Stott Pilates: Be Kind to Your Spine [DVD]

Sick of suffering with the pain of a bad back?I was, and I decided to do something about it - the title of this dvd sounded just the right sort of thing, and so it proved.I'd heard of, but not done any, Stott Pilates before and I was really pleased I took the plunge. Stott Pilates was developed by the Merrithew family in Canada, and the instructor on this DVD is Moira Merrithew. She has a pleasant voice and manner, and explains everything very carefully before you start each exercise, and the exercises are simple but effective for tackling both the upper and lower back, she also shows you how you shouldn't be doing something as well as how you should, which is very important when you've not got a teacher coming round to correct your posture.Tip: it's definitely worth watching the workout through first before doing it, as the transitions for some of the exercises are a little quick.Equipment used: floor mat, pillow(s), sitting block. I'd already got a mat and used 2 different height ordinary cushions, so my only outlay was the dvd itself. I guess if you've got a carpet and you're happy you won't slip etc you could do without the mat.Exercises are predominantly done lying down, either on back, side or front, with a few done in a sitting position. You can do them in any comfortable-fitting clothes (I've done mine in pyjamas, loose trousers, as well as stretchy exercise clothes - as long as your movement is not restricted, you should be fine.At 30 minutes duration it's not difficult to find time in the day enough times in a week to build yourself up, and there's no essential spending other than the dvd. Once you've built yourself up, there is a follow-on dvd, but not in region 2 format (it may be all region). Definitely recommended!

I have just received this DVD and have only done it twice but the exercises seem in line with the ones i was given by the physio when i hurt my back so i'm sure its a good dvd. The only dissapointment was that its so short. Its less half an hour long and she goes through all the basics while doing the excerises which is a bit boring once you have already got the and makes the 'workout' very slow as there is so much talking!I would reccomend Pilates for Back and Posture, Presented by Lucy lloyd-Barker. she goes through all the detail seperately from the workout so once you have the basics you don't need to watch that part anymore you can just get on with the workout.

This dvd is ideal,if you are new to pilates and suffer with a stiff back .The instructer explains herslf very clearly ,and also explains how the excercises work,however if you find that you are not very mobile,you may have problems, as you are working on the foor, and change positions quite often.If you are into high energy workouts,this dvd will not suit you,however if you are rehabilitating from an injury or suffer with your back give it a go.I found it has helped me.

This DVD is a waste of time. It is just too basic. It is also very poor value. The "workout" is only half an hour and half of that is the instructor explaining what to do. That's terrific for Pilates newcomers and for the first couple of times it's used. But after that it is so boringly slow. The rest of the DVD is filled with useless stuff. There is an option to do the workout with the audio off, but that does not solve the problem of the boring pace. Instead, they should have recorded another version of the same workout but with a lot less instruction.

Timely delivery, product in perfect condition. Highly recommend this DVD ... I recently had a major op on my spine & this is targeted, gentle exercises and stretching, really helps to relieve pain and helps me to relax. The pil;ates is basic so if you've been practising a while I'd recommend a higher level in the same series. If you have a back problem then the Stott Pilates series is ideal because she is an expert.

If I hadn't have played it,It would have been sent back. Not much cop the lady is obviously very fit to do what she shows. It would be impossable to do with back Pain. A NO GO

good item

Following the end of our course, we asked for a video to keep us in trim over the summer, until the next series of lessons. This video was recommended and is truly excellent. It is possible to follow a full session in one hit - and come out feeling so much free-er.

Good exercises and explanations/guidance given, but after the initial time or two, there's no way to speed up the exercises and get rid of the talking.

This DVD is the first in the "Be Kind to Your Spine" Stott Pilates Series. It is VERY GENTLE!Traditional Pilates routines start with The Hundred. The closest you'll get to The Hundred on this DVD is "Ab Prep", which is 4th from last (see below). HOWEVER, if you have a sensitive or injured spine, this may be just the place to begin! Moira is a wonderful instructor... gentle, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. She gives careful direction on each of the exercises.Because she focuses on proper breathing in addition to proper form, and because her manner is so calm and soothing, I nearly fell asleep during my first viewing! That's ok... perhaps if I was more rested and less stressed, my back wouldn't be acting up! LOL! :-)Exercises:- Breathing Forward- Breathing Sitting- Flex Elbows, Open Chest- Imprint & Release- Leg Slides- Hip Release- Spinal Rotation- Spine Twist- Cat Stretch- Hip Rolls- Scapula Isolation- Shoulder Rolls- Arm Raises- Arm Circles- Head Nods- Ab Prep- Breast Stroke Prep 1- Shell Stretch- MermaidOnce I get the basics down, I'll soon be moving on. The following DVDs finish this series, but I've not seen them yet. Stott Pilates: Pain Free Posture  Level 2 STOTT PILATES: Standing Tall  Level 3I do have some DVDs in the "Pilates Express Series" by Moria. They would also be a good next step. STOTT PILATES: Basic Pilates 2nd Edition Stott Pilates: Sunrise Workout  (the most gentle of the Express Series) STOTT PILATES: Revive Workout Peace! Stott Pilates: Pain Free PostureSTOTT PILATES: Standing TallSTOTT PILATES: Basic Pilates 2nd EditionStott Pilates: Sunrise WorkoutSTOTT PILATES: Revive Workout

English: I love this dvd. It gently aligns your back and strenghtens the muscles around it. The lady really explains patiently how to breath and do the exercises in the correct way. Also, it only takes about 30 minutes to complete the rutine. I use it after a sesion of tennis and also when I have neck pain, and it really helps. I recommend this dvd.Français: J'adore ce dvd. Il align doucement le dos et renforce les muscles autour de lui. La dame vraiment explique patiemment comment respirer et faire les exercices dans le bon sens. En outre, il ne faut compter environ 30 minutes pour remplir la rutine. Je l'utilise après une sesion de tennis et aussi quand j'ai des douleurs au cou, et il m'aide vraiment. Je recommande ce dvd.

Good for me as it is easy on the spine with a fracture and I can do it a little at a time.

I enjoyed this video but I thought the instruction segment could have been longer. It's only 20 minutes of instruction....I think they should have made it 30-40 minutes long so that it feels like a full workout, and not just a sampling of a few techniques.