoga in the past so I figured why not try pilates! This video is very good at introducing you to pilates, it's not easy but it's not to hard either. The modifications that Tara does make it easier for beginners to start to learn but then you have Ana to work up to! I have only done 10 sessions and my abs are already tighter and I have lost 5 pounds! If you're looking for a work out that is not too strenuous but gets you results, I would highly recommend this video to you, it's priced well and you will see results!

I had never done pilates before I bought this tape. Honestly, I really enjoyed this workout. I lost 2 pounds last week and have just lost another pound this week. I'm not saying you're going to drop the pounds by JUST doing this tape, but it helps. (I.E. eating right, and working out on the treadmill also got me there) My abs do feel more toned and my pants are looser. I also love Ana Caban, she gives really wonderful instructions! Get this if you've NEVER done pilates before!