PILATES INTERMEDIATE:MAT WORKOUT

I was genuinely disappointed in this video. As background: I've done Pilates off and on for more than a decade, with both live instructors in class and with DVDs at home, and I'd say I have an intermediate level of familiarity and capability, mitigated by sometimes having several months off where I need to start over and work my way back up. I have a Pilates & yoga DVD set that I've loved for years, but wanted some more variety so I wasn't always doing the same workout, and invested in a few new DVDs. This is the first I tried.I'm not familiar with Ms. Caban's other videos, so I don't know if it's her style generally or just this video in particular, but it had several key flaws that I would want anyone to know before buying:- First: there is no warmup. At all. Anywhere on the DVD, much less at the start of the workout. That is frankly just irresponsible. Even if your body is already warmed up from another exercise (which this video obviously presumes), you should always begin a Pilates (or yoga, or any other exercise) routine with a warmup designed to prepare the body specifically for Pilates exercises, stretching and lengthening muscles. This literally begins with, "let's do a controlled sit; relax on the mat for a few seconds; now, let's do the 100s." !!!- Next: I would say the transitions are horrible, but that would suggest that there are, in fact, transitions. It jumps around from one thing to another, with no flow and no preparation for what's coming next. Even when an exercise began, there was no move from lying flat to table-top position to the exercise position; it was just "legs up!" Again, a bit irresponsible if you're trying to protect the body from injury.- A HUGE flaw that I find particularly baffling given that it specifically mentions that this intermediate workout is designed to give attention to not only more challenging exercise, but to the breathing and mind/body connection aspect of Pilates, is that there is NO mention of your breathing anywhere during the workout. The closest it comes is with the 100s and swimming, where you're reminded to inhale for 5 and exhale for 5. That's pretty much the entire extent of guidance about breathing in the entire workout.- The lady in red behind Ms. Caban (in blue) is supposed to be offering modified version of some of the exercises for the less advanced person. The extent of her "modifications" was usually just to have her legs slightly higher or lower (whichever was less challenging) than Ms. Caban. For example, with something like Teaser, I would've expected an option without having legs raised, because for those of us who've, say, had multiple C-sections, the full teaser is very difficult even with months of practice. The "modified" teaser was...well, it wasn't modified at all, really. And if you're interested in a modification, you better be watching the lady in red carefully, because there will be virtually no mention of the modified options in the instructions.- Finally, although each of the exercises chosen is, I would agree, an intermediate or advanced level exercise, there were maybe 1/2 as many as in my previous DVD (a video which runs just 40 minutes with all transitions and instructions, including warmup), and 1/2 as many repetitions within an exercise. In other words, it seemed quick and dirty and not at all like an intermediate "workout." More like "here are 20 Pilates exercises, 5 reps each, so you can say you've worked out today."I suppose if you just wanted some suggestions for exercises to do on your own (where you could add a warmup and transitions...), this would be a reasonable enough guideline. But as a DVD to use in lieu of an instructor for home-based workouts, it was pretty terrible.

Great video if you are already familiar with Pilates mat work. Both, the main work-out and/or bonus work-out are great for a quick warm-up before heading off to perform other physical activity or when you are strapped for time when traveling and are in conferences/meetings. Ana Caban, the instructor is good at cuing proper technique when performing the exercises as well as she visually demonstrates everything with clarity (and an assistant demonstrating with modified options - good for performing the exercises safely and properly).

Had the vhs of it and the vhs broke so got the dvd version haven't tried it yet,but know it's a great one because I had the dvd.I think the instrutor is a cute upbeat women with great energy.And does pilates moves that aren't very difficult to do.Most of my exercise dvd are hers because I like her so much.

The video moves much too slow. For an intermediate class it should move more quickly and fluidly. An intermediate student already knows the moves.

5 stars

This is the best. Love it!

In the "Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout," Ana Caban presents Pilates in a very classic way. Her precise instruction is a pleasure to follow and there are no wasted movements. This is a very choreographed routine which means you'll be moving from one exercise to the next with ease and beauty.This workout will help you focus, improve your coordination and strengthen and stretch at the same time. Some of the exercises you will recognize include roll ups, single leg circle, rolling like a ball, single leg stretch, spine stretch forward, open leg rocker, side kick series, swimming, plank and push ups. I skipped the open leg rocker because when I tried to do it I felt it jarred my back a bit. I guess that is age creeping up on me. So I'd say this workout is probably going to be appreciated by those 50 and younger. But if you are older you may enjoy the rest of the exercises. I'm 48 so I skip the seal, open leg rocker and rolling like a ball. I just don't want to do those anymore.The Bonus workout is actually a better workout if you are looking for something more aerobic. It is done at the beach and is beautiful. It has some good balance challenges and gets the lymph flowing. I loved it. I'd buy this just for the beach workout. What I like about this whole workout is that there is no equipment needed. If you have a mat or even just a towel you are good to go.There is also a lovely interview with Ana on this DVD. So worthwhile for many reasons. I rented this before buying but now I'm going to get it for the beach workout!~The Rebecca Review

I've been using this video for about a decade. I'm middle aged and have back and hip problems. When I do this pilates mat work out 4-5 times a week, I don't have problems. I do moderate to the table top position for legs during a few of the exercises (100's, double straight-leg stretch, and teasers) based on advice from my physical therapist. Buying a second one for my daughter when she moves out.