*The following review was previously written in July 2024, but I have done the whole DVD again in January 2025 so I can give my official rating for this program. 

Year: 2004

Distributor: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Instructor(s): Lara Hudson

First of all, I wanted to get this DVD for sale at a Half Price Books location back in April 2024 along with the Turbo Jam: 5 Rockin’ Workouts 2-disc set. I actually got this DVD first before The Method: Pilates Target Specifics, and both of them work in a similar fashion. However, I have already tested and reviewed Jennifer Kries’ Pilates method on my previous review. 

Now I will have to look into Lara Hudson’s Pilates method to compare it with Jennifer’s in these five 10-minute workouts:

• Pilates for Abs
• Pilates for Buns & Thighs
• Sculpting Pilates
• Pilates Burn
• Pilates for Flexibility

Pilates for Abs

Lara recommends this segment for those who are new to Pilates and don’t know where to start. This set features some traditional mat exercises that focus on strengthening the abdominal muscles and establishing a connection with your powerhouse (core).

Overall, the modifications in this segment are pretty lackluster compared to other Pilates workout DVDs, since she only shows the modified version once before continuing on with an exercise. Also, she always does a Pilates C-curve (or lifts up her neck off the mat) when doing certain exercises like the double leg stretch (she did this in place of the single leg stretch which is a bit disappointing), which can cause potential strain. To modify this, you can easily place your head down on the mat if you feel like you are jerking off your head too much. 

Some of the other exercises might be a bit too advanced for beginners such as the roll-over and the teaser, which I cannot recommend if you have any type of lower back pain. She doesn’t provide any modifications for these exercises, which is a problem for me personally. It might be my least favorite segment of the bunch, but let’s move on to the next one for now.

Pilates for Buns & Thighs

This segment helps tone a common problem area that most people have, and the exercises are kind of similar to the ones Jennifer Kries does in the Hips and Thighs segments. As usual, these exercises are done on both sides and the claim on the backside of the DVD says it all. Some of these exercises were previously done by Cassey Ho (Blogilates). With the addition of Jennifer’s Pilates method, it all sounds familiar to me. 

Since these exercises looked familiar to me, I have a neutral opinion on this segment. Lara Hudson sounded more like an aerobics instructor than a Pilates instructor in this segment, which killed the laid-back and relaxed atmosphere that Pilates was supposed to cultivate. The repetition got to me fast, and it may help you remember the proper form of each exercise.

Sculpting Pilates

Lara integrates the hand weights in this segment which is supposed to work the arms and upper body. Ideally, you would use some light hand weights (2-3 pounds) to achieve definition in the upper body without adding bulk. It’s gentle on your joints and muscles and will cause no pain.

Again, some of the exercises shown are similar to Jennifer’s which makes them very familiar to me. A variation of the swimmer, done standing, is repurposed as the boxer with almost the same motions. The one thing that bothered me here is for some exercises, she puts an emphasis on the neck instead of the smaller muscles that are part of the upper body, and there isn’t any visualization of lifting much heavier weights, even though they are light. Other than that, this segment is a great way to tone and define the arms.

Pilates Burn

A dynamic, flowing sequence of Pilates exercises will help you burn calories in this total body segment with plenty of repetitions. It also adds in a distinctive cardio benefit with the constant folding, contractions, holds, and pulses of the body, which kind of reminds me of the old Pop Pilates videos by Cassey Ho (Blogilates). 

It seems like the memories and flashbacks are coming back to the pandemic, when I started doing her workout videos. Lara seems like she’s peppy and energetic like Cassey here, with an exaggerated tone inflicted in some words. Compared to Cassey’s voice, it’s somewhat irritating but motivating at the same time. 

Overall, it actually did make me break a sweat, but just a tiny one. I might combine some more cardio along with it to keep the heart rate up. Whew, that was some of the best that I’ve seen from her today!

Pilates for Flexibility 

Finally, it’s time to focus on lengthening the body with some exercises that stretch out the body. Integrating the principles of yoga with the Pilates method, Lara combines both disciplines into a complete stretching routine. This segment can be used to begin and/or end a workout routine, as you will slowly gain the flexibility of a dancer’s body afterwards! You will also feel relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

I will usually do this segment after completing an intense workout, such as Turbo Jam: Punch, Kick & Jam. This segment along with Sculpting Pilates seem to be my favorites out of the five segments here, but I have a word of warning: I attempted to do the downward dog pose with a leg bent, and might have injured my ankles and calves. This might cause potential injury or strain, so please modify this pose if you can.

Final Thoughts 

Overall, this was a pretty lackluster version of Jennifer Kries’ Pilates Method, and some of the exercises demonstrated by Lara Hudson might not be for beginners. It would be better if Lara was aware of which muscles should and should not be working during each exercise, which can help prevent any injuries or pain issues. She kind of has the same enthusiasm as Denise Austin or the late Mari Winsor, a renowned Pilates instructor. Other than that, I might look forward to coming back to this innovative time-efficient Pilates program!

Rating 

Instructor(s): 5/10

Sets: 9/10

Outfits: 8/10

Music: 7/10

Production Value: 10/10

Overall Benefits: 7/10

Exertion: 9/10

Ease of Movement: 10/10

Audio/Visual Modifications: 5/10

Special Features: N/A

Use of Equipment: 8/10

Total Score: 78

Intensity Level:  Low to Moderate Intensity

Impact: Low Impact