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Get back to basics with this revolutionary exercise regime based on the Pilates' method defined by health and fitness pioneer Joseph Pilates. This intermediate volume pushes the concept of developing a strong core and improves posture by strengthening the abdominal and back muscles. Because it is not a high-energy, high-impact aerobic endeavor, this type of program is portable and practical for quick and available sessions. By enhancing the mid-section, the body takes on a leaner and suppler look, creating a more positive self-image. Direction is courtesy of certified Pilates' instructor Ana Caban. ~ C. Dwayne Smith, All Movie Guide Award-winning, certified Pilates instructor Ana Caban is a professional dancer who turned to Pilates for empowerment and injury rehabilitation. Ana and her videos have been featured in CBS News, Weight Watchers Magazine, The Los Angeles Daily News and The Miami Herald.Features: Total Running Time:60 minutes Model: 120-1272 ISBN: 1-930814-78-X Condition: Brand New Manufactures Suggested Retail Price 22.95 About GaiamGaiam was created as a lifestyle company with the vision that, given a choice, people would choose a lifestyle that is healthy and life enhancing, for themselves, their families and the Earth. The Gaiam lifestyle is a vote for individual health as well as the future sustainability of the Earth¿s resources. Gaiam strives to provide customers with alternatives to traditional products by offering natural, eco-friendly or healthy versions that compare with the style, quality and price of conventional products. Gaiam¿s goal is to become the trusted source and unifying brand for Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) participants. They understand that the opportunity to affect people¿s lives with information and products is both a privilege and a responsibility. Gaiam believes in the concept of Conscious Commerce, the practice of making purchasing decisions based on personal values and beliefs. It takes into consideratio
I purchased the intermediate mat workout DVD after using the beginner mat workout (on VHS) for a couple years. I purchased both on DVD, thinking I would use them in sequence for a longer workout. This was a bad idea though, as the second workout basically builds on the beginner mat workout with the goal being to get you closer to the full, authentic 34-move Pilates mat workout (including transitions, where no movement is wasted). It is therefore unnecessary to do more than any one workout with Ana. Largely similar to the beginner workout, this workout has the notable difference of being longer; there are both more repetitions of each movement, and more movements and transitions built into the routine. Ana also focuses on precision in this DVD, expecting you to be more careful and clean in your movements. This workout is also much more fast-paced than the previous one; you can see even Ana is starting to break a sweat here!The intermediate DVD includes an interview with Ana where she explains a bit about her choice of exercises, etc., and her goals for you across the DVD series - I found this segment made me more interested in practicing Pilates as an "art" in itself, as opposed to just another exercise tape.Finally, to address the sound complaints from other reviewers... I purchased my DVD in early 2013. The sound is definitely not as high quality as the beginner DVD. Ana and Tara practice in a large room in an old building, and there are brief moments where you can tell how much it must have echoed as Ana was speaking. There are even a couple rolling moves where you can even hear the old, wooden floor creak! There are also moments where the purpose of the voice-over and zooming in is not quite clear, as opposed to the beginner DVD where you could clearly understand what they were hoping to emphasize with the voice-over. There are also moments where the music is a tad loud, and doesn't fit as nicely with the routine as in the previous workout. That said, these moments were few and far between; I had no trouble understanding Ana at any point. (She even continues with her funny metaphores that help you visualize what you are supposed to feel - "imagine your spine like a string of pearls...") While the sound issues are slightly distracting, you are moving so quickly in the DVD that if they are seriously disturbing you, you are simply not following the workout quickly enough. I would never return this DVD for the few seconds of sound issues.In short, still love Ana, will purchase her other DVDs without hesitation. She is fun and upbeat, and this workout is totally worth the money. Both DVDs also came with a free Energy Boost Program, about 13 minutes long. If you are a beginner to Pilates, I strongly encourage you to start with the beginner DVD, since that is where Ana explains the terminology she uses, how to avoid injury, and how the Pilates breathing should be done. You should also watch the DVD in full before attempting the workout, since it's not easy to watch her for the first time, and do the moves yourself.
