Pilates For Life [DVD]

Recorded in a no-frills dance studio, you can sometimes see the London Eye in the background. It is a refreshing change from the Cindy Crawford video I used to have in the 1980's! The pilates sections are thoroughly explained, although it is clearly stated that Darcy is not a professional pilates instructor but that the pilates compliments her lifestyle and it certainly seems to be complimenting mine. The main session is by far, my favourite. I would say it is aimed at those whose joints are overall in a basic condition/good health and are wanting to tone/define their body. At around an hour long, I now know when to fast fwd and can take up to 10+mins off the 1 hour main programme. I have been doing this main session for over 18 months, at least 5 times a week if possible and the results have been beneficial for my posture, stomach, back thigh definition (exercise at around 33mins of main) and mind. Recommended to do Pilates, it compliments/benefits my long distance running/dog walking routines and being the usual busy mum, I can fit this DVD into my life. There are a few minor mistakes, the camera/timing, not Darcy, where around 7mins in the main session, a movement is repeated on same leg, instead of going to the other leg and then at around 43mins, when the camera moves away from Darcy's movements and there's a few extra seconds delay in the routine...I just wait for it to get back into sequence. Just for a change of music, I sometimes turn the volume down and put a CD on. Of course, you would expect a ballet dancer's toes to be interestingly shaped over time and you'll see that Darcy's are no exception...it makes me glad I went to Stan Morris' ballroom dancing classes when I was younger, instead of ballet! My DVD hasn't worn out yet but when it does, maybe I should get a different pilates DVD but I doubt I will, I know I'll stick to the same one! Jan 2017 UPDATE! Still doing this pilates, Mon to Fri, however, I can remember it off by heart (no surprise by now!), so I can do the pilates to fit in with daily schedule, can even do them in around half an hour and feel so good, it's a great way for me to start the day, feel ready in mind and body, nice one Darcy, you've made a great benefit and enhancement to my life. I'm pleased, estastic, at how my stomach now looks and feels these days :) I'm not perfect, in anyway, 51 and got some grey, but now feel so much more content with my efforts, thanks to this DVD :)

I have another pilates dvd (the cheaper 10 minute Kimberly one also sold on here), but a friend recommended this one and I much prefer it out of the two, it's more thorough and professional and I like Darcey's presentation style. Firstly there is a segment where Darcey outlines the principles of pilates which is vital to understand if you have the right position during the moves. She also has a very important 'warm up' segment, tempting to skip when you are in a hurry but some of the later stretches are quite intense so you really need to be warmed through - she does this bit on a beautiful beach somewhere so there is the lapping of the tide and mellow classical piano background music, I find it very soothing and relaxing. The workouts are done in a dance studio again with mellow classical piano background music, and the style is slow controlled movements, I much prefer this to the faster style of my cheaper dvd, it seems more appropriate for pilates. They are available as a shortened 20 minute 'mini programme', good if you are in a hurry, and the longer programme which is divided into 10 minute sections targeting different areas, you can dip in and out and make up your own routine to suit. As you would imagine with her ballet training Darcey is incredibly supple and strong and most of the poses I come no where near where she is, her hamstring stretch is amazing as she has her foot somewhere near her face - good for you if you can, but if you're like me then it's something to aim for. We un-supple folks are the ones who get the most benefit from pilates. The workouts are challenging, some very much so, but the style and Darcey's natural elegance and poise give a relaxing ambiance, I wish I'd got this dvd straight away instead of going for the cheaper one, IMO this is definitely superior and worth the extra money.

This is a great dvd I used following major surgery to increase flexibility and strength as I felt very stiff and unfit after a 10 week recovery and I feel amazing. Downside is now I'm back to work I don't have tome to follow the full programme 3x a week it takes about a hour and a half with warm up and cool down. I wish she had made another which is quicker and more advanced as this does get a bit boring after several times but don't let that put you off as it's easy to do and very effective.

To start off with, I should admit that the last time I did any proper exercise, other than the occasional brisk walk, because I'm running late for something, was probably about 7 years ago. And even then, I took to working out like a horse would to hair dressing. The closest I'd coming to seeing the inside of a gym would be during an episode of I Used To Be Fat. I'd been to see my doctor for a check up, who told me I had weak hip muscles and she suggested I try Pilates. I had heard of it. In all my time not doing any exercise, I have managed to squeeze in some reading of educational literature, including Cosmopolitan and Heat. However, I had absolutely no idea what it was and couldn't bare the thought of going along to a sports centre full of lycra clad super-model wannabes and embarrassing myself. So I jumped on to Amazon and started searching for a DVD that I thought I might get on with. I wasn't sure what it was that I was after, but I did know what I didn't want. I didn't want a DVD aimed at weight loss (I'm one of those disgusting people who can eat the combined body weight of the 6 nations rugby teams in 1 sitting and not put on a pound), nor one with an overly enthusiastic american/canadian/australian, nor one that was targeted at just beginners, where you would therefore be forced into buying a whole series of DVDs. That's what attracted me to this one. Firstly, it didn't make claims of dropping X number of dress sizes in Y number of months. Secondly, Darcy Bussel is English and has a lovely soft voice (you can hear her interviewed on youtube) and finally it was 'for life'. When it arrived, I put it on and fell in love. Darcy Bussel was a ballet dancer and therefore performs the exercises gracefully. She doesn't patronise, nor does she spend the whole time telling you to inhale and exhale. She explains the exercises clearly so I don't even need to look at the screen. She doesn't perform the exercises and talk at the same time, but instead talks over with some lovely, relaxing classic music. The DVD has a full warm-up and warm-down and then a main programme (1 hour) and a mini programme (15 minutes). The main programme is divided into 6 sections, so you can either play them all at once or pick and choose what you like. The sections are abdominals, stretching and sitting (for flexibility), four-point kneeling (for balance and your bum), prone (further stretching, particularly for your back), balancing and lifting (for your thighs) and arms. The mini programme takes a couple of exercises from each section and puts them together. The first time I did this, I over optimistically put on the full programme. It was hard going, but the order is well suited so that when you're getting to the point where you fear you may be dying, she moves on to another part of the body. Day 2, I did the mini programme only. Day 3, I did the mini programme and 1 of the sections from the main programme (with the warm up and warm down, this made about 45 minutes). Have I seen results? Like you wouldn't believe. On the first day, she asked me to curl myself down as far as I could, aiming for the floor. I could reach about half way down calves. Olympic gymnasts, eat your heart out. By day 2, I could just about touch my toes. By day 3, not only could I easily touch my toes, but I can place my hands flat on my feet. Ok, so I'm not as flexible as Darcy, but give me time. Not only am I gobsmacked by how quickly I've seen results, but more importantly, it's made me want to exercise! I feel so could after doing this, that it's addictive. My muscles feel firmer, my bum's definitely perter and my posture has gone through an almost magically transformation. Who knew I was so tall? Absolutely, 100%, worth every penny.

Bought this DVD based on the recommendations on this website. I've been doing pilates for about a year now and as our classes have taken a break for the summer, I was looking for a DVD to tide me over until our classes started again, and hopefully, one I could use between classes when they resumed. The DVD is well laid out, it has separate warm up and warm down sections, as well as having the main section of exercises split into parts of the body that the exercises target, so you can choose which ones you want to do. It also has the choice of a mini exercise program if you don't have enough time for the full workout. The exercises themselves are a good introduction to pilates and provide a good workout. My main issue with the DVD and Darcey Bussells teaching of pilates was the breathing aspect. In my pilates class, we are always being told when to inhale and exhale in relation to the movement we are doing. Darcey does not do this, only commenting every so often to 'breath normally', and this made me a little apprehensive when following some of the exercises, especially as I do Pilates to aid in recovery from joint problems. When I bought this DVD, I also bought the Stott Pilates Be kind to your spine DVD and I found this far more informative with better instructions, not just in relation to the breathing, but to all other aspects of pilates then Darcey Bussells. Whiles its an ok DVD, I think the Stott Pilates DVDs are a better buy, especially for those doing Pilates due to joint problems/recovery.

I bought this dvd with a mild interest in pilates. Normally I'd only do the workout several times and tire of it. But this one is so inspiring and wonderful to do! I look foreward to doing it every day and some days even sneak another short session in. The great thing about it is that you feel and see the results quickly, and although the exercises are really effective, you don't work up a sweat, so you can easily fit it into your day with out worrying about having to shower straight afterwards. The exercises are simple. You do need to concentrate, but they're done at a very steady pace so you soon learn them, and you'll feel relaxed and refreshed after the workout. Darcey is beautiful to watch and the classical music is uplifting. Definately the best workout dvd i've ever had...and there's been quite a few. This is one I'll stick to.

outstanding DVD - I agree with the other reviewers - I have been doing this programme for two weeks and have noticed a dramatic change in body shape - even my partner noticed - which was nice. Lovely music and a soothing presentation from Darcey. The programme is very well structured indeed - and has lovely music. Although at first glance Pilates looks rather easy - it is a constant unfolding of depth of exercise. It can be an easy workout suitable for beginners or those with injuries (I have severe joint problems - so I can easily adapt the exercises to my needs) right through to the professional ballerina - Darcey credits Pilates with keeping her 'match fit' so to speak. She has had many surgeries throughout her career and no doubt Pilates has been an important part of there rehab - and this becomes apparent when watching her throughout the workout.

Excellent dvd, I had total knee replacement surgery and realignment of lower limb due to birth defects April '14. My physiotherapist recommended Pilates and I decided to buy a dvd before trying a local class. Based on other reviews I purchased Darceys. I have to say it is still early days and I started with the introduction, then the next day intro and warm up. Couple of days later warm up and mini program which helped with the movement in my knee joint and improved my posture. (yes after one session the knee degree bend increased movement by another 6 degrees without increasing pain!) I get tested weekly on joint movement degree of bend at my local hospital. I then went on to full programme. I obviously skipped all kneeling exercises but did all side and ones laying on my back and sitting. I have since repeated the programme several times and it is still early days. However my limbs are toning and gaining strength back in the damaged limbs. My arms are toning (almost as a by product to my aim) The biggest difference is the fact it seems to help all wobbly bits wobble a lot less and improve the movement in my knee joint! It seems to help the swelling go down so now I am back in my skinny jeans. It also helped remove upper back pain that I have suffered since being home with zimmer then crutches post surgery. I should also point out, that I have started swimming again too but as can only swim when my husband can take me as can not get in and out of the pool safely yet without help yet, I am lucky to get there once a week. This is a very relaxing dvd and no sweating! It has definitely improved my balance, strength, shape and pain management, but I use it on top of regular physiotherapy and swimming. The full program I felt the difference the next day, and day after that but was easier the third day (second time on that programme) Currently I do the dvd 2 to 3 times a week. (not in full as I miss out all kneeling positions) If we do not get to go swimming in the week then I will do an extra session. I also do the rhythm rocker (form of chair aerobics ) work out followed by the pilates once a week. This does take a lot of time which once I return to work I will reduce it down. Currently doing everything I can to get my leg working again. I do not know if it is enough as only one form of exercise but as part of a programme it is definitely helping my body recover from extensive surgery. I have had several operations on my abdomen for other health problems leaving me with extensive scarring and weakness in my tummy. Last tummy operation was four years ago so it is healed just not strong. The full programme is making a very quick difference in tightening and strengthening my core. Very impressed so far. I will update once I have been using the programme for six months. I honestly think continued use will improve strength and tone and flex. But only time will tell so I will update.

Diese DVD kann ich sehr empfehlen! Der Preis ist gepreffert, aber das ist auch schon mein einziger Kritikpunkt. Ansonsten habe ich nur Lob für Darcey: Warm up und Cool Down wurden am Strand vor einer wunderbaren Kulisse gedreht, die Begleitmusik ist durchgehend schön, nicht aufdringlich. Darcey erklärt alle Übungen genau und führt sie langsam - und mit der ihr als Primaballerina eigenen Grazie - aus: Ideal für alle Pilates-Neulinge und "Schreibtischtäter", die sich bisher nicht viel mit ihrem Körper beschäftigt haben. Die DVD ist so unterteilt, dass man wählen kann zwischen einem Kurzprogramm, dass (mit Auf- und Abwärmen)ca. 30min dauert, und dem Main Program, welches 1 gute Stunde dauert. Auch aus dem Hauptprogramm kann man sich wiederum einzelne Sequenzen aussuchen, sodass somit wieder individuelle Trainingsprogramme entstehen. Nochmals extra anzuwählen sind die "Key Starter Points" in denen sie wichtige Grundhaltungen erklärt. Leider geht sie an keiner Stelle auf die Pilates-Atemtechnik ein. Aber ihr sei verziehen, da sie als Berufssportlerin (Primaballerina am Royal Ballett) es dank ihrem Gefühl für Bewegung und ihrer Grazie geschafft hat, eine wunderschöne Trainingseinheit für daheim zu schaffen. Ich warte mit Spannung auf die Fortsetzung ihres Trainings "Pilates for Life"!

Awesome video

Un excellent DVD pour se muscler en douceur ! Moi qui déteste courir dans tous les sens sur une musique trop rapide, ce DVD est parfait ! Sur une musique douce très agréable, les mouvements sont bien expliqués et les muscles « tirent » rapidement signe qu ils travaillent. Il y a 6 « paramètres à travailler » soit les uns derrière les autres, soit en individuel. Je me suis concentrée pour l instant sur la partie abdominale et 10 jours après (1 séance tous les jours) le ventre est plus musclé, donc plus plat. Ce DVD est en anglais, mais les phrases sont tellement simples que même un petit niveau peut les comprendre. En plus les mouvements sont suffisamment explicites par eux-mêmes. Le meilleur DVD parmi tous ceux que j ai acheté, en tous les cas le seul qui ne me donne pas envie de jeter l éponge. Je recommande...

Video adatto agli addetti ai lavori, ci credo che chi non lo sia lo trovi noioso e inutile. Gli esercizi sono 'faticosi' se i muscoli vengono ingaggiati nel modo giusto. Mostra proprio le basi! Però è un buono spunto. Un pò troppo lento in effetti, anche se potrebbe aiutare ad entrare nello spirito del pilates: movimenti lenti, fluidi e controllati coordinati al respiro. Pochi lo capiscono perché il pilates ormai è tutta una fusione con il fitness: musica dinamica, velocità, ripetizioni. Questo video mostra le basi del pilates classico. Comunque troppo lento davvero :) unica stonatura, peccato!

Really good dvd also has a section for if you don't have too much time. Good warm ups and cool downs, I really like it.