Maui Pilates is a gentle 50-minute DVD workout that is more reminiscent of a beginner's yoga class than a Pilates class.  Instructor Eva Bondar demonstrates the exercises on a Hawaii tree-lined beach next to the sea with a mountain in the background.  She gives her instructions in voice over, and one can hear the waves lapping on the shore, which is quite restful.  There is no music, which is a nice change from most other yoga DVDs.  Her voice is soft but distinct enough to be clear.  The first twenty minutes are devoted to warm up, with neck and back stretches and twists; the next section on abdominals is about 18 minutes, with some bridge postures and easy crunches; the final section of back exercises of about 10 minutes has back arches and some downward dog postures.  The quality of production is reasonable although it is pretty basic.  The workout looks like it was made with one static camera, and most of the shots last a minute or so before an edit comes.  This DVD is best suited to beginners who are unfamiliar with yoga and want an easy introduction. 

Link: Maui Pilates website

© 2007 Christian Perring

Christian Perring, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dowling College, New York.

Categories: Movies, Wellness, SelfHelp