Wow! What an unexpected surprise!

I saw this video at a local discount store and picked it up on a whim. I didn't expect much, but it was cheap, so I grabbed it.

What a pleasant surprise! I use this video regularly and definitely feel and see the results. Michelle Dozios clearly explains and demonstrates every move but is never condescending, irritating or intrusive. She also shows modifications for beginners and advanced exercisers, plus demonstrations of what NOT to do.

I'm not a Pilates expert, but I've seen some of these positions before on other Pilates videos, so I'm guessing they're pretty standard. You'll really feel it in your abs. (I think that overall, Pilates is much more effective -- and interesting -- than crunches for toning abs. I know I see a big difference when I do this video regularly.)

This is purely Pilates. There's no cardio, no weights. I like to alternate this video with cardio and weight work; additionally, you can skip the ab section on your other videos and use this instead.

This is a great intro to Pilates, and you sure can't beat the price. I highly recommend it.

EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION TO PILATES

I've been using this video for a little over a month now. I think that it's one of the best instructional videos that I've ever come across. It's no frills, right to the point instruction. I've become a little bored doing the same routine 3x a week, so, I recently started doing another (Suzanne Deason's "Pilates for Weight Loss"). Had it not been for "Pilates for Dummies", I would have been totally lost doing this other video.
The instructor in "Pilates for Dummies" is clear, thorough and not in the least bit annoying. There are 3 variations on each exercise so that you can adjust to your current level. I do some at advanced and some at intermediate- this is after having started at beginners a month ago. The first day that I did the routine, I felt nothing. I was very disappointed. The following day, my abs burned. It's very deceptive. If you remember to hold your abs in while performing the exercises, the workout is quite intense.

Simple but not easy! Great for beginners

I'm new to Pilates, I had bought another tape that bored me to tears so I thought I'd try this one, based on good reviews I had read here. I think the instructor is sympathetic, not glitsy and non-intimidating, all important things for beginners. The exercises are done at a reasonable pace, not too fast, and there aren't too many reps to discourage people. There's two programs, beginners and intermediates, but the beginners program is perfect for me now...it runs about 30 minutes in length but with a DVD you get to pick and choose which exercises you'd like to concentrate on. I noticed results almost immediately, especially in the abs, because Pilates is great for the stomach, and I haven't lost weight, I've just toned! I highly recommend this tape for anyone just starting out on Pilates and not wanting to get discouraged. There's no fancy room full of beauties, there's no fancy sets, ocean in the background or any of that stuff...it's lowkey and NOT boring.