| While Pilates is a sensational way to get in shape for | | | | exercises designed to target the upper body. The |
| many people, not everyone is so crazy about certain | | | | exercises are quite doable, if you are already in decent |
| exercise videos that show how to do it. As with any | | | | shape, and will seem very simple if you are already |
| infomercial that makes things sound too good to be | | | | experienced in Pilates, dance, yoga, or stretching. The |
| true, Pilates workout videos don't work for everyone. | | | | choreography is very simple and not difficult to follow. |
| And even when they do, it may not be necessary to | | | | Also, the host, Mari, can be annoying. She says "tushie" |
| spring for the whole ball of wax -- "systems" that | | | | instead of buttocks -- not very professional. But, she's |
| include not only the videos, but a meal plan, journal, and | | | | good at what she does and that's what matters most. |
| a letter from the host. It may be just as well to borrow | | | | The 20-minute video does work, and you will feel |
| a video from someone, or buy it used. For example, | | | | better after doing it, just don't force yourself to get it |
| the Mari Winsor Pilates infomercial shows many | | | | done in 20 minutes. The advanced video can be very |
| bodies that are highly unusual -- not the typical results. | | | | difficult, due to the sequences of the exercises. |
| Yet, it obviously gets people to buy the videos. Not | | | | However, it does work, if you work it. The more diligent |
| that getting in that kind of shape is impossible. But, | | | | you are about sticking with your program, the better |
| most people purchasing the videos will not stick to the | | | | the results, and these results can be dramatic. The |
| program long enough to see such results. That's how it | | | | meal plan that comes with the system, while containing |
| is with most exercise programs. And those who have | | | | some useful information about eating well, has a very |
| the kind of tenacity to perfect their abs to the degree | | | | rigid menu. The Winsor Pilates diet does not |
| pictured in the infomercial, probably do not need a | | | | accommodate vegetarians or those with allergies. And |
| Pilates video -- they'd work out anyway. This "system" | | | | because it dictates exactly what to eat over a period |
| contains a 20-minute workout, a 30-minute Basics | | | | of 10 days, with no viable substitutions offered, it might |
| video, a 1 hour advanced video, the above-mentioned | | | | be difficult to follow. On the other hand, if someone |
| extra materials, and something called the Winsor | | | | wants a very militaristic approach to being told what to |
| Dozen (a 10-minute Pilates workout featuring just 12 | | | | eat, this booklet will do it. The bottom line is that the |
| exercises, which makes it great for travel). The Mari | | | | Winsor Pilates tapes do have value, but maybe not |
| Winsor Pilates system costs $60, with a $20 discount | | | | $40-$60 worth, depending on how much of it and how |
| if you call within a time frame specified in the | | | | often it will get used. It is suggested that one rent a |
| infomercial. The 20-minute workout is kind of rushed. | | | | variety of Pilates titles from the local video store |
| Actually taking less than 20 minutes does not enable | | | | before deciding to purchase this set. |
| you to do any one exercise deeply. There are also no | | | | |