13.3.2013

I purchased the intermediate mat workout DVD after using the beginner mat workout (on VHS) for a couple years. I purchased both on DVD, thinking I would use them in sequence for a longer workout. This was a bad idea though, as the second workout basically builds on the beginner mat workout with the goal being to get you closer to the full, authentic 34-move Pilates mat workout (including transitions, where no movement is wasted). It is therefore unnecessary to do more than any one workout with Ana. Largely similar to the beginner workout, this workout has the notable difference of being longer; there are both more repetitions of each movement, and more movements and transitions built into the routine.Ana also focuses on precision in this DVD, expecting you to be more careful and clean in your movements. This workout is also much more fast-paced than the previous one; you can see even Ana is starting to break a sweat here!The intermediate DVD includes an interview with Ana where she explains a bit about her choice of exercises, etc., and her goals for you across the DVD series - I found this segment made me more interested in practicing Pilates as an "art" in itself, as opposed to just another exercise tape.Finally, to address the sound complaints from other reviewers... I purchased my DVD in early 2013. The sound is definitely not as high quality as the beginner DVD. Ana and Tara practice in a large room in an old building, and there are brief moments where you can tell how much it must have echoed as Ana was speaking. There are even a couple rolling moves where you can even hear the old, wooden floor creak! There are also moments where the purpose of the voice-over and zooming in is not quite clear, as opposed to the beginner DVD where you could clearly understand what they were hoping to emphasize with the voice-over. There are also moments where the music is a tad loud, and doesn't fit as nicely with the routine as in the previous workout. That said, these moments were few and far between; I had no trouble understanding Ana at any point. (She even continues with her funny metaphores that help you visualize what you are supposed to feel - "imagine your spine like a string of pearls...") While the sound issues are slightly distracting, you are moving so quickly in the DVD that if they are seriously disturbing you, you are simply not following the workout quickly enough. I would never return this DVD for the few seconds of sound issues.In short, still love Ana, will purchase her other DVDs without hesitation. She is fun and upbeat, and this workout is totally worth the money. Both DVDs also came with a free Energy Boost Program, about 13 minutes long. If you are a beginner to Pilates, I strongly encourage you to start with the beginner DVD, since that is where Ana explains the terminology she uses, how to avoid injury, and how the Pilates breathing should be done. You should also watch the DVD in full before attempting the workout, since it's not easy to watch her for the first time, and do the moves yourself.

1.1.2002

Yes, the sound quality suffered in this video, as the instructions switch from clear to tinny (like she's talking in a seashell) and back again- but think of it as an extra challenge for the Pilates goal of developing concentration. Seriously, if you're bored enough with the tape to be bothered by those flaws, you obviously need a more advanced workout! This is a solid intermediate Pilates workout that's a definite step up from the basic tape. You'll do some of the same excercises as in basic, but more reps, less rest in between, and interspersed with new exercises that overall will really challenge you. After several months of doing Pilates I am definitely noticing the benefits.

1.9.2004

In this video, instructor Ana Caban builds on her Beginning Mat Work routine by providing less detailed instruction, moving a bit more quickly from one exercise to the next, and adding several more challenging Pilates moves. All of the exercises are taken from traditional Pilates matwork, including the hundred, the stomach series, the side kick series and Pilates push-ups. The workout is at an advanced beginner to intermediate level; those who have some prior familiarity with Pilates should have no problem starting with this video (but those brand new to Pilates should start with the Beginning workout).Caban is an excellent instructor instructor: her cuing is precise,

21.1.2012

I've purchased several Pilates DVDs recently and am really glad I got Ana Caban's beginner's and intermediate Pilates mat workouts at the same time. I'm familiar with basic routines through another DVD and two books, and this DVD goes well with her beginner's version. I'm not entirely sure why two separate DVDs were made. It seems to me that a lot of the material in her intermediate version should be a part of her beginner's version. In fact, I find some of the beginning exercises harder than the intermediate exercises and vice versa. Also, there are exercises in the intermediate version that are identical to those in the beginner's version.

15.7.2001

After about 4 weeks of Caban's Mat Based Workout for Beginner's, I have stepped up to her intermediate version. First of all, if you are new to pilates do not attempt this tape without first doing the beginner's tape. There are several poses in this workout that are the same as those in the beginner's, but as more advanced versions. It's important that you should learn the beginning versions first in order to understand exactly how the poses are executed.As for the intermediate workout, it's wonderful. There are a series of poses where you are not allowed to rest your head back in between each one. This is where you will really start to feel that powerhouse at work.

6.6.2015

For those progressing from beginner to intermediate stage pilates (and hopefully who have taken a few classes as well), this is a great choice to make the transition. I alternated this with the bonus intermediate workout available on (the now sadly out-of print) Pilates for Dummies with Michelle Dozois to try to gain the flexibility and core strength required for the more challenging forms of the "Teaser" and as needed for more advanced pilates practice. I think this approach is highly useful prior to attempting Ana Caban's Maintenance Piilates for Weight Loss, Pilates for Abs, and Core Challenge workouts-- all which are to me, progressively more difficult intermediate mat workouts in the series,

29.7.2003

This tape is NOT for those new to Pilates; it's meant as a Part 2 to the Beginners Mat Workout. In the first tape, instructor Ana Caban takes the time to carefully explain each move and to describe in detail how the moves are performed, but in this more advanced workout, she skips the instructions and moves quickly from one move to the next. Ana is a very likeable instructor who is motivating and energetic without being overly peppy or intimidating. She offers encouragement using simple, sometimes amusing language such as "be long, like a noodle!" The entire workout builds on the Beginners tape by adding new moves, all of which smoothly flow from one to the other in the classic Pilates tradition.

24.8.2013

I bought this DVD after trying out Ana Caban's Beginner's Mat Workout. I was pleased with the flow of the workout, as well as the challenge level. It's challenging enough for a home workout, and works great as a "recovery day" workout once you've mastered it.If you're debating between this and the beginner's DVD, it probably depends on your starting fitness level. If you are generally physically fit and trying out Pilates for the first time, you could probably just go right into the intermediate workout instead of purchasing the beginner's. If you have any injuries or physical limitations and just want to try out Pilates, then maybe start with the beginner's DVD, as this one moves a little bit more quickly.

29.7.2004

I took a introductory pilates 10-week course but it was expensive. So due to money and time constraints, I switched to this video after. The transition from live instructor to Ana was easy!! I recommend this video to anyone with basic pilates knowledge who is ready to move on to more of a challenge. Due to the abdominal intensity of some of the moves (especially the lower abs!) it probably isn't the best for someone new to pilates.This is one of my favourite videos. The instruction is clear and flows nicely from start to finish. Ana Caban is very easy to follow and it is nice that she has another girl demonstrating the lower intensity versions of each move beside her. The production value is pretty bad,

6.6.2013

I have had the Ana Caban Beginners Pilates tape for a very long time. I like the workout, but it does spend a lot of time explaining the exercises, which after a while, I didn't need all that extra down time.I finally decided to see if she made an intermediate video, and bought this one. I wish I had bought it years ago.Less instruction (down) time than the Beginners, and more exercises. She is one of the best video instructors I have seen, and I am not easy to please. She seems genuine, and completely not fussy.For those thinking of buying, there is less modification on this video than on Beginners. If you need instructions on Pilates, and modified exercises for stiff hamstrings or weak backs,

19.10.2015

This workout, along with a healthier diet, helped me lose about 40 pounds several years ago. I haven't been doing it regularly recently, but whenever I do, I "feel the burn" all over my body for quite a while afterwards. I really feel that Pilates can help tone your body and improve your posture.The routine is not too long, about a half hour, and includes exercises that increase flexibility and focus on all the major muscle groups of the body. While not overly aerobic, it is a good at-home option for improving strength and flexibility.I'd recommend using this workout after mastering the beginning one, also by Ana Caban. This routine is a little difficult at first, but becomes easier with perseverance.

5.7.2009

I hadnt done Pilates prior to using this DVD but I am a regular gym goer. I found the workout to be just that little harder than I do in the gym which was great. I use this DVD on those days I cant make it to the gym and find that although there is no CV workout, there is plenty of ab workout and I do work up a sweat. The bonus work out concentrates a lot more on the abs and the combination of the two will test anybodys abs.Great for beginners and intermedate. Ana explains everything very will but doesnt tell you why you are doing what you are doing, which you need as beginner because it helps to justify the pain.Good DVD. Well worth the money. Its comes from the states to it takes longer,

1.10.2004

Ana Caban's Intermediate Mat Workout is fabulous. I've taken Pilates classes in the past and wanted a rigorous Pilates workout that I could do at home. This workout is perfect. A couple of years ago a began alternating this workout and Ana Caban's Pilates Body Ring Kit workout with aerobics (jogging and biking). People now comment on my toned physique - and I owe it to Ana's 2 workouts. This workout and the body ring workout provide challenging workouts for the intermediate Pilates student. Ana's instruction is consistent with the 'live' instruction I've received from certified Pilates instructors. I cannot say the same for the Kries workout DVD which I received as a gift.

2.8.2006

This workout is an excellent follow-up to Ana Caban's first workout, Pilates for Beginners. The length of the workout and the intensity of the exercises was perfect. I really enjoy Ana's commentary during the workout and I think she is one of the better pilates instructors available on DVD. The range of motion covered and the explanations for them are very helpful and I developed a much better ability to perform exercises like 'Teasers' (one of the more difficult Pilates exercise) and many others. I also really love the Energy Boost workouts on this and the beginners DVD because if I have a busy day ahead of me, I will do the fifteen or twenty minute energy boost workout and be set for the day,

1.2.2008

I originally bought the vhs version of this several years ago and LOVED it. I saw results really quickly. This is the first pilates video I have ever done. I have done winsor, but still like this one best. However, I lost my vhs version so I am buying this one. :) I am not an athletic person and not very flexible. After a week or so doing this workout, my flexibility greatly improved, as did my core strength. I first noticed this amazing improvement when I was at the grocery store pushing both kids and groceries in the buggy. I suddenly was aware that I was standing up very straight and pushing the heavy buggy without having to lean into it and bend my back forward! I felt so strong! Anyway,

Gaiam Pilates DVD "Intermediate Mat Workout" - Reviews

Info

Analysis

Detail