"A complete fat reduction workout"

** Disclaimer: It appears they have most of The Method - Pilates workout tapes listed except the one I own. So I am going to put it here until they do and then I will move it to the right category. **

Pilates 101

While Pilates seems to be a relatively new, "fad" way to exercise it in fact is not. The system of exercises was originally created by Joseph Pilates, the renowned fitness guru of the late 1800s, early 1900s. Originally called Contrology, Joe realized the benefits of working almost exclusively on the muscles nearer the center of balance, or the abdominal muscles. While he felt it important to keep other muscles fit as well, Joe focused on using the "middle" muscles to help strengthen and tone the rest of the body. This offered longer, leaner muscles with a strong core middle.. resulting in better posture and a better stance. Eventually other methods of working out came to the forefront and Contrology began to get pushed to the back burner. Jazzercise and aerobics became more popular and health clubs began popping up across the country.

However, one group remained steadfast to the ways of Joe's workout. Dancers had long loved the lean, strong posture the method brought to their bodies and their art, and the system continues to remain popular in many dance companies and schools.

Slowly pilates has come back into it's limelight. Perhaps some smart marketing genius remembered how great of a workout Contrology was or maybe even a long-time lover of the system came forward to teach it again... various stories exist taking credit for it's revival. We may never truly know what got the ball rolling. It was renamed it after it's founder and shoved firmly back out into the fitness world under it's new label... pilates. Still successful (after all these years) it's seen phenomenal success just recently. Joseph Pilates, who died in 1967, would be proud.

How I came to Pilates

Back when I was living in my po-dunk town in Wyoming, pilates was not even discussed among the health nuts, let alone was a class available. So I went to my local Target and bought a copy of the only pilates workout they had on their shelves at the time... The Method Pilates All In One Workout

I will admit it was my fault for not looking at the back cover of the tape. Or maybe it was simply the desire to try what I had heard was an invaluable technique. I spent my $9.99 and ran all the way home to try it. Only then did I realize what I had bought.

All-in-one.

Yes, a portion of the 90 minute video is focused on pilates principles, but only a portion. The rest is an aerobics, yoga, conditioning mixture. And after looking again it does say "A Complete Fat Reduction Workout" on the cover as well.

Not a bad thing... just not what I was looking for. I used it a couple of times, then sold it on Ebay for $13.00 (at a profit mind you) and invested in Windsor Pilates... which was more what I was looking for (and will be one of my next reviews).

The Method Pilates program

While this tape wasn't for me, it am certain that many of you will absolutely love it. It is a nice cross of several genres of exercise after all and would satisfy many people's need for diversity.

Tape length:
90 minutes

Sections:
Warm up Conditioning - light dance
Aerobic Cross-Training - aerobics and weights
Centering Makeover - pilates techniques
Lengthening - cool down with dance and yoga

The program seemed fairly easy to follow and I did feel it in stomach muscles I didn't know I had. So I will give it an excellent rating on that principle.

If you are seeking a good workout, this might be a good match. However, if you are looking for simple, straight pilates, this is not the tape for you.