Caribbean Workout: Core Pilates (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently picked up this program after really enjoying the previous Caribbean Pilates/Pilates Plus DVD's (which I've already reviewed on Amazon).
This set contains three twenty-two minute self contained workouts that were formerly on the Caribbean Workout Show. Being from a TV show there are commercial breaks which fade in and out, sometimes more smoothly than others. Still, in spite of a few rough spots in that regard, these programs are really some of my favorite Pilates based programs along w/ the Caribbean Pilates and Pilates Plus.
Their length makes them easy to fit in, the price is super low and you get a lot of workouts for that low price.
The first workout has a abs/back focus and it's very well sequenced. Jennifer Tilley, who leads the workouts w/ Shelley Mcdonald as the "student", alternates between Abs exercises and Back extension exercises. Jennifer Tilley has an interesting approach to varying the "classical" Pilates exercises as well as the way she sequences them. For me it works very well and keeps things fresh.
The second segment is a mix of Yoga type poses and Pilates exercises. It starts standing and then moves down to the mat. There's a nice mix of Ab core and back extension exercises as well a mini Sun Salute where you go from cobra into child's pose (she refers to these as up dog and down dog, but they are actually cobra and child's pose).
This segment is very much a blend of Yoga and Pilates, more so than any of the other Caribbean workouts that I have.
The third segment is primarily focused on the lower body and features a fairly extensive side lying series.
It starts w/ the hundred to warm up and then moves into the side lying position.
The one thing that I wanted to point out is that Jen Tilley first does 4 or so exercises on the right side, then switches to the left side and does the same exercises. BUT then what happens is that she continues on the left side and starting with the Développé on does a whole bunch more exercises and ends w/ small leg circles.
At that point after some gentle hip stretches, then she goes to the other side, starts with the Développé and then completes the leg series on the right side. The thing I don't like about this is that even though the same exercises are eventually done on both sides they are not done in a symmetrical order which means the left side is really maxed out by doing them all in a row while the right side gets to rest and then complete the series after the left side is done.
Fortunately, if one is aware of this and wants to make it symmetrical, what you can do is, switch back to the right side when she starts the Développé and then switch back to the left side when she does the Développé on the right side. In spite of that workable imperfection, this is an enjoyable and fun DVD to work with that definitely works the areas intended. I gave it five stars in spite of the few imperfections because overall I think it delivers what it promises and does so at a ridiculously low price!
I enjoy the personalities of the two teachers, the spontaneity of the way they interact and the scenery as always is beautiful. There is always nice gentle music during the Pilates sessions which enhances the overall atmosphere of the sessions.
If you are looking for a more "classical" Pilates approach I would highly recommend Hilary Burnett's Intermediate program. If you've never done Pilates before I would recommend Stott Basics program for excellent detailed instruction. I have heard great things about the Hilary Burnett Beginner program but unfortunately don't have that one.
Ana Caban has some nice beginning and intermediate programs as well which are based more on Joseph Pilates approach.


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