New Body Pilates 2 [DVD] [2008] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

I have done Jennifer Kries's Method series many times and as someone that practices Pilates at home as part of my exercise program I was anxious to seek our her intermediate pilates work-out. As usual, Jennifer's instruction was top notch. She explains the moves clearly, and indicates when modifications may be necessary. My one wish though was that she was actually performing the exercises. She has an exerciser that she works with in the dvd and Jennifer sits on a chair behind her explaining the exercises. I didn't really care for that format, hence a knock-off of one of the stars since I don't know if this instructional style would be one that I would want to do over and over. Several good points though are that the model is using good form and Jennifer also has her do the exercise incorrectly as well, in some instances so that she can show the difference from proper and improper form.

The exercises themselves are ones that those familiar with Pilates would know....the 100, rolling like a ball, the seal, the saw and the dreaded teaser among others....The Pilates segment is half an hour long and gives you plenty of core work out throughout. There is also a 10 minute section on toning with weights that was a nice addition to the dvd. Once again, the exercises are well executed and variations are shown for those who want to step it up a notch in the toning section.

Overall, a good workout, but due to the fact that the instructor sat behind on a chair the whole time, that didn't make it my most favorite of her programs. If this style of instruction won't bother you, I would recommend for the good instruction and the excellent form that is shown on each exercise.

I am a Jennifer Kreis fan--her style of Pilates instruction (methodical, even-toned, not over the top motivational) appealed to me in her tapes (Target Specifics). That is why when I decided to go for a Pilates DVD, I was searching for her. Yet, this DVD is very different--she does not model the exercises. Instead, she walks around another model, talking through the poses and excercises. It may sound petty, but I found the result somewhat distracting as I was trying to follow both Jennifer and the model. When you are on the 90 repetition of the 100 breaths, that is no fun.

I definitely recommend Pilates for DVD excersice, but would have prefered a DVD with people who appear in it that are in synch, rather than with an instructor walking around.

This is a continuation (part 2) of New Body! Pilates . This is for the intermediate level. The menu choices are: the mat workout (36 mins.) and the sculpting series (9 mins). Equipment used were a mat and very lightweight dumbbells. Jennifer continues with the mat workout for the intermediate level in which the pace is a bit quicker, but she explains and directs each movement to give the viewer a better understanding of the Pilates method. The second workout uses (or without) very lightweight dumbbells (1-2 lbs) and exercises are done standing. Very simple, short reps of arm exercises.