Pilates question for the Educated Crowd!

[Shortstuff]

Hi ladies!

I recently received a Pilates Reformer (actually, it's the Performer that QVC sells) as a gift. I really love incorporating it into my workouts, but I'm getting bored with the tape that came with it. If anyone has a Reformer or a Performer, would you suggest that I purchase the Stott Reformer videos or the Balanced Body Pilates videos (from http://www.pilates.com/videos1.html). I've heard great things about Stott, but the Balanced Body tapes sound good too! Can't make up my mind and was hoping for some insight from this educated crowd. Thanks in advance!

(BTW, I posted this in the Video Conference too in the hopes that I'll get some responses--I apologize for the double post!)

 

[kimroberts]

I have several Pilates videos, however they are all matwork only.
I have 3 from stott and they are boring

.

My favorite matwork videos are from Living Arts by Ana Caban. It would be work checking their website to see if they offer reformer videos. www.livingarts.com

 

[Shortstuff]

Thanks Kim!

I really appreciate your input--I was beginning to wonder if anyone was going to answer my question! :-( I did check the living arts website, but they don't offer any reformer videos, just matwork. Thanks for the suggestion, though, I really appreciate it!

I've read that Stott videos are rather boring, so maybe you've just helped me make up my mind--thanks again!

God bless,

 

[Rose11]

Hello Shortstuff! Well I have to say that it's very difficult to provide you with a recommendation for a reformer video because there are not a lot of choices out there. I have a Moira Stott video, but like Kim, it's a matwork video. I don't think Moira is boring...she just has a very sloooooooow speech haha! :7 . But she is a professional that knows what she's talking about. And the Advanced Matwork video (2nd edition) is great for cross training with Cathe and the Firm.

I have two suggestions. Number 1...Go to her website (if you've never been there before) http://www.stottpilates.com/ so you can see the selection of videos. Number 2...Go to http://www.collagevideo.com They have a selection of non-reformer Stott videos with 30 sec previews. You can check them out and see if you like Moira Stott's style. I hope you make the right decision.

PS Thank you for that link to the T-Tapp previews. I'm still undecided

 

[Shortstuff]

Hi Rose!

Thanks for the suggestions! I've already done a thorough search for any and all Reformer videos and the best ones I came up with were the Stott Reformer 4-video series (from the website you linked me to) and the Balanced Body Reformer series. They both look rather good and more advanced than the instructional video that I got with the unit. I may have to ask Santa to bring me one of each so I can make an informed decision! ;-) Of course, I've already put my request in for the CIA DVD's and naturally any and all new CATHE'S!!! :-jumpy :-jumpy

BTW, if you have more questions regarding T-Tapp, feel free to email me--I'd be happy to answer your questions.

Good luck with your decision too!

Take care & God bless,

 

[cinza]

ALSO
Balancedbody.com has reformer tapes.

I prefer the stott because its closer to original Pilates... but i think the Balancedbody.com tapes are more for everyone in general.
with EXCELLENT instruction

 

[Shortstuff]

Hi Cynthia!

Thanks for your input and I think I'm definitely going to have to get one of each! When you say that the Stott tapes are closer to original Pilates, do you feel that the Balanced Body tapes are more for someone who's never done any Pilates at all? I've only used my Reformer for 3 months so I'm definitely not advanced, but I need something more than a beginner or instructional tape. Thanks again!

You ladies are great--I knew you'd come to my rescue! :-shy

God bless,

 

[cinza]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Dec-03-01 AT 04:45PM (Est)[/font][p] Reformers (vs Performers) are professional pieces of equiptment and usually people learn to use them in a private studio before buying one. so "Reformer" tapes are not made for people who have not done any Pilates at all...

THe "Performer" is the home model as you know.. it is much smaller and with less options for how its used.

if you buy a Reformer tape from either STott or Balanced body you will find that you must adapt some exercises because the professional reformers have some flexibilty in adustment that your performer wont have.
The machines that Stott and Balanced body use have a few more options than the original Reformers
However, I think you will be able to adapt just fine, but dont be surprised.

Balanced Body VS Stott tapes ????

the Balanced body people have taken the traditional Pilates form and evolved it to do more things with less Pilates mystique.

I think the balanced body tapes might appeal more to a practical kind of person who isnt necessarily in love with 'Pilates' for 'Pilates' sake...... someone who just wants to do the strenghtening....

i had a professional model reformer......and tapes from both companies.
My male partner liked Balanced Body tapes better, I prefered the Stott tapes .
I like to learn the classical form of anything before learning variation.
He liked just doing the physical workout.
Both are excellent.


If you have tapes from the New York school of Pilates then you have the most conservative of Pilates instruction... its just about out of the mouth of Pilates himself!! ... Those guys have a very set plan and dont like to adjust or deviate..


Stott sticks pretty close to original Pilates .. She has done a little updating with respect to current sports medicine knowledge.....like working front and back alternately to save the spine... and not pressing the lower spine out of natural alignment.

Balanced body has gone further with how they use the machine ..than STott.... There is soooo much you can do!! Lots of good stuff.

If you have never had any Pilates instruction I would ask you to consider a few classes to make sure you are using the "powerhouse" right...... its very important.....and very tricky for most of us to get without personal attention and feedback.

good luck.

I guess my thoughts are...If you are a purist and a bit romanitc about Pilates ...get stott for sure...
Get balanced body if you are just a practical person who wants good instruction meant for everyone...

hope that helps a weeee little bit!

 

[Shortstuff]

WOW Cynthia!! :-wow You are just a wealth of information!! Thank you so much for your in depth analysis--you've been more help than you can imagine. And now I'm going to go re-read your post and try to make an informed decision! :-rollen

Many, many thanks for your time and effort.

God bless,