Pilates For Dancers Workout DVD Review

Pilates is an excellent workout for dancers—whether you perform, dance socially or just like to dance in secret to entertain yourself. (I do all three).  Pilates is great for non-dancers, as well, since everyone benefits from good core strength, strengthening the stabilizing and posture muscles and from mobility exercises. Pilates For Dancers: Get the Dancer’s Body is an instructional fitness DVD containing 20 Pilates exercises for beginners-to-intermediate that help with core strength, posture and mobility.

Front Cover: Pilates For Dancers: Get the Dancer’s Body #pilatesdvd

I received a copy of Pilates For Dancers: Get the Dancer’s Body from the producer SalsaCrazy.com in exchange for a fair review.

With fitness video reviews, I always find it useful to know a little about the writer’s background. Choosing the right fitness video is so subjective depending on your goals, current fitness level, and personal preferences. I have done Pilates on and off for years. I use to take live classes in classical Pilates with an instructor who was certified through Joseph Pilate’s protégé Romana Kryzanowska. I have also taken more Pilates fusion inspired classes.

Producers Description:

“Pilates for Dancers is designed for anyone and everyone whom would like to attain the dancer’s body. Pilates for dancer’s was born of the idea that the dancer’s body and physique is beautiful, graceful, and lithe. At the same time, it is an attainable beauty, given the proper exercise routine and discipline. “

This video “includes 20 explicitly broken down, step-by-step, instructions that anyone can follow. This video progressed in stages so that even absolute beginners will have no problem getting a complete and invigorating workout. Geared towards beginners and intermediates, a lot of time is spent on explanation and proper repetition, so you get the most out of your workout.” (Quotes from the producer’s description).

Back cover: Pilates For Dancers: Get the Dancer’s Body #pilatesdvd

Workout Summary: 

Producer: SalsaCrazy.com
Difficulty Level: Beginning to intermediate, as a reference tool it is appropriate for all levels
Run time: 100 minutes (The workout was about an hour, though much of that was instruction and demonstration)
Purpose: Strengthening core muscles and promoting flexibility
Music: During much of the instruction there is no music, and during the exercise repetitions there is pleasant instrumental music.
Equipment Used: I used a yoga mat, no other equipment needed
Menus and Chapters: Chapter breaks for each exercise
Setting: A simple set with the instructor on a mat. The set is decorated with a couple plants, there are no background exercisers.

What I Like About This Workout: 

• I think the instruction is very good. 
• The instructor wears a simple pair of shorts and a cropped top. I mention what she wars be
• I like that the video has a calm tone and is straightforward in presentation. 
• The menu is well-chaptered so it is easy to select a single exercise 
• I think it makes a very useful reference DVD that would make it easier to follow routines from other books or magazines.
• I feel stretched, refreshed and lightly worked when I follow along with the exercises. They include beginner and more intermediate exercises.
• The instructor encourages focus and control as appropriate for a Pilates workout.
• The instruction is suitable for a beginner.

This Workout DVD Might Not Be For You If:

This DVD is well organized, but it is set up more as a reference resource than a follow-along workout. When I try to follow it as a workout, I get bored and want to do a different workout. I don’t think it is intended to be a follow along workout video—but I personally wish it included a couple follow-along practices. 

This workout may not be for you if you:

• Bore easily, 
• Already have a Pilates background and want a non-stop intermediate or advanced practice
• Prefer a follow-along workout practice with minimal cuing

• Have a limited amount of time to workout

 

If interested in Pilates, Pilates For Dancers: Get the Dancer’s Body may still be a good investment for you.  I will keep it on hand as reference, but will probably not reach for it as a daily workout. There is too much down time, when it comes to workouts I need a little less conversation and a little more action. 

I hope if SalsaCrazy or this instructor make future releases they will include a beginner, intermediate and possibly advanced follow along practice flow. However, I do think this is worthwhile as a reference tool especially if you have already bought (or borrowed from the library) a Pilates book and are mystified by the pictures and written descriptions.

In Conclusion:

All in all, I found Pilates for dancers to be a very well-done reference resource explaining various Pilates exercises. The DVD is well-chaptered so I can easily refer to a specific exercise if I need a refresher. I don’t feel it works as well as a follow along workout. (Just in case someone from the production company is reading: It easily could if a new chapter were added with that intention.) I do think the exercises are effective for a dancer to assist with core strength, good posture and mobility. The exercises are just as helpful for someone who works at a desk to counteract some of the side effects of sitting for extended periods of time.

Where to Purchase Pilates For Dancers:

Pilates For Dancers: Get the Dancer’s Body is available at the producers website and also on Amazon. I have included my Amazon affiliate link for your purchasing convenience. If you click on the picture or link and make a purchase then I receive a small commission that supports Feeling Fit, Bit by Bit.
 

Also on Feeling Fit, Bit by Bit:

• Workout DVD Review: Physique 57 Classic Volume Two   
• Excerpt From Make Your Own Rules Diet by Tara Stiles 
• eBook Review: Low Back Pain Program & a Hamstring Stretch You Can Use  
• Three Tips to Eliminate Excuses to Workout  

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.