Ever since I purchased The Method: Pilates All in One Workout in 2022, it led to the discovery of some existing Method workout videos/DVDs online, specifically on YouTube. 

A person decided to upload a Method video (shown below), but it was coming directly from the Method television series. The video was simply called “Precision Toning,” but it was not the original 1996 VHS of the same name. After the short intro, Jennifer Kries is shown on the set of the Method Television show, wearing a monochromatic workout outfit. 

Many of her viewers of the show on The Health Network requested Jennifer Kries to make a workout video to have shorter, concentrated workouts for specific regions of the body: the abs, arms, hips, and thighs. Each segment integrates many different conditioning techniques from various forms and styles of exercise and dance, which is a signature combination of The Method’s video programs. All of the exercises share a single thread: a focus on form and technique, which makes them useful throughout the practices.

Abs

The first segment starts with Jennifer and her students standing up, which leads to the question that many people wonder about: How can I effectively use my abdominal muscles while breathing? The answer is a basic technique called smooth breathing that is an essential part of the Pilates method, and it establishes the navel to spine connection which sends the breath towards the upper chest.

She then teaches us a breath of fire, which is a sharp breath controlled by the nose on the inhale, and the exhale happens through the mouth. One of the first exercises in this segment is the hundreds, and incorporating the breath of fire allows for the movements to be sharper and precise.

Basically, all of the exercises in this segment are traditional Pilates moves that target the major abdominal muscles, the back, and even the lower spine, which makes the body flexible. Establishing a sense of symmetry is important to tone and firm up the waistline, so it’s easier to focus on the powerhouse (core) controlling the abdominal muscles. Target toning the abdominal region is an essential part of Pilates because it’s a central channel of the body where energy emanates from.

Before moving on to the next segment, Jennifer says, “We’ll be right back after this,” which reminds me of what a TV show host would say if this was actually aired.

And now, here’s a short compilation of random 90’s commercials, for the sake of it:

After the short commercial break, I would say something like, “And now, back with the Method Television Show!” as Jennifer transitions into the next segment.

Arms

Even though this segment is focused on the arms and the upper body in general, the lower body and the core are helping to stabilize the torso. They use a visualization technique of pushing away a heavy pair of weights, but she suggests to utilize light hand weights since they keep up with the speed of the music. Strengthening the major muscle groups of the upper body will make you look taller, lengthen the torso, and will help improve your posture, for one. She even throws in some exercises that you might remember from previous Method workout videos, including the original Precision Sculpting video and the All in One Workout.*

The fluid motions of the upper body allow for ultimate control and self-imposed resistance, allowing for a greater range of motion. With each repetition, your muscles will look lean and toned as if you were to hold up the clouds and the sky above.**

*Some of the exercises in this segment (and some of the other segments) are also presented in 10 Minute Solution: Pilates, which will be an upcoming review. 

**I had to throw in a reference to Tantric Toning, since a visualization of lifting up the sky would make sense for an arms/upper body workout. 

Hips

To start, the ballet exercises work similar in fashion compared to the ones presented in Prevention’s Dance It Off, except that they help you defy gravity with the imposed resistance and control of the hips themselves. Jennifer Galardi’s ballet segment is good and all, but feels a bit rushed when compared to Jennifer Kries’ version. It might sound unusual for the hips to be targeted as opposed to the buns in other target toning videos, but targeting this specific region has some amazing benefits*, such as:

• Reduced lower back pain
• Improves knee and leg pain
• Improves balance and stability
• Increases bone density
• Improves circulation

The principle of opposition is extremely important when it comes to controlling the leg muscles which are connected to the hip joints, assisting the lower body through active stretching and lengthening. She proceeds to do the side kick series and an advanced downward dog pose with a leg lift, which is a bit of a challenge for me since I don’t have the same range of motion as Jennifer and the class. Lakey Evans and Lisa Wheeler can be seen together in this segment, as Jennifer calls Lakey one of her “dancers” for the final stretch.

Jennifer Kries: “We’ll be right back after this.”

Me: “And now for the next compilation of 90’s commercials!”

*Works Cited page

Thighs

Jennifer starts out with doing a standing forward bend, which helps to wake up the centers of the lower body. From here, they all do a few sun salutations while Heather demonstrates the beginner modifications with a limited range of motion. Coming up from the downward dog, she calls the Warrior 2 pose the “proud warrior” and heads into a deep, isolated lunge in an exhalted warrior (Warrior 1) position. Progressing from the base movement, she uses the principle of opposition as she presses the arms to the ground, letting them float up. 

In an awkward chair pose, they come into a deep narrow squat while extending the arms upward, leading into some more ballet exercises that concentrates on the major muscle groups of the lower body. She says that each breath enhances the movements in the workouts, as it’s an essential part of the Pilates method. This combination of standing and floor exercises has been favored by dancers for many years, as it helps thin their thighs.

As the students bow towards their master instructor, Jennifer takes in the positive energy as she comes back to her roots.*

*refers to a stance in which the workout begins with, but in this case, it can also mean a seated cool-down stretch.

Final Thoughts

This Method video integrated many different styles of exercise for a well-rounded workout, and no muscle was allowed to rest here. Once again, the live drummers were their usual, lively selves as the movements blended in with the music to add a tribal feel to the workout. Also, the challenges that some exercises provided was a refreshing change of pace from other workout videos that I have in my collection. 

It would be nice if they would add in a create your own workout feature (like in the 10 Minute Solution series) on the DVD menu so that you can easily program your own customized workout depending on your preferences. Otherwise, you might be damaging the disc/tape from rewinding or fast forwarding it to the segment you would like to do a lot, which could potentially damage it in the long run. There is also a biography section of Jennifer Kries in the DVD menu as a bonus feature, along with a web link to Current Wellness that again, doesn’t work unless you have a vintage computer with a DVD-ROM drive. 

Instructor(s): 10/10

Set: 10/10

Outfits: 9/10

Music: 10/10

Production Value: 9/10

Overall Benefits: 10/10

Exertion: 8/10

Ease of Movement: 7/10

Audio/Visual Modifications: 6/10

Special Features: 6/10

Use of Equipment: 7/10

Total Score: 92

Intensity Level: Moderate Intensity

Impact: Low Impact