10 Minute Solution: Tighten & Tone Pilates

When I started working out again about three years ago, the first video I did regularly was the "10 Minute Solution: Slim and Sculpt Pilates with Pilates Band" starring Suzanne Bowen. I really enjoyed the 5 segment format, each segment focusing on a different area of the body, (i.e. abs/core, arms/upper, legs/lower, full body, stretch) and I love using the resistance band. The band is a great low-impact way to workout, and I noticed increased muscle tone/definition quickly, especially in my arms. Plus it's fun - kind of like playing with a toy while you're working out, and keeps me from getting bored. I've got an array of workout videos now, but I still go back to that one fairly regularly.So, on to "10 Minute Solution: Tighten & Tone Pilates". I was familiar with Lara Hudson from a previous video, "10 Minute Solution: Pilates" (not too perky, she's definitely got a dancer's background and her transitions are very smooth) and was excited to see that this one incorporates the band (scarcer than regular pilates/yoga videos). I have a few workouts that use resistance bands, and I have a few bands of varying strengths that I rotate around. For this video, I started off using my medium-strength resistance band.**NOTE: I did not order the actual DVD. I streamed this workout via Amazon Instant Video and used bands that I already had. So I have no opinion regarding the band that is included with the DVD. However, the bands that I use the most are ones that came with DVDs, so I feel safe in assuming that the one that comes with this workout is similar and of fine quality.The medium band worked fine through the abs segment (stronger bands give extra support during ab work) but pretty soon after starting the second segment (legs/lower body) I switched to my least-resistant band. A lot of Lara's moves in this video are more complicated than most of the band exercises that I was used to or had done before. The majority of the moves (regardless of what segment you're doing) are full-body, where all four limbs use the band at the same time, instead of just your arm or just your leg. I really liked learning new ways to use the band, it was refreshing as well as challening - It's not a cardio workout by any means, but my heart rate was elevated throughout the four exercise segments.However, there is definitely more opportunity for injury if you haven't used the resistance band much before. When I first started doing band workouts, I often strained the muscles in my neck, sometimes badly enough to where I couldn't turn my head one way or the other without sharp pain for a few days. It doesn't happen very much anymore, mainly because my abs are stronger than when I started and I've learned to use my core muscles to support my neck. But in this video almost every move involves doubling up on the band - holding both ends in your hands instead of one - which is good because it helps with stability, but it also means doubling the band resistance, and this makes arm moves particularly hard, and that's when it is easiest to strain your neck. There's also a lot of balance required for many movements, which without a base level of core strength would be difficult and possibly injurious. Therefore, I would not recommend this particular video for a resistance band rookie.However, if you're familiar with pilates and with bands and are looking for another workout to add to your rotation then I this one is great. Like I said, I have a handful of resistance band workouts (10 Minute: Tone Trouble Zones with Amy Bento, Pilates Bodyband Challange with Ana Caban) and the individual exercises are really quite similar if not identical. But Lara has a lot of really fun moves that I had never done before. I just finished the whole video for the first time, so I will have to wait and see if and where I'll be sore tomorrow, but I definitely woke up some muscles that I hadn't been using that way before.

I just got this DVD in the mail today, and of course, I had to work out with it immediately. The DVD includes a purple latex resistance band. Nothing on the DVD tells you what level of resistance the band is, but my best guess is that is light resistance. The only other thing you will need for this workout is a mat.First impressions:1) This is a difficult but enjoyable workout. There is a lot of balance work, and the use of the resistance band added challenge and interest throughout. One of the great things about Lara Hudson is that her workouts reward your effort. The better your form gets, the tougher they get (and the better your results.) The workouts literally grow with you.2) Her cuing is excellent and her instructions on how to position the resistance band were spot on. Despite this, I needed to go twice through the first segment, "tightened and toned core" to get the moves down. I think that this is a good thing -- learning new moves is part of the reason I work out with Lara Hudson -- but if you haven't done a lot of balance work you might want to try another ten minutes solution pilates DVD first. Suzanne Bowen's  10 Minute Solution: Slim & Sculpt Pilates  may be an easier pilates plus resistance band workout for you, or if you are a total pilates beginner Lara Hudson's  10 Minute Solution: Pilates for Beginners  will acquaint you with Pilates basics.3) This, more than any other of Hudson's pilates DVDs, is a fusion workout. She includes lots of moves from ballet, classic strength building and yoga. So much so, that after the first segment, I was uncertain of how much of the workout was really derived from pilates. However, pilates loves to borrow and adapt from other traditions. What was important was that the workout was interesting, challenging and effective. My muscles felt this workout all over my body.4) Like the other Ten Minute Solutions Pilates DVDs, you can get a great workout from a single ten minute segment, but you'll probably enjoy it enough that you'll choose to do more.TIGHTENED & TONED CORE:This segment had more traditional pilates moves than the others. It included classic moves like the hundreds and teasers done with the resistance band, as well as a number of moves that I had not seen before. This was not only a core workout, but it also worked the arms heavily. There was a lot of balance work and twists. One of the things that I liked about this workout was that the resistance band not only provided resistance, but also helped me with the balance work and going deeper into the moves.DEFINED ARMS & SHOULDERS; TRIM & SLIM LOWER BODY; TOTAL BODY TONERThese three segments blend classic strength building with toning moves derived from ballet and yoga. Lara Hudson works multiple body parts throughout each of the segments. For example, while the focus of the "Defined Arms & Shoulders" is upper body, it also worked the legs and core. I found that I got a great arm workout and a decent lower body one no matter which segment I chose.LONG & LEAN STRETCHI liked how this section pushed my flexibility, but it was not easy. The resistance band allowed me to work deeper into many stretches than I normally could go.

While this DVD I believe will give you a good solid Pilates workout I did not enjoy it. I felt the band placement/use was awkward and I ended the workout frustrated which is not a feeling I'm used to when exercising. It just isn't worth it to me. I couldn't seem to keep the band in a good spot during the bridge series and having the band would around my ribs during a plié sequence was just uncomfortable. There are other better Pilates with the band workouts like Suzanne Bowens that I enjoy more.

I am a woman, but still a kid, and again, I have to say using the bands rather than dumbells for strength, legs, & abs has shown quicker results & is easier on the body. I like parts of all of the 10 minute solutions I've bought overtime. Mainly, for my abs, legs, & arms. I find the dvd's, that focus on these 3 areas, & put together 6-10min. workouts(pick & choose workouts), (usually from 2 dvd's=60mins.). Do this 4 times a week, (break in middle of week, 1 day), than I do them for a month than switch to 2 new dvd's, repeating this 3 times = 90 days than start all over again w/ the 1st one. I'm just starting on my 2nd 90 days (starting all over again). We'll see what happens? Happy so far;)

Do NOT buy used from this seller! It came without the band, which is necessary for the workouts!The band is THEE essential part! I had to go buy my own band. The workouts are incredible! Easy, quick, low-impact! Love the DVD! Buy it new and save yourself the hassle!

it good exercise but the band isn't inside that isn't not good value

I love this DVD, the only thing I would say is that you need to have some long bands to be able to do the exercises well. (2 metres long ideally). I had shorter bands but found I couldn't do all the exercises properly so after buying longer bands, problem solved!

L'aiuto del band permette anche i beginners a cominciare ad affrontare questi esercizi. Uno dei must dei dvd pilates!! I risultati si sentono praticamente subito!

The DVD was defective. I returned it and I am waiting for a new copy.

I love the 10 minute solution DVDS. Very varied, full body workout