fun or good? those might be somewhat mutually exclusive. the videos that i think are good are slow because they are particular about form and the basics of pilates.
no, the stott pilates isn't slow, that's why i said it was a good compromise - both fast-paced AND good form. in fact, that particular video i recommended is two workouts in 30 minutes.
i've never seen the MTV video so i can't say. i've done Stott classes and they are definitely gym-style pilates classes geared toward "the masses" but she also manages to convey good form and a lot of the basics of "real" pilates. that's why i recommended it. plus, that particular video looks to be just the right difficulty level for your niece, and as i said, it's a quick "power" workout that will keep a 16 year old's attention.
if she already has a stretching mat that will be fine. a yoga mat is too thin.
If you want "authentic" Pilates, go with GAIAM Pilates beginning mat workout and the intermediate mat workout with Ana Caban. The Method's Precision Toning with Jennifer Kries is excellent too. I used these videos along with instruction from a "real" certified Pilates instructor to put my classes together.
There are others out there like Karen Voight and Kathy Smith. They are two very good instructors.
As far as Winsor Pilates, they are ok, but are not as safe as the others. I know the Winsor ones are the "in" ones right now because of the celebrity endorsements.
If you want to teach yourself Pilates which involves getting a book and the Ana Caban DVD, you can go to Barnes and Noble on line and take a course. I am doing it now for a review myself. However, I don't see a teenager doing that.
Yes, there is a special Pilates mat which I picked up at Marshall's. It is similar to a yoga mat but it is a little thicker. The Method Precision Toning is fast paced and gets just about every muscle.
if you want to get her a nice birthday gift, you might want to pair the video with a mat, if she doesn't have one already.
no, the stott pilates isn't slow, that's why i said it was a good compromise - both fast-paced AND good form. in fact, that particular video i recommended is two workouts in 30 minutes.
i've never seen the MTV video so i can't say. i've done Stott classes and they are definitely gym-style pilates classes geared toward "the masses" but she also manages to convey good form and a lot of the basics of "real" pilates. that's why i recommended it. plus, that particular video looks to be just the right difficulty level for your niece, and as i said, it's a quick "power" workout that will keep a 16 year old's attention.
if she already has a stretching mat that will be fine. a yoga mat is too thin.
If you want "authentic" Pilates, go with GAIAM Pilates beginning mat workout and the intermediate mat workout with Ana Caban. The Method's Precision Toning with Jennifer Kries is excellent too. I used these videos along with instruction from a "real" certified Pilates instructor to put my classes together.
There are others out there like Karen Voight and Kathy Smith. They are two very good instructors.
As far as Winsor Pilates, they are ok, but are not as safe as the others. I know the Winsor ones are the "in" ones right now because of the celebrity endorsements.
If you want to teach yourself Pilates which involves getting a book and the Ana Caban DVD, you can go to Barnes and Noble on line and take a course. I am doing it now for a review myself. However, I don't see a teenager doing that.
Grace
Grace
fitness4health@yahoo.com
Yes, there is a special Pilates mat which I picked up at Marshall's. It is similar to a yoga mat but it is a little thicker. The Method Precision Toning is fast paced and gets just about every muscle.
Grace
Grace
fitness4health@yahoo.com
That sounds good.