Trudie Styler's Core Strength Pilates

I just tried this one for the first time - having more yoga than pilates knowledge and not being very flexible, I expected to modify for myself when needed. This dvd is not an intro dvd. I really appreciated how they just got right into it, not a lot of talk and explanation - but if you need things explained, go elsewhere. Only once did I hear him say to hold your knee if you can't reach your foot. This workout expects you to know a little something, and how to adjust for your own needs.It is long, 55 minutes, and I like the voice over instructions for the most part. Sometimes his counting was faster than what the bodies were doing so I felt rushed if I wasn't able to see the screen. And, sometimes when I was looking, the narration/counting got a little old, but much more bearable than those peppy ladies who were cheerleaders in high school (no offense, but thats a turn off for me when working out). If this is too long for you, I did also like the 10 minute solutions pilates dvds. Pick your own workout and length. Is nice, but way more casual than this one.That said, it was a tough workout for me. A few points I was ready to turn it off and try again later, but it seemed that if I just held out for a minute they were cooling down from the really hard moments and moving on to the next thing, so I completed the disc in one go. Did get into child's pose a bit before they did. =-) Like I said, I have low flexibility, especially with the knees, so I did probably look awkward next to gumby man on the tv. But I was smiling when it was over and know I'll use it again.

I'm not a big fan of Pilates, but love this routine. The 55 minutes routine is done completely on the floor and is more of a flowing routine with deep stretching after each segment. It is broken into several segments, although the DVD menu does not include menu items (wish it did). There is a deep psoas and hip stretch on the last segment which is absolutely wonderful. Even though the DVD is titled core strength, it is actually an all over workout.This is one in a series of four DVDs by Trudie Styler, although Jame D'Silva is the star of the show. He voice over's the routine and has the ability to take you away with his lovely voice and beautiful aura!There is an extra that shows Sting and Trudie's Tuscan estate. It is a beautiful place and they are beautiful people, but..... It made me sad, this beautiful big bass fish dead on the plate as they seasoned him up for cooking...for their life that is so wonderful. They have their own cooks and more resources that most of us. It seemed more of bragging than anything. I did not mark down on my 5-star rating of the video since the routine was so great!See many of my other review on Amazon, includes the others in this series.

It may take time to work up to the strength needed. But you don't want to give up! It does make me feel long and lean and strong and so proud when I get though one of her videos.Beautiful background and music. There's a strong spiritual aspect. She shares her stregth. Humble woman who is very disciplined and devoted. You find you want to be like her. D'Silva is a top notch teacher! Reapect for them both.

The workout is good. It's very consistent in that if one exercise is done on one side of the body 3x then the other side is done the exact same. The moves are done slow enough that you have time to move from one movement to another. My biggest complaint is that the droning of James D'Silva's voice in all of Trudie's videos is annoying. After I used this video the first time I turned off the sound and put on my own music so I didn't have to listen to his voice.I would give the workout itself 5 stars but due to the sound track being extremely annoying I gave this three stars. Buy it for the workout but be prepared to turn off the sound.

I own hundred's of DVD's, many in the Pilates/Yoga genre. This one is one of the very best.The entire workout is done on the floor. The instructions are flawless. After going through this a couple of times, there is no need to look up at the TV.The workout flows seamlessly and the movements work wonders for the entire body.I cannot say enough good things about this one. My only complaint- I wish it were longer with some relaxing stretches at the end.

I feel so good after doing this video. The moves are not too hard, making me not dread working out, and it offers a nice combination of strength and stretching. My muscles were soar the first time, which was nice. I really enjoy this video and it's great to work out after sitting at a desk. It's 54 minutes, but it's not that difficult, so the time goes by fast. Perfect workout for me.

I agree with the other reviewers that this is not a classic Pilates routine. To get the most of it, it requires basic skills with maintaining your core while moving extremities and because there isn't a lot of explanation, it is probably a more enjoyable workout for someone already reasonably familiar with moves such as these. I have studied ballet and modern dance for years so for me it was a wonderful hour. It gently but effectively strengthened my core and I felt centered and energized upon completing the routine. The views of the gorgeous Bellagio countryside along with the gentle voice in the tape are wonderfully soothing. I love this exercise routine and prefer it over most others of the same kind.

I teach Pilates and wanted some ideas to add to my routines. This DVD provided this. I also have used some of the flows in my Yoga classes. The students seem to enjoy a different type of flow. The only reason I did not give this DVD 5 stars, is because they do not truly explain how to do the Pilates breathing techniques very well and proper alignment of the pelvis. So if you already know these things, this a great DVD. Enjoy!

This is a very well-done celebrity exercise video set in Tuscany at Sting and Trudie's home. Her exercise partner is James DaSilva, trainer to Trudie but also to Madonna, Gwenyth and other celeb bodies. Is their fitness level attainable for us mere mortals that don't have daily training sessions augmented by elite personal chefs? But we can dream on....... It's a glimpse into a privileged life not practical for most. Very beautiful....

Good workout. During the workout, you don't feel too tired and almost think "it's not hard enough!" but the next morning, I feel it everywhere!

SHe has a great video well done and easy to follow. I think she realized that some people cannot do everything and has chosen workouts that are great to follow and allow you to improve. Highly recommend

This workout is brilliant. Its well explained throughout and although some of the positions are quite advanced and difficult to begin with, as you continue to practise the routine they do become easier in time. However, this is explained during the DVD.The entire workout duration is approximately 50 minutes and at the end of it you know you've had a good workout whilst at the same time feeling very relaxed and connected in the 'present moment'.I'm a big fan of all of Trudie Styler's workout routines and they work really compliment each other well and can be used together or on alternate days.This Pilates workout is very relaxing and engaging but also works you hard. I have other pilates DVDs and find that this one is an excellent step up for a slightly more advanced workout. The whole routine is very flowing so there is no stopping and starting -just continuous movement thoughout.If you commit to practise this routine regularly you will absolutely see results.Highly recommended indeed.

fab