Winsor Pilates Series

I bought this set of 3 videos from the informercial (I fell for it!). I did the instructional video which shows you how to do the basic 7 moves. This was helpful since I don't do pilates much.

The 20-min video didn't do much for me. We did a lot of moves, but not many reps. I know you don't always do tons of reps in pilates, but this did little for me.

The advanced tape is next. I felt it in the abs and hips during some moves. But she took more time setting up the moves than the time to actually do them. So we went from exercise to exercise. Some felt easy, some were tough.

Overall, I didn't enjoy this much. I felt I could get a better workout in a shorter amount of time by doing weights to tone and yoga to stretch.

The set also includes a guide on the winsor dozen, a plan, and a diet guide (the meals were picked for you- not flexible).

I had reservations about buying a video fitness series advertised on a TV infomercial (especially after my awful experience with T-Tapp), but I am glad I purchased Winsor Pilates. I am new to Pilates and am thoroughly enjoying this purchase. The series consists of three videos: an introductory video, a 20 Minute Workout, and an advanced session which lasts approximately 45-50 minutes. I also opted to purchase the Bun & Thigh and Ab videos. After doing the instructional a few times, you won't use it again unless you need a refresher on form. The 20 Minute Workout was enough for me for several days. I was very sore in new places (a good thing!) After my first workout, I felt heat in my abs, quads and hips, as though I'd rubbed Ben-Gay on the skin. It lasted for half hour or more - honestly! It's good as a warmup before a walk, or when you're hard pressed for time. The Bun & Thigh and Ab videos are challenging but quick, and the advanced workout is still a challenge to me - I haven't made it through to the end yet. I feel taller and toned and look forward to my time on the mat with Mari.

The set is beautiful, Mari and the instructors are in perfect form and professionally dressed. The instructors are lithe and lovely without turning it into a sex show. There is very gentle music which is fine, you are concentrating deeply on the moves. I was particularly impressed that one of the instructors is designated as the "moderator" for home viewers who have delicate areas (neck, back) or just need to start slow and work up. The moderator, Dagne, is fully involved in the workout and you usually get a good view of her (not as much in the advanced and the Bun & Thigh).

You can mix and match the videos as you decide on any day. It comes with a diet plan which I didn't pay attention to, but the Winsor 10 (pamphlet of instructions on key exercises) is a nice thing to take on the road. I packed it in my gym bag for a little motivation in my post-cardio stretch routine. I'm hoping Mari comes out with another series - I'd buy it.