Top products from r/pilates

My first teacher told me that if I could only do one perfectly, only do one. that was 15 years ago and still some of the best advice I've received.

Some videos that show pretty perfect Classical Pilates form:

• The "Classical Pilates" series, with Peter Fiasca and others. Not meant to follow along, really, but to demonstrate proper form and flow between each movement.
  
  http://www.classicalpilates.net/
  
  
• The Studio Darien/Darien Gold videos. Similar in that they're not aggressively instructional. Also available as an IOS app: studiodarien.com.
  
  
• if you want something more in the "fitness video" tradition, try the very popular mat workout DVDS from Ana Caban/Gaiam. Fun and easy to follow along, but still with a lot of attention paid to classical form. (Generally, stick to her mat videos, not the cardio or other offerings, for your purpose.)
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Pilates-Intermediate-Mat-Workout-Cabn/dp/B000067D1D
  
  Also check out the blog from Shari Berkowitz, a NY-based instructor who is really big on perfect form.
  
  http://www.theverticalworkshop.com/
  
  
  
  

My favorite is the reaction ball. Pilates is wonderful but plyometrics are a nice complement, and this is a plyometric activity that can be done in a small space. This ball bounces in irregular directions, so you drop it and try to catch it after it bounces. It is seriously challenging!

The foam roller is very effective for stability and balance challenges, and it doubles as a massage tool and headrest. I use my roller more than any other tool, and it is easy to store. Cheap foam is adequate, the softer foams are usually more expensive and a bit gentler. Get the 6 inch by 3 foot roller, the others are not worthwhile.

Best gift is some classes on reformer, or on the Pilates chair! Or go to classes together, to encourage each other.

Great videos, I like your dogs!

Pelvis appears to be moving around in most exercises. neck appears tense, anytime you rolled up to a seated position, the head and neck jerk forward, whereas it should be a smooth curl as the spine peels off the mat. I couldn't see you breathing with the exercises, breathing correctly is the most important thing to learn so I would start with practicing lateral/Pilates breathing and incorporating that into your exercises.

You've clearly learnt the moves to the exercises, great. My advice is to go back to the basic exercises and make a daily routine you like, focusing on breathing with the movements. With regards to pelvis moving around, try keeping it still when laying on your back. Some private lessons with an instructor would be a good idea to work on your technique, especially pelvic stability.

Pilates places equal importance on the mind as the body. Here's a book, Pilates without Tears, it's a guide on how to perceive Pilates, it has lots of exercises in it and a routine to practice at the end. I think you might get a lot out of it.

I work up a good sweat during a fast-paced, intermediate/advanced Pilates workout - not just Reformer, but mat as well.

Early on in my Pilates practice I watched the Classical Pilates Mat and Reformer DVDs. One of the demonstrators, Peter Fiasca, sweats quite a bit. Not only is he in great physical shape, but he's also an instructor who has trained with Romana and has decades of experience, so he's definitely not doing it wrong. :D

I've had this one for two years and it's worked out great for me:

https://www.amazon.com/STOTT-Pilates-Deluxe-Mat/dp/B00GSMFI4C

They also have a 10mm version which would be easier to carry back and forth to class, I think.

It might not have exactly what you're looking for here, but Pilates An Interactive Workbook is a great reference.

If you are interested in scoliosis in the Pilates environment, Suzanne Martin has a new book out as well. She has done some original research on the subject and has been published in medical journals. Here is the link.

https://www.amazon.com/Spinal-Asymmetry-Scoliosis-Movement-Solutions/dp/1909141720/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=suzanne+martin&qid=1571136724&sr=8-1

When I first tried Pilates I used “Pilates conditioning for weight loss” by gaiam/Suzanne Deason and really liked how they had one of the ladies doing modified poses that were easier for beginners.
Here’s a link: Pilates Conditioning for Weight Loss https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006473D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YBJhDbFTBCTSG

I wouldn't go that firm. Especially with an older person. There's a lot of discussion if something that firm is beneficial to facia. I would get her this one.

http://www.amazon.com/OPTP-Pro-Foam-Rollers-Marble/dp/B002C9EX14

I really like Pilates Anytime and this book

I recommend https://www.alotofpilates.com

or you can buy an /r/AmazonEcho and take it with you on your trips.
https://www.amazon.com/A-Lot-Of-Pilates-ALOP-Pilates-Class-Skill/dp/B01DKH76EC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

The rock star ones don't tend to do home DVDs -they do teacher trainings and present workshops etc...

However -I like this guy -

http://www.amazon.com/STOTT-PILATES-Extreme-Pilates-Strength/dp/B00AFSSMTI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450446272&sr=8-2&keywords=pilates+dvds+stott

This is the one I use at home:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001FLK6IY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1