Kathy Smith - Pilates for Abs

Kathy then moves on to the workout. Although she doesn't do the moves in the classic Pilates sequence--she notes that she altered the sequence to focus even more specifically on the abs--she does start with the typical Pilates first exercise, the Hundred. She performs this and other moves at a modified level while her assistant, Lija, demonstrates more challenging positions. The exercises include lesser-known Pilates moves such as the Can-Can and the Mermaid as well as a yoga pose, Bridge. Kathy offers form reminders throughout the workout, and I found this to be particularly helpful in making sure that the work was concentrated in my abs. The entire workout is over in a quick 20 minutes, but by the end, my abs definitely felt the work.

Although this workout is appropriate for those at a beginning level, I wouldn't recommend it to someone totally brand new to Pilates, as it proceeds a bit too quickly. Instead, a Pilates novice could use either Ana Caban's Beginner's Mat Work or Hilary Burnett's Pilates for Beginners to obtain more detailed instruction on performing the movements. Once the basic technique is learned, however, this workout is appropriate for beginning or intermediate Pilates practitioners who want a short program which specifically targets the abdominal muscles.


Good introduction for beginning exerciser   November 9, 2003
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This video would make an excellent introduction to Pilates for the beginning exerciser. As usual, Kathy explains each movement very well and reminds the exerciser to engage the powerhouse throughout the video. However she spends little time on each movement and the intensity level is very low. As an intermediate/advanced exerciser I did not feel like I got a good workout - way too short in reps and too long in instruction for longterm use to be of benefit.


Negative Reveiws are true   August 28, 2003
5 out of 9 found this review helpful

I really should have taken the negative customer reviews more seriously before buying this tape. I believe some moves are well targeted to the abs while others are just too difficult, not to mention unsafe (the roll ups can easily cause injuries to your spine if you do not do them properly or if you're not on a cushioned enough mat or carpet). I also do not like the fact that she does not stretch at the end of the workout. I bought this tape along w/her "Pilates for the lower body workout" and I must say the latter is much better. Sadly, she uses the same Intro almost word for word.


Graceful but intense ... and works!   August 16, 2003
Wes Saylors Jr. (Boone, North Carolina)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Of all the Pilates tapes available on this, the planet Earth, Kathy Smith has produced the very best. I have tried others, but nothing matches the graceful (almost soothing)intensity of this 22 minute Pilates workout. Smith guides the viewer through each exercise and explains when to breathe and how to position yourself. Kathy Smith has been around for a while, and to be honest, the proof is in the appearance. She looks terrific. There is a reliability about Kathy that is hard-earned and well-deserved. I have used this tape for two years now. Other Pilates tapes have come and gone for me, but Kathy is the one I pull off the shelf every evening.