Jennifer Kries: New Body Pilates - Beginners Mat Workout [DVD]

Whatever Jennifer is teaching, I want to learn it! Her confidence, her depth of knowledge (of anatomy, energy and Pilates itself), her experience and encouragement shine through every exercise and every explanation. I've never been able to say this about an instructor on a fitness dvd, but it is an honor to call her my teacher. That I trust her so completely has enabled me (right from the start) to begin to trust my own body in a way that I never have before  Jennifer Kries: New Body Pilates - Beginners Mat Workout  and that has allowed me to make unbelievable progress."Class" begins with proper breathing techniques and the fundamentals of Pilates. Jennifer's "students" demonstrate correct (as well as incorrect) poses, advanced beginner as well as basic beginner, and although I am more of an intermediate Pilates practioner, Jennifer's meticulous cueing sometimes "catches" me doing something incorrectly and underscores the importance in Pilates (and everything in life) of getting the fundamentals right. Her manner of teaching is so personal, so natural and assured that although she is teaching by way of a dvd, somehow I feel as if she is speaking directly to me.You can see by their spontaneous smiles that Jennifer's "students" admire her and are also having fun. Her teaching has the same effect on me! (I think if she could see me she would be genuinely pleased.)I'm new to the innocent-looking Magic Circle and I can honestly say that it gives me the fastest (10 or so minutes) and most complete upper and lower body workout I've ever experienced. Jennifer calls it a "handy-dandy" tool and considering that I feel as if I am going to die while I am using it, (only kidding!) I believe she is correct.The New Body! Pilates DVD itself is movie quality. Sometimes I actually find myself watching and listening when I should be doing the Hundred or the Seal. I'm happily going to purchase  Jennifer Kries: Hot Body Cool Mind - Level 1  and any other workouts Jennifer Kries has done while I anxiously await her intermediate New Body! Pilates and Level 2. Thank you, Jennifer.

I respect Jennifer Kries deeply as an instructor. Having practiced pilates since age 13, she is highly accomplished and it shows. She is concerned with correct technique and tradition, rather than 'instant weight loss'. Her approach is theoretical and precise, but you still feel welcomed into the pilates practice.There are 2 workouts on this DVD: Magic Circle and Mat. I don't own a magic circle (does any beginner?) so my review is based solely on the Mat workout, which I did today for the first time. If you've ever done a pilates workout, there will be no surprises here -- all the movements are faithful to the original pilates method. Jennifer pauses between each set to explain the science of each exercise, so the workout never really picks up momentum. I did about 15 minutes of cardio before working out with this DVD to ensure my body was ready to work, but still I didn't break a sweat or feel challenged in any way when I was done. I didn't 'buzz' like I usually do after a good workout. Maybe some mild strengthening did take place, but I wasn't taken out of my comfort zone. I appreciate the educational content on this DVD, but physically I doubt this will take me to the next level. I'll work with it for a few weeks, because I've bought this DVD and I want to get the most out of it, but I wouldn't recommend it for someone who wants to lose weight or get fit. I'm still curious about Jennifer's other DVDs and I've heard that they are less theoretical, so I'll check those out before dismissing Jennifer Kries altogether.

Have done Jennifer Kries Pilates workouts for years. Started out 10 years ago with the VHS tapes. Over all the workout is VERY tough in the beginning... you will be so sore if not already doing a toning workout. And takes alittle time to get down the pilates and basic ballet toning moves. But Kries is so worth the time to learn and work through sore muscles. I'm never in such good shape if using on weekly basic and if I slide alittle, tone back very quickly. My all time favorite workout is her Pilates,"The Method". With it made in 90's... outfits some what dated! But look past that, the over all workout is still better than most pilates I have found.

New Body Pilates. This is a well thought - out , pleasant start for a complete beginner unto Pilates.I recommend it , and have just invested in a Ring.When you have shortened Achilles tendons , slow and gentle seems to be a good idea, and,though Mrs. Kries is anout-and - out Professional Dancer,she is kind, humble and patient. A splendid Workout. I love buying through recommendations, and Mrs. Anne Barone , who has my grateful thanks, is right in praising this teacher.The best professionals are straightforward, and know their craft so well,that they don't have to be take themselves soseriously - they are a relief to be learning from.

Jennifer Kries new Body Body Pilates - Beginners Mat Workout is the perfect video for first time pilates users. The instructions are clear, simple, and easy to follow and you can watch an experienced person or one with easier modified movements for beginners. After one month I'm seeing great results and feel wonderful. The 10 minute Magic Circle section for body toning requires purchasing the Magic Circle device and is well worth the money. The whole workout takes about 45 minutes. I highly recommend it.