Getting a chiseled body this year could be as easy as pushing a button–well, almost–as the newest fitness videos put a spin on a popular trend.
Think of it as Pilates fusion.
Jammed for time but want to maintain those rock-hard abs? Try a tape that mixes the strength-building Pilates program with weight-training.
Intimidated by gyms but wondering what all the Pilates hype is all about? Several new videos and DVDs will walk you through all the Pilates basics.
“That is the biggest surprise–that Pilates is still as big as it is,” says Renee Dols, director of operations for Collage Video, one of the country’s largest fitness video distributors.
More than half of the company’s 24 new releases feature Pilates or Pilates-hybrid exercise tapes.
“Everyone is expanding on it now,” Dols says.
Joseph Pilates’ program, developed in the 1920s, blends Eastern and Western movement and philosophy. It strengthens the abdomen, back and pelvic area, and promotes general well-being.
According to Jill Ross, co-owner of Collage Video, Pilates’ popularity arises from “wellness and vanity.”
“Ten years ago, everyone fell on the side of wanting to look good,” Ross explains. “Now people are more interested in feeling good as well as looking good.”
The newest crop of videos also offer something for those who haven’t jumped on the Pilates bandwagon. More programs feature interval training as well as the fitness toy of the moment, the stability ball.
Tae Bo creator Billy Blanks returns after a two-year absence with an improved program. And Leisa Hart, best known for the “Buns of Steel” videos, has released videos for pregnant women that have topped amazon.com’s best-sellers list.
This year, fitness guru Mari Winsor capitalized on her success with several new videos. The “Back Workout” promises what physical therapists have long been recommending Pilates for: a strong, flexible lower back.
Anchor Bay Entertainment has released some of the best Pilates videos for all fitness levels. The 30-minute “Flatten Your Belly with Pilates” offers a split-screen technique that makes it easy for exercisers to follow.
Anchor Bay’s February release is “Breakthru Pilates Sculpt” with Tracy York and Michelle Dozois. It blends 55 minutes of cardio and Pilates moves with hand weights, which leaves muscles begging for respite.
If you’re looking to spice up staid aerobics routines, try “Crunch: Cardio Salsa.” Instructor Gisele Roque de Escobar’s hips swivel effortlessly, but don’t be intimidated. Her stellar instruction will have even those with two left feet cha-cha-ing their way to a better body in 40 minutes.
Choose videos carefully
Exercise videos can be a great way to keep in shape, the American Council on Exercise says, but one size doesn’t fit all. Fitness professionals offer these tips to help you find the right video workout:
– See a doctor before you begin, especially if you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, make sure the video follows safety guidelines.
– Be realistic about how much time you have. Don’t buy a 60-minute tape if you can squeeze in only 30 minutes.
– Be wary of outlandish weight-loss claims and avoid those that feature a celebrity as a main selling point. Look for instructors certified by national fitness groups.
– Choose a video that fits your needs. Don’t, for example, buy an aerobics tape if you want to build muscle.
– Make sure the video instructor is a good communicator. He or she should offer clear instruction and different options for certain exercises.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Kris Karnopp (kkarnopp@tribune.com)
