(Sony)
2001
What is it?
A half-hour Pilates workout from Kathy Smith, with the focus on abdominal toning.
Who is it for?
Beginning to advanced beginning Pilates enthusiasts. As with any Pilates routine, the better you are at the form, the more of a workout you will get.
What to expect:
Fitness icon Kathy Smith is not a specialist in any one exercise style, but she's very thorough in her approach when it comes to her video and DVD instruction. This is especially important when it comes to Pilates - this form of toning and flexibility training is all about form. In the 8-minute introduction to this workout, Smith's explanations of breathing and alignment are as good as most other full-time Pilates instructors who have appeared on video. She also emphasizes the fact that if you think an exercise is too easy, you're not doing it correctly - a reminder that Pilates is all about precision. The actual workout is just 22 minutes long, which is really enough for an abdominal routine. Smith leads you through most of the classic Pilates exercises - the Hundred, the Roll Up, Saw, Teaser, etc. - and if you remember your alignment you will get a workout. Intermediates may be left wanting, since there's a lack of more advanced exercises, but advanced beginners who have some familiarity with Pilates will be able to stick with this workout for quite a while. Not a be-all, end-all Pilates workout, but a good one to add to your library of exercise videos.