keep reading how great this is for your body, but when I go to look up videos there are a hundred different types. I'm not interested in Yoga or classes, but would love to get a good Pilates video for a very non-elastic man.
Has anybody tried some of the videos and could comment on what you would recommend or would NOT recommend?
Thanks.

I wanted to try Pilates too, so I tried (and liked) "Pilates Workout for Dummies" by Michelle Dozois. The video has two levels: basic and intermediate. The basic level has an introductory explanation of technique, and then Michelle walks you through each exercise. I bought it on DVD- each 'chapter' is a different exercise, so I can 'skip' to the next chapter if I want to.

At first, I listened to and followed each exercise every time I worked out with the dvd; now, if I use the dvd, once I see what exercise is being done, I just do it and then skip to the next exercise. I also skip some exercises that I don't like, such as 'rolling like a ball', because I don't think I'm ready for that yet. (I tried it and it hurt my tailbone too much, so I'll hold off on that one for a while.)

For the intermediate level, Michelle talks less and has a few harder exercises added, so you can just dive in and get moving, once you're more familiar with the exercises.

Now that I've been doing the exercises for a while, sometimes I just use the chapter titles inside the DVD case as a guide - without bothering to put in the DVD.

I liked the dvd because I had never done pilates before, and she explained it well enough that I feel I can do the exercises 'right'. It includes hints on what not to do, or ways to make the exercises easier for beginners (sort of like an extra 'total beginner's' level). I also like Michelle's style- she doesn't sound like an airhead, and she's not screaming encouragement like a cheerleader as you work out. She talks just enough to lead you through the exercise.

For future reference, there's a great website (and catalog) called Collage Video: http://www.collagevideo.com. They have highly useful descriptions of exercise videos - that's all they sell, and the employees actually do the videos and write intelligently about them. Each description includes the length of the video, how much of that time is spent on warm-up, exercise, and cool-down; what type of exercises are done (mat workouts, strength training, aerobic exercise, etc.); and a general evaluation of the video on the whole. I highly recommend the site, and the catalog too.

I enjoy pilates exercises, because it doesn't feel like your trying to torture yourself or give yourself a heart attack, like some workouts do. Also, the exercises really focus on the 'core' muscles (right around your middle, front and back), which is great strength training for supporting the lower back.

Hope that helps.

nm