Mari Winsor: Flat ABS Pilates

I've been doing Mari's "Pilates for Pink" videos for a while, and was ready for something a little more challenging. Boy, did I find it. These are great workouts, with new iterations of her signature moves, new material, and good pacing. I like the fact it will take me a bit to master some of the harder moves-- like lowering halfway down in a teaser and coming back up three times without wanting to die. She also sticks almost entirely to instruction, with very little chatter, which is really helpful when you're playing a video over and over again. And dare I say it, some of the moves are actually kind of fun. Seeing great results and would recommend to anyone. Only one complaint-- there is no downloadable full-body workout available on gaiam.com anymore, so be forewarned.

I highly recommend this video. I have been doing Pilates for 20 years. I wanted to switch up my routine. This dvd did the trick! The moves are advanced and choreographed at a very high pace. I recommend this for people ready to move from intermediary to advanced or for the advanced. To make the most of the dvd it would be best to really feel comfortable with a variety of Pilates moves. Not only are multiple moves combined, at a very quick pace, the moves are challenging. A strong core will get you through the dvd. If you are challenging yourself by trying the next level, this is it. If you are advanced in Pilates, you will still enjoy this dvd. You will feel proud to be able to keep up with this workout !

I have been a big Mari Winsor fan for years. I had her whole set of pilates videos on VHS and had been looking for a DVD alternative, but didn't want to spend big bucks on the bundle from her website. I bought this and her Lower Body Pilates a few months ago, and though I was skeptical of it not being "official", I am so glad I did. This DVD has two routines that are both equally effective. Both are classic Winsor Pilates, her teaching method is the same as it is in all of her videos that I've tried. She is encouraging without being annoying, and there is something very soothing and relaxing about her instruction.The pilates itself can't be beat. You feel results instantly and see results very quickly. I love doing pilates in the morning because I find my posture is so much better and I feel like my core is tightened and lengthened. After about three weeks of doing pilates my clothes fit better and I looked a little better in everything. The only reason I gave 4/5 stars is the long introduction. It's kind of annoying. But these videos are a great deal.

I bought the DVD to add a little variety to my workouts and I love it! I have been doing this DVD a 2-3 times a week for about 6 weeks and I can see a noticible difference. I started seeing changes at about 3-4 weeks. I've noticed my abs are flatter, and my legs are more toned, I have lost inches in my waist and I have more energy. My jeans are looser too! And Mari Winsor is a really good instructor. Definitely a good DVD!Also, I've been doing pilates for around 5 years now and for me, this DVD is fun and definitely challanging.

Love all Winsor pilates. IMO, the first workout is around the intermediate level and the second workout is at the advanced level. Mari Winsor has the tendency to be little spazzy when she instructs but she has come a long way on this one. Her pace and tone of instruction is actually quite relaxing and the music also seems to flow great with the workout. I love that it's abs focused and you have two 20-minute workouts to choose from. She uses a lot of the same moves but incorporates that with new moves. I tried both workouts this weekend with friends and can't wait to master both workouts.

First of all, I love Mari Windsor. There are some workout video instructors and class instructors in general that I just cannot stand, for one reason or another. I love her mature, non-pretentious tone and helpful cues. When you use a video over and over again, that stuff matters. For instance, an annoying voice can get to you after a while...so can lame jokes (think P90X guy). Mari's style conveys that she is more interested in preventing injuries and taking care of your body than pushing you to some breaking point. Second, both workouts on this video leave you feeling the benefits. Pilates, specifically Mari Windor's version of Pilates, has done wonders for my shape, posture, stamina and over-all well-being. I have very specific needs when it comes to fitness: just basic weight lifting and cardio have never fully given me the sleek, taught figure I wanted. Pilates activates, and makes you aware of your muscles in a different way than anything else does. It can feel really good, even, and very rarely makes you sore. After doing some of Mari's older workouts for a few years, getting this dvd was a great way to turn up the heat and get me out my comfort zone (although it still contains her famous series of 5 for abs). Doing one or two 20-minutes workout per day (I do mine during my lunch break, before eating) gives amazing results. If fitness is going to be part of your lifestyle forever, not all of us can or should go to extremes. There is no reason why a workout can't be enjoyable and something to look forward to. For me, Mari's DVDs are just that. I highly recommend this product!

I purchased Mari Winsor's Pilates DVDs before and I am a huge fan. I have to say am disappointed with the way the the Flat Abs workout was filmed. The cameraman did not pan out far enough to allow users to see the moves from a wide angle. It was hard to see what position my body should be in as the models moved through the exercises . The most frustrating thing about the Flat Abs workout was the close up shots of Mari during critical body positioning. All I could see was Mari with a model's leg and foot in front of her at a close up angle. The camera held the shot for too long and I couldn't see the exercise being demonstrated!!