Remembering my first time (DVD workout)

Winsor Pilates workout DVD (Amazon.com link)

There’s a saying that “You always remember your first time.” (Fill in the blank for your favorite first!) Well, I don’t remember the date, but the first DVD workout video that I remember using regularly is the Winsor Pilates Basic 3 DVD Workout Set. Before that, I was a runner, and experimented briefly with roller blades, but my knees were hurting, so I needed a change. My mom had been doing Pilates for a while, and it was popular in the early 2000s (back in style after being developed in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates). I found this version of the Pilates exercises and decided to try it, because it added some aerobic elements and “body sculpting” (which I desperately needed at that point). Besides, it was endorsed by MTV personality and model Daisy Fuentes, so what more could I ask?

Mari Winsor is the instructor. The DVD jacket describes her as “one of the most sought after trainers by the biggest stars and celebrities in Hollywood.” This DVD was directed by Andrea Ambandos (of 30 Day Shred fame), and distributed by Guthy-Renker (a very successful direct marketing company).

Single Leg Circles

It’s crazy that I could have such vivid memories of a workout video, coming back all of a sudden… The music, the phrases she used (not nearly as entertaining as Jillian Michaels or Tony Horton), and of course, the exercises. “The first exercise in the Pilates workout is always the One Hundred” (core muscles engaged, pulse the arms one hundred times).

Pilates designed his exercises for rehabilitation and building strength, so this is a low-intensity workout that focuses on proper form. Breathing in and out through the nose is emphasized. The core muscles are called “The Powerhouse.” Many of the exercises put a C-curve in the spine, or press the belly button towards the spine. The arms and legs stay inside the frame of the body (no wider than the hips). There are exercises which are seen in more modern workouts, such as “rolling like a ball” and the “criss-cross” (legs extended, hands behind the head, extend one elbow to the opposite knee, and switch).

Double Straight Leg

Today I did the 20-minute workout, described as “a fast, fun, no-nonsense program designed to Sculpt Your Body Slim in just 20 minutes a day!” Sounds a lot like the Ab Ripper seen in P90X or P90X2! Well, it’s not that intense, but it is certainly a challenge for any fitness level, because form and control are important. (I’m glad to report that it seems a lot less difficult for me than it was back then!) The other workouts are a 29-minute Basics level, and the 57-minute Accelerated Body Sculpting. If you get to this level, the DVD jacket says, “With only three consistent workouts a week, you will not only change your body, you will change your life.”

In addition to these videos, I have a Pilates book called Total Pilates, which I used to add variety to my workouts. (I also found a set of flash cards by Brooke Siler which I think were purchased at Costco). The Pilates workouts were an important step for me, in terms of my fitness level as well as my experience using DVD workouts at home. It was shortly afterwards that I discovered Jillian Michaels workout DVDs.  I was much more successful with this method than I was with my short-lived gym membership.

I’m not necessarily recommending this workout anymore, because it’s been a while since it was developed (a few years before P90X and 30 Day Shred, for example). It will always be a sentimental favorite, for sure! If you would like to support the blog, please check out the Amazon links on this page. Your purchases will send a little something our way, at no additional cost.

Mari Winsor Cardio Pilates (Amazon.com)

Mari Winsor Lower Body Pilates (Amazon.com)