Pilates for Everyday Basic/Intermediate

Pilates for Everyday/Basic Intermediate is a classic Pilates mat workout perfect for those at an intermediate level. This is definitely NOT a good video for beginners, as there is NO instruction provided prior to each move. Instead, Melinda immediately begins the workout, simply announcing the name of the exercise (through voiceover instruction) and then moving right into it. She does provide tips on form as you go through the repetitions, but in order to keep up, you MUST already be familiar with Pilates and have had some prior experience practicing this method. Melinda sticks to the traditional Pilates matwork sequencing, and she performs the workout as Joseph Pilates himself did, flowing very quickly from one move into the next. Although she modifies the exercises slightly at times (for example, a modified version of swan dive), Melinda does not suggest any modifications for different levels.

On the one hand, I liked the fast-moving pace of this workout, as I definitely felt energized afterward; I also liked the fact that I could complete the entire workout in only 18 minutes. On the other hand, I felt that Melinda moved just a bit TOO quickly at times, as there often wasn't quite enough time to adequately set up for the next movement. However, this is definitely a very good workout for veteran Pilates practioners who are looking to advance their practice.