Pop Pilates Total Body Workout with Cassey Ho

I really love this workout, I was looking for a challenging dvd to do about once a week for overall strengthening and conditioning. I do a lot of dancing so that is my main focus, but its important to work out regularly too. I really love pilates because its accessible and it makes me feel the burn using fairly simple movements. I'm also a fan of Cassey and her youtube videos so I thought I'd try this. I would say that when I started I was about intermediate level, and it has taken me about 10 weeks (x1 a week) to work up to doing the whole dvd without stopping or giving up at the end, so I've enjoyed having that to work towards! I am DEFINITELY stronger now, something that has also helped my dance technique. The abdominal exercises are awesome and the all body plank variations at the end really are a killer. I prefer barre style workouts for my legs and butt, however the exercises on here are also a huge challenge for those body areas. Some people don't like Cassey's commentary, and she DOES talk a lot throughout this, however personally I don't mind it and do oddly find it motivating when the exercises are getting difficult! If I did the dvd more than once a week it might get a little annoying, but thats like ANY dvd used regularly where you end up knowing it by heart.I would say if you are a total beginner then this probably isn't the best dvd to get, because it is quite hard. However perhaps if someone knows the basics and is ambitious and consistent then they would grow into it. There are modifications offered for some of the exercises and it being a dvd you can always pause and have a rest ;)

Firstly, I do not recommend going straight into this DVD if you're either a beginner, very unfit, or haven't done pilates for a while. Its not really for beginners. Cassey does give warnings throughout the DVD that you will ache for a few days, and she's not just saying that to spur you on- you really do ache for a few days afterwards.The workout is tough (I began to feel it during the 'warm up' exercises) but its nicely paced and changes at just the right time so you're feeling it, but not about to die. (OK, for some of them I felt like I was about to)I know some people find Cassey quite annoying- she doesnt really bother me but she is pretty upbeat and generally energetic so if that would bother you, maybe consider muting it a bit.Positives are- no equipment required!No chair/towel/block/band/weights- just a comfortable surface/mat/carpet.It really works- you feel the difference almost immediately.Its easy enough to do if you put your mind to it.You don't have to be infinitely bendy.The exercises are explained really well.There is a handy guide in the DVD box which shows you whats coming next so you can skip/sit one out.Its fast paced so you don't have to wait for hours for the workout to actually start.Negatives: Its not easy!You will feel it.You can't break the DVD into sections and just pick one area, its just one long DVD.There aren't any more from her :-(Overall, a brilliant DVD. Very happy.

Not for beginners. Cassey is enthusiastic and motivating, however, there were some moves in the workout with legs overhead that are too hard for beginners and you could also hurt your back if you haven't got the strength yet to do them properly. Like her free youtube workouts better. Wasn't very sore afterwords although I managed 95% of the a runthrough.

Love it ! So challenging to begin with especially. Very well explained and demonstrated.

Found Cassey Ho very irritating and the work out pretty manic .Most Pilates DVDs leave me feeling tired but relaxed ,this was more like an ordinary exercise routine.My advice ,try Darcy Bussell Pilates for life or Karen voight ....great results and enjoyable ...Disappointed !

Hard for beginners

really tough work out - no pain no gain!!!

This got here quickly & in good condition. Got it for my sister as she wanted it & says shes happy with it.