whole body market

Core exercises have become a hot topic everywhere in the fitness community. Nowhere are core exercises more utilized than in a Pilates workout. Pilates DVDs offer the advantage of working out at home whenever you want, but your workout is only as good as your DVD.

I recently tried the Core Challenge one of the many STOTT PILATES® mat DVDs. This is billed as an intermediate level workout led by Moira Merrithiew with all the usual STOTT PILATES additions. She offers a lengthy warm-up, a steady pace and a well thought out series of core exercises. There is emphasis on form and an almost nit-picky attention paid to the breathing patterns. Although this is not new to me, it is always good to hear her speak through a workout. Her cues are clear and precise and I am never at a loss as to what she is wanting from the exercise.

This is a great DVD for anyone with Pilates experience, perhaps for someone looking to increase stamina and for those ready for a new Pilates challenge. It’s a nice DVD for instructors looking to refine their teaching cues. And though not specifically meant for lower back exercises, this core workout can be used for people needing low back strengthening. There are so many titles in the STOTT PILATES repertoire that I am sure you can find a more specific workout DVD for back care.

STOTT PILATES is a highly recognized and very respected organization within the Pilates community and there are dozens of DVD titles to choose from. It does appear that STOTT PILATES comes out with a new Pilates DVD every week each with it’s own take on core exercises. There are DVDs for foam rollers, BOSU, Flexbands, fitness circles and more. Her style has changed little over the years. She is calm and verges on monotone, but I feel good recommending this DVD because of its lack of loud music and screaming instructors. There are many reasons why she, Moira Merithiew, has been so successful and why her company has succeeded so greatly. One is because she is good at what she does.

As a Pilates instructor and someone who has done Pilates for dozens of years, I was not entirely challenged by the Core Challenge DVD. It lacked a few key Pilates moves like the Teaser and Open leg Rocker, but I love the safeness of the workouts and I can really appreciate the reminders for my own work. If you are looking to add core strength to your routine or if you’re just ready for the next level of work, try this core exercises DVD or one of the many titles STOTT PILATES offers. You’re body will not be disappointed.