Denise Austin - Pilates Reviews

• Great workout for lower back problems!

  
  By A10B12OZS5RJVZ on 2001-01-14
  First, I want to tell every advanced exerciser who is terrified of buying a Denise Austin video -- FEAR NOT. She is not cloying in this video. I have seen Denise on TV and cannot handle how she talks down to her audience (in her kind, well-meaning way) and refers to abs of "tummies" and to cardio as "burning butter." But I could handle Denise here. In fact, this is a reasonably challenging workout and Denise Austin is somewhat sedate in her presentation. What's better, she has created a great workout for those brand-new to the Pilates scene.

  But let me get to the real point: I don't care if you call it pilates or yoga or Denise Austin's matwork. This video just plain works. If nothing else, everyone should buy this video to prevent back problems. This video's focus on the abs and back (stretching/core stablization) has helped me eradicate some lower back tension that has been nagging me for years. The workout is gentle yet very effective.

  My only other exposure to Pilates has been through the well-known introductory pilates video, The Method: Precision Toning. I find that Denise Austin's Pilates workout is more interesting and even more challenging for me than the Method's. Sorry if this offends classic Pilates crowd. That's just my experience. What's more, Denise's video is broken down into two 20-minute segments. That works for me! I'm more likely to do a 20-minute pilates/yoga workout than a 45-minute one.

  So a bouquet of roses goes to Ms. Austin. She's created an interesting, informative and effective routine of yoga and pilates and made it accessible to busy people new to pilates. I hope she continues to produce more videos along this line.
  
  

• Denise says it all "YOU will feel terrific"

  
  By A1VIQVG4H6XCDW on 2000-08-27
  This 42 minute video begins with a brief introduction which follows with 2 pilates toning sessions. The first one is 22 minutes long and features some of the well know Pilates stretches as THE HUNDRED and LEG CURLS, etc. The second session is tough with pilates/yoga based toning..you will feel it!

  This is a great addition for home exercisers, goes well with her recent book, "LOSING THOSE LAST 10 LBS." and for those who haven't seen/read this book, Denise suggests 2 pilates/yoga

  toning days a week. If you have seen Denise in the past and/or present you will see that she has achieved a leaner look using this toning style.

  Denise is her usually CHEERLEADER self, but i like her toning style, and it has seemed to work for her.

  I like the 2 short segments you can do l or both. Toning is what she does best, in my opinion and she shines in this one!
  
  

• Great ab workout

  
  By on 2000-11-07
  The first time I did this video I did both workouts back to back and was very disappointed. I thought it was not very challenging at all. Then the next morning, I felt it in my abs and even my legs. It is especially effective for the lower abs. I do abs five days a week and I felt it for the whole next day. I've been using this video for about three weeks now, doing both workouts two days a week and I think it is definitely slimming out my legs, which were getting too lumpy from weights. But the real beauty of this workout is the ab benefit.
  
  

• great workout

  
  By on 2000-10-24
  Denise Austin is her usual cheery self, but taken down a little. The video workout is great. The first workout is an effective pilates style workout, you will notice a difference in your abs the first week. The second workout is very challenging, and uses pilates and Yoga movements. A great addition to any fitness routine. And a do-able intro. to Pilates.
  
  

• Perfect mix of stretching and toning-it's excellent! Try it.

  
  By on 2001-07-13
  First off, Pilates is more for toning up than losing lots of weight. I'm 24 but this video is good for any age. It gets you a flexible body as well as a very toned body. I use this and bike a bit and that's all I need. If Denise bothers you, just mute it (though she is pretty subdued in this one). Personally, I think she is pleasant enough that I watch her 5 out of 7 days and if I do mute the TV its just so I can listen to my own music. I also have Jennifer Kries and she is obviously more hard core, but somehow I just opt for Denise much more often. Do this video a few times a week and you will come to love it just for keeping you sleek. The best thing about it is you will be firm all over without fear of bulking up. This was key. But I guess that's more about Pilates than about this particular video. Still, I've tried several Pilates videos over the last year and a half and I ALWAYS go back to *this* one (its better than her most recent one BTW). I recommend doing both workout segments though (20 min. each). One is not enough.
  
  
• Not for Beginners
  By A29Y5QJVIUD7K7 on 2000-10-28
  I don't agree with other reviewers that this is a beginner video. The second workout has some advanced yoga poses with little instruction. The Pilates workout also contains some advanced Pilates exercises. Denise is calmer in this video than other videos. The production quality is also very nice. A great introduction to Pilates on video is Stott's Essential Matwork and Lynne Robinson's Body Control. Even better take a class and then try the videos at home.
  
  
• Great Pilates Video- Fair Yoga Video
  By on 2000-11-02
  I just purchased this video. I really liked part 1 which is only pilates (part 2 combines both yoga and pilates). Part 1 has a good pace which allows you enough time to complete the exercises. Part 2, however, seems to speed through the exercises a little bit too fast for my taste. I own several yoga videos which are strictly yoga and I enjoy them better. However, I cannot stress enough how much I like Part 1. She did a great job and I really, really can feel the ab workout that it provides! Again, however, she includes a lengthy introduction before she gets into part 1 of the tape--it would have been much better to put it at the end because you are left fast forwarding it everytime. Overall, I would recommend this video to my friends. Parts 1 and 2 make a great workout and really strengthen and tone your abs.
  
  
• Great Pilates/Yoga Beginning
  By A39ET4HH3Y9ARZ on 2002-02-27
  I have to admit I'm a fitness beginner but the whole Pilates thing was extremely interesting to me. So I thought I'd try a video. First I got the All-In-One Workout by the Method because I thought it seemed like a good mix. Boy, was a wrong. Maybe it was a good video to some but not for a beginner like me! Especially when I was expecting more of the Pilates workout. I bought Denise Austin's tape afterwards and I love it! She gives a great (and short) presentation at the beginning on the basics of the workout and you start. I've only had the tape about a month or so and I've yet to actually try the second workout. The first is just challenging enough to keep me motivated and excited without making me feel like an inadequte moron. And the benefits... I've already noticed a improvement in my posture and abs. I've really been pretty bad about getting down to exercising. If I manage it twice a week I'm amazed! But as soon as I pop this tape in I realize what I've been missing. For a great introduction to a Pilates/Yoga based workout this is an amazing start and I recommend it to anyone who finds Joseph Pilates work and theories interesting.
  
  
• fun
  By A2WWLIBJUPAZZA on 2000-08-24
  this excercize video is great, and makes you feel like you've had a professional workout, without spending much money.
  
  
• Great Video
  By on 2001-07-17
  When I bought this tape I was looking for something that would be a break from videos with girls frantically hopping around, desperately trying to burn every calorie they could. The first time I did it I was impressed; the cuing on this video is the best I have ever seen in an exercise video. I usually give up after a few tries with normal videos because I just can't master the complex moves. This workout is more sedate, but very challenging. Even someone, who like myself is not in great shape, can benefit immensely from this well-planned, and not-too-long video. It grows with you; Denise shows beginners modifications they can do to get the same benefits from the exercises. After doing a few times, I feel more flexible, I have more energy to do my other workouts, my posture is better, and my appetite has actually gone down. Yes, Denise is slightly goofy in a kindergarten teacher sort of way, but it's great for those of us who want a rigorous workout without feeling like we've been left in the dust by Amazonian instructors executing complicated moves that are oftentimes not suited for beginners at all. Denise seems to me to be a real person in great shape who makes you believe that you too will improve your health. My advice is, is you have an inclination to buy his video, do so. If you are in really great shape, you might consider just doing both workouts on the video back to back.
  
  
• Wonderful Video from Denise
  By A36JB1320MZZAI on 2001-12-07
  I have purchased a few of Denise's videos in the past and they all were just so-so. This however, is wonderful. Her calm soothing (yes, it is Denise) voice and great instruction are a plus. I give this four stars due to the fact that the second session is a little hard on the wrists. Thanks to this video, after 3 weeks of doing it 5 days a week, I have lost 12 pounds and my abs, legs, arms and buttocks are much firmer and toned. I love the way I feel after completing the short 20 minute workouts and the results speak for themselves! I reccommend this video to anyone who is just starting to practice Yoga and/or Pilates, and also for those who are advanced. (She offers more challenging variations of the moves throughout the sessions.)
  
  
• Great!
  By A2AP1BN2BKVRUR on 2000-11-25
  This video gives a great intro to Pilates, for those of us who are curious about the recent fuss surrounding these exercises. Denise is very mellow in this video, but still encouraging. These exercises help with overall toning, especially the abs, and encourages proper posture too. The first workout segment is my favorite, it is totally devoted to Pilates matwork, while the second consists of a few yoga sequences and relaxation. Highly recommended!
  
  
• do your body a favor...buy this video !
  By AQ8DU6XVA3USJ on 2001-03-09
  Once I got past the ad for Denise's zillion and one tapes, and became accustomed to her slightly saccharine voice, I had nothing but admiration for this woman who has tremendous knowledge in how a body works, and knows how to articulate it.

  This is the best exercise video I've ever tried. The others have been confusing, boring, hard to follow, or don't live up to their promises. This one has none of these bad traits, and the the key to these workouts is balance: The sequence of the movements provides your body with enough change so that a particular muscle or area won't receive undue stress.

  It's divided into 2 twenty minute workouts, that are simple yet for me personally, enough of a challenge to keep me interested for months to come, and will be a perfect substitute for my walking routine when the weather won't coöperate.

  The first one, the Pilates style mat exercises, gave me from the start, a better posture, and a feeling of inner strength. Standing taller and feeling more relaxed in the shoulder/neck area than before.

  The second one is my favorite. A yoga based combination that is superbly blended for flexibility and strength...and yes, I love that she wobbles more on some poses than I do...it makes this "woman of steel" human, and you've got to love her for this video, and what it will do for your body.

  Tolstoy said: "The only misfortunes in life are remorse and illness". This video will help keep you healthy, and you won't regret buying it.
  
  

• WONDERFUL BEGINNER VIDEO
  By on 2001-06-21
  If you are an absolute beginner like myself, then this video is for you. Denise explains all the poses and moves and proper form in an easy manner. There are sooooooo many Pilates based videos out there these days. And, while many claim to be for beginners they are definately NOT! Most go through instructions in such a speedy manner that it is virtually impossible for a novice to keep up. I have tried several other "so called beginner Pilates videos" and have become discouraged very quickly. Denise Austin's introduction to Pilates is exactly that. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to discover Pilates without having to commit tons of time and money for lessons. Once you master this video you may want to move on to more advanced videos or even classes at a studio (if you're lucky to have one in your town and have the time and money). I also recommend the book "The Pilates Body" by Brooke Siler.
  
  
• Newbie to Pilates
  By on 2000-11-27
  The exercises on this tape is good in supplementing my current workout routine. I workout twice a week and currently do free (light) weights and Tae-bo exercises mixed with some outdoor sports. The tape was well done but believe the 2nd part w/yoga, could be a bit more strenuous. The best affects from this tape is the improvement in my back and posture. I've had back problems for years and didn't know if this was coincidence but after using the tape (both parts) a few times, I've noticed considerably less back pain.
  
  
• Pretty good
  By on 2001-02-01
  I had been looking for another Pilates tape because Precision Toning was somewhat confusing (no "flow" of exercises as in it's beginning sequence) and seemed to have 'way too much leg work to be a balanced workout.

  This tape has a good first section, and a second section (with Yoga) that would also be good if it weren't so rushed.

  Warning: Ms. Austin is not one to watch for technique--she really wobbles on the Yoga positions, and her Pilates skills are not much better. However, that may endear her to the vast majority of us who also are not perfect. I would recommend Precision Toning for a better explanation of technique.

  That said, I do want to complain about all of the advertising junk at the front end of the video, which you have to fast forward through all the time. Put it at the BACK, or on an insert. The explanations of technique could also go after the workout.

  See if you can rent/borrow this tape (not everyone can take Ms. Austin) before buying or go in with a friend on it.
  
  

• Effective and Relaxing Workout
  By on 2001-06-05
  Personally, I find this to be one of the best workout tapes that I own. While I am not an expert on yoga or Pilates techniques, I can say that doing the exercises on this tape make me feel better, relax me and work my abdominals in ways that other exercises do not.

  I started using this video after I gave birth (I primarily use the first workout roughly 4 times per week), and I have noticed that my lower belly is very quickly returning to it's former flat self.

  I do not find Denise Austin's mannerisms offensive at all. In fact, I find her a source of inspiration. I feel that she tries to encourage those who utilize her videos to give all they can in the effort to improve themselves - to find pride in what they are able to achieve instead of focusing on what they cannot accomplish.

  I recommend this video to anyone who needs a good abdominal workout and can stand positive encouragement.
  
  

• Wonderful
  By on 2000-09-19
  This video is great. The breathing exercises are relaxing .The Pilates and Yoga movements are easy enough for a beginner.
  
  
• Do-able even for a beginner
  By on 2000-10-24
  I love this video. Yeah, Denise is sappy, but this Pilates workout gets results. After being out of shape for over 10 years I can't believe I am actually following this religiously. I can't wait to do this workout in the morning:)
  
  
• Great Video
  By A375W5DW4O1I97 on 2001-01-13
  I LOVE this video!! The first 20 min goes by fast and seem fairly easy. But beleave me ~ you will feel it the next day. This is something I look forward to doing & doesn't feel like a chore. The second 20 min. (yoga/pilates section) is a little challenging, but gives me something to work for. There are days when I can do the full 40 min, but on the days when I only have time for 20 min ~ I know I will get a good workout. Good job Denise. Hope to see more like this.
  
  
• THUMBS UP ON THIS VIDEO
  By A3N8K8N0RA380U on 2001-01-18
  I heartily agree with Shelmarie of Atlanta about the back benefits of this workout. I have been in a great deal of discomfort for over a year with a sciatic condition. I ordered the video and started slowly right after Christmas. I do part I one day and Part II the next, emphasis on quality since I am seriously out of shape. I try to maintain this daily, even weekends because it goes so quickly. More importantly, I've noticed a considerable reduction in my back pain and I am jubilant. Denise does a great job keeping us focused as we move through each step. This is the first time I can honestly say I don't look for excuses to avoid my exercise session. Laudits on this one!
  
  
• Fitness buffs
  By on 2001-09-02
  Mostly I am writing this in defense of Denise from a previous reviewer who admitted she doesn't know much about yoga but slammed Denise anyway. I have been studying yoga for 23 years and the form that Denise uses in this video is called Ashtanga and it is a form of yoga wherein the 'poses' are done in rapid succession. It is more for fitness than for spirituality. The classes are taught by you following along, the poses are not demonstrated first. People who are fitness oriented and are looking for a good workout from yoga in the manner they are used to follow this path. My only intent was to clear up any misunderstandings from the review stating Denise does the yoga badly. Otherwise, it is a very nice tape, different from Denise's other more 'active' ones. If you would like a combination workout that is challenging, this is very good.
  
  
• Great !!!
  By A11L7I46SVYBY6 on 2002-02-16
  I had never done pilates, or yoga before, and saw this tape. I've only done the tape once so far, but I am in love now with pilates/yoga. Denise does such a great job at describing things in this workout, and is very soothing in it. I got the best ab workout from just the 1st 20 minute session, even more than doing tons of sit ups or crunches. It really targets your abs through the whole workout, and the next day, my abs were sore in places they've never been. So were my upper thighs. I also liked the 2nd 20 minute session, becuase it has more of the yoga poses and stretches. It's great for beginners to pilates/yoga type moves. I could do all of the moves in the tape, some were a little hard, but it was my very first time. And after the workout, my posture felt improved, and I felt strong , confident, and very relaxed, as well as "worked out" all at the same time. I would recommend this tape highly. I have the VHS version and would like to buy the DVD. My VCR dosn't work too well!
  
  
• I like it..
  By A2S48ZO1IMQAO0 on 2000-12-12
  I am not usually a D. Austin fan. I thought this tape was pretty good. I have only done the first 20 minute segment. But I like it! I have NEVER done yoga or pilates, but I thought it was pretty good. Informative. I felt better after I did it. My abs, spine/back, and legs. I am going to continue to incorporate it into my workout! Definately give it a try-I thought it was worth it!
  
  
• i don't think pilates/yoga is ms. austin's strong point
  By on 2001-03-25
  i've been familiar with denise austin's low-impact aerobic workouts since the 80's when she had a regular show on espn. being a familiar face, i purchased this video to add variety to my collection of yoga tapes and to get introduced to the pilates method. the beginning ads at the start of the tape are very bothersome to fast-forward through. as for her 2 20-minute workouts:

  the first one is okay for a basic introduction to pilates, but it seemed a bit too brief for me to feel like i got much of a workout. her yoga instruction in the second leaves much to be desired; it would be best to purchase a more proper yoga tape if one wants to get into yoga.

  i felt i made a mistake in purchasing this video just because i was familiar the instructor. i'm sure there are better pilates-based tapes out there.
  
  

• decent video
  By on 2001-02-06
  It's funny how no one admits to being a fan of Ms. Austin (myself included) but she is a wildly popular fitness instructor. That said she is very tolerable in this video. Overall its a good intro to pilates but the second section is definately not for beginners (people who have never tried yoga). Some of the positions are way to challenging. I like that it is broken into 2 segments and would recommend it for someone looking for something new. For general stress relief and a farily easy beginner yoga tape I would recommend Living Arts Stress Relief Yoga for Beginners (props do help).
  
  
• Annoying, too fast, and bad technique
  By A3I6VGRKY2Y6CB on 2000-11-23
  As someone who does yoga regularly, I was struck with Denise Austin's terrible technique, at least in the yoga section (I am less familiar with Pilates). Her speed does not allow you to actually get into the poses and her constant chatter is highly irritating. A beginner would not get the instruction he or she would need and may even learn bad technique. I will not use this tape again and would not recommend it to anyone I care about.
  
  
• Good but not great
  By on 2001-01-25
  I have to admit that Denise Austin is not my favorite workout person, but I have to admit that the first 20 minute section of this workout is wonderful. The second 20 minute section is much harder and I am not able to do most of it. The first 20 minute section I did and really liked it. I definitely felt it the next day. I will continue to do the first section.
  
  
• Best 20 minute Pilates workout!
  By A182FXLH9S8F8V on 2004-08-05
  I've owned this DVD for a couple of years and alternate it with other workouts. It's by far my favorite one. I have severe muscle spasms in my back but I rarely have problems when I do this do this workout regularly. It's a very difficult workout at first if you are stiff but once you do it for a couple of weeks you'll really start to see the results. Just like any Yoga/Pilates workout, the results come only when you can hold the positions and flow to the next pose so you have to be focused.
  
  This has 2 twenty-minute sessions plus an additional 10-minute hips, thighs and buns workout. I normally alternate the 20-minute programs and do the 10-minute bun workout at the end.
  
  I have Denise's Power Yoga Plus tape and have to say this is a much better workout. The one big complaint I have is that she seems to stretch one side longer than the other on a couple of the poses but I've learned to compensate for it.
  
  
• Poor instruction, moves quickly
  By A3FEX2RN3Q5XT4 on 2006-05-08
  Although Denise Austin's bubbly personality is absent in this video, her poor cuing and instruction are as present as ever. If you are experienced in both Pilates and yoga and happen to like Denise Austin, then this DVD may be a good addition to your collection. However, if you are a beginner, you are going to find yourself lost.
  
  WORKOUT #1
  With the exception of a brief warmup and cooldown, this is pretty much a fairly standard Pilates workout, with the exercises done correctly and in the normal order. This workout is not too difficult, and contains mostly beginner and low intermediate exercises. It's really not for beginners though, as Denise gives little helpful instruction and, with the exception of the first exercise, gives beginner modification ideas about halfway through the reps, when they are not very helpful! She has this annoying tendency to not keep count of the reps and you do some exercises only twice, whereas some you do forever. Overall, though, I liked this workout, but it wasn't anything special.
  
  WORKOUT #2
  This workout claims to be a Pilates/Yoga fusion but it really is nothing of the sort. It starts out with yoga, then includes some Pilates exercises before returning to yoga stretches to cool down. After the first workout, I really wasn't expecting the difficulty of this workout. She moves into a very quick series of sun salutations with absolutely NO instruction; I was only able to keep up given my familiarity with these postures from other videos. Then she does some surprisingly advanced balance postures before moving into an alarmingly paced series of standing postures. She finishes the yoga with a challenging planks series and then moves into Pilates. The Pilates exercies included here are all repeats from the first workout, except in a strange order, including: rolling like a ball, teaser, double leg stretch, bridge. Some good but difficult stretches finish up this workout. The second workout is quite difficult to follow even for me, and I was familiar with most of what she was doing. She gives virtually no advice on form, except to "show that smiling face," so you should really not attempt this if you don't know anything about yoga.
  
  

• Hit the Spot - Pilates
• Pilates for Every Body
• Shrink Your Female Fat Zones
• Power Yoga Plus
• Denise Austin: Boot Camp - Total Body Blast