6 Feb 2005 - Amber of Alabama, USA writes:
I bought the Winsor Pilates basic workout with the accelerated workout bonus package in 2003 and was very impressed with the results I got - my tummy was flat before, and it went totally washboard and my buns got trim too. But after starting nursing school, I gained all those"sit and study" pounds and then the holidays came! I decided to make a change so I carved out time in my schedule for Mari and even ordered a few more of her newer DVDs. I didn't follow the meal plan, but tried to eat a little healthier, and I still lost 4 inches in 20 sessions and my muscles are toned! I am now on session 25 and can't wait for the next one. My posture is back to were it should be and I feel great. The best part is, all I needed to get back in shape was my living room floor, a pilates mat, a Winsor Pilates DVDs.
1 Feb 2005 - Amanda of Indiana, USA writes:
I have been looking for a long time for a workout that would work best for me. My mom recently introduced me to the Winsor pilates program. I think that Mari is so easy to follow, the workout really becomes enjoyable. My friends come over and we even do it together. We tried a Denise Austin pilates workout video yesterday, and it was so much harder to do than Mari's. I like how Mari goes slow and gives you adequate time to rest between each different exercise. I have been doing them for about a month, and I haven't lost any weight yet. However, even more important to me is that all over I just feel stronger. I have a lot more energy too. I am more aware of every muscle I have. I suggest this video to everyone!
1 Feb 2005 - Jen of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
I've been doing the Winsor Pilates 20 minute workout 6 days a week (instead of the 3 days a week that they suggest) for a month now and haven't noticed any loss in weight or inches. They only improvement is that I can touch my toes. I did notice a little soreness the first few days, so I was really excited that it must be working. Of course, the soreness went away and my fat belly, arms, legs and "tooshy" as Mari calls it, stayed with me. I am big chested and have a belly pouch, but was still able to do the exercises. I did notice some back pain that wasn't there before I started the Pilates. I'm a little discouraged about continuing these workouts since I've haven't seen any results. Kudos to all of you who have benefited from them. I s'pose it's back to the bowflex for me.
31 Jan 2005 - Francesca of North Carolina, USA writes:
I purchased the tapes in November after encountering some difficulty in getting back into a fitness routine. It was simple and the eating plan is also very easy for me to follow, after 10 years as a vegetarian, recently returned to meat, I considered the options very healthy. By December I had dropped 6 pounds, with just the basic Winsor tape and the eating plan. My husband also dropped weight and he is not doing the tapes. By december I had enough momentum to incorporate more cardio and have done the Firm tapes with a variety of winsor pilates in between. I have lost a total of 11 pounds since I started the tapes and down to a size 4 which I have never been. The healthy eating is an important start, lucky for me I am very flexible with food, as long as it is healthy!
27 Jan 2005 - Wendy of Texas, USA writes:
I purchased Winsor Pilates set in summer of 2002 in preparation for a vacation I was taking to Italy and wanted to lose a few inches before my trip. I faithfully did one routine EVERY day for 3 months and the results were absolutely amazing. Since then, I have continued to do one of the routines at least 2-4 times a week, depending on my schedule. I have two herniated disks in my lower back and these routines have made an incredible difference in my life in managing my pain. I became pregnant in July 2004 and because of Winsor pilates, I still have no back pain, even with my weight gain due to my pregnancy. I am in my 32nd week of pregnancy and I continue my routine - only the leg routine since the entire 20 min is on my side (you can't be on your back or work your abdominals extensively this far along in pregnancy!) and I know it has helped me keep my weight gain under control, while at the same time keeping my back pain to a minimum as well. And while I can't work out my abs right now, I can still tighten my "core" with ease - which I'm sure is due to using these videos for the past two years! I would HIGHLY recommend these videos to anyone - I'm your typical skeptic when it comes to this type of product, but Mari's system really works. However, it takes dedication on your part and consistancy to make it work - this is not a quick weight loss system or overnight body sculpting system. But the Winsor Pilates system can be a LIFE-CHANGING, habit-forming system that is absolutely worth every penny! Thank you for a remarkable difference you've made in my life Mari!
24 Jan 2005 - Nina of Ontario, Canada writes:
omg..ok i stared using windor pilaties 1 week ago..and its been great...i have lost 6 lbs..just last week along..even i was shocked..i felt a diffence...my abs are tighter and all my freinds say that i look great!!!..i would give it 2 thumbs up..oh and 4 all those having problems at first, with pain...try doing the modifications..they do help, or if that dosent work, take it slow...u wont get it right away...relax and have fun!!!
16 Jan 2005 - Keleigh of California, USA writes:
'I bought Winsor Pilates about 3 months ago and liked it immediately. I never weighed myself to see if I had lost any weight but my BACK felt much stronger and did not hurt as much. For the last month however, I have not even thought about doing the DVD and my back has started to hurt again. I saw the infomercial for her new fat burning routine and that inspired me to pop my DVD in this morning. I feel better already. I also intend to get the fat burning DVD.
10 Jan 2005 - Amber of Minnesota, USA writes:
I wanted to use the Winsor Pilates system to firm up and lose some belly pudge. I never knew I had a sensitive neck until starting this program. I had to modify most of the movement and keep my head on the mat at all times. Thus decreasing the effectiveness of the workout. I loved the concept of a 20 minute workout. I could workout, shower, and dress in half an hour. I have since loaned my set out to a few friends to try before deciding to purchase.
4 Jan 2005 - Lisa of Ontario, Canada writes:
I must say, I've read the reviews and generally, I do have to agree with them [Winsor Pilates is GREAT!!]. I worked out first with the 20 minute DVD, thought that it did not particularly work me well...but woke up the next day and WOW. I felt sore, but great! I also find that Mari is a tad slow, but after reading other reviews, it is true that you can use that time to perfect your positions and focus on your body at that moment. I also find that if I continue with the exercises after Mari told me to "stop" while she talked, it was an easy way to get in 3-5 more moves before re-positioning for the next move. I would highly suggest the Ab Sculpting Workout, it is quite a superior workout for 20 minutes. I have just started with this workout system and I plan to continue due to the 20 minute workouts which are easy to fit into *anyone's* day. As well, I am spurred on to eat well during the day so it's a double benefit!!Well worth the money spent.
4 Jan 2005 - Jasmine of Maine, USA writes:
I'm 14 years old and all my life over weight. I am 5 foot and its a little embarrising to be so big. I weighed around 155 pounds and I was gaining so I knew I had to do soming. I started Winsor Pilates a couple of weeks ago and already I can see the difference! It is amazing and I would reccomend this to anyone!
3 Jan 2005 - Marianne of Maine, USA writes:
I used this product everyday for 3 months and nothing changed. I am not overweight, I used it to tone up, so I don't know if I should have continued, but after 3 months you get fed up.
27 Dec 2004 - Dina of New York, USA writes:
I've been doing Winsor Pilates for approximately two months. I originally bought the DVD's to lose weight but have discovered that it has been extremely helpful to my back. I've suffered with back pain for many years now (all to varying degrees). I honestly can't remember what it was like to have a pain free day. I've done many different exercise programs over the years (step, aerobics, walking, riding bike, etc.). All of them were of course beneficial and helped me gain energy and lose weight but I still suffered with back pain. Since I've started the Winsor Pilates, my back pain has been almost eliminated. I can feel the strength in my core. My balance is much better and I feel more agile. Even if I never dropped a single pound from this program, I'd still continue to use it to keep my back pain at bay. I see a difference in the way I look but still have to work at reducing my food intake before I start to lose any weight.The program is challenging but I can now do some of the exercises that I wasn't able to do in the beginning. I would definitely recommend it.
20 Dec 2004 - Emily of Illinois, USA writes:
I love this product. It helped me lose tons of weight in just a couple weeks. I have done it now since June 2004 and it helps me stay toned. I hope to be getting the DVDs this Christmas so I don't have to keep checking them out of the library. I suggest you to buy them.
11 Dec 2004 - Deeann of Washington, USA writes:
I bought the Winsor Pilates tapes a couple of years ago. The day after I first used them, I could hardly go to the bathroom because my abs hurt so much! I knew I wasn't in the best of shape, but I had no idea it was that bad. Still, I kept up with it and felt myself getting stronger every time. My problems with my lower back (after 4 pregnancies) actually got alot better. I'd like to think I'm probably the average consumer that buys something and doesn't really keep up with it even though I liked it. Such is the case with these tapes. I wasn't diligent enough to really loose the weight I need to, but even after all this time I can still see the benefits of the strength that I gained. I would definately recommend them.
29 Nov 2004 - Christie of New York, USA writes:
Well for starters, I used to be about 150-155 lbs., and being 17-years old as well as a short 5 feet flat, it was really hard to just sit around and accept myself. So, after countless informercials, I decided to get Winsor Pilates and got noticeable results. I went from a size 13 in juniors to a size 5, fitting them comfortably and now weigh 120 lbs (in the span of about 2 1/2 months). The workout may become a bit boring, but newer tapes such as Ab Sculpting and the Buns and Thighs workout along with cardio (not just running, but biking, cycling, jump roping, etc.) can add a little spice to the routine. As with others, I was not that flexible starting out, but have increased flexibility amazingly. I also found out that as long as you eat in moderation, staying away from foods that are obviously not healthy, you can still get results without sticking to a strict diet. Losing weight will never be successful unless you are willing to convert to a healthier and more sensible lifestyle! Also, at first, take advantage of modified techniques to build up to be able to perform the regular form. I would recommend this to people who would give the time and effort to work through the slow-paced workouts, as well as those who understand the sort of workout this is. It's all about discipline and strength.
21 Nov 2004 - Rose of Australia, USA writes:
For all those people who have complained that Pilates has strained their lower back then you are doing the excercise wrong. I myslef actaully went to a 6 week introductory class and continued on with the pilates class moving up to an intermeidate stage. Those who have never done pilates before I advise you to take a pilates class with a trained instructor. You will learn how to utilize you power house effectively and not cause your lower back strain. And most importantly an instructor will teach you how to breathe properly for each excercise. Maris programs lack in breathing techniques. For example, if you are doing any form of ab work out, you breathe out as u lift you head up. This helps you up and helps press your navel to the spine. Plus do not breathe in thru your nose and out thru your nose, its should be in thru your nose and out thru your mouth. You breathe out more air out of your lung this way. Yes Mari Winsor DVDS are very good, the ab sculpting and bun sculpting are excellent. My stomach is flatter, my butt higher, my legs leaner and I have been doin it for about 1.5 months. Maris herself is a very good instructor and shes goes at quite a reasonable pace. My pilates instructors went about her pace and her work outs are a good 20 mins each. Pilates is not meant to be a fast cardio work out, if you want that then do Tae Bo. Overall Winsor Pilates is a pretty good Pilates DVD work out. Start off slow and then work your way up. I do the ab sculpt work first to get my power house going and then move onto buns and thighs.
19 Nov 2004 - Cory of New York, USA writes:
I, like many of the other reveiwers here, have always been thin, but was looking for more tone and definition. I have a serious problem sticking to a workout at the gym because of my erratic work schedule. I picked up the 20-minute workout, step-by-step basics, power sculpting, and accelerated workout. I do the 20-minute workout 4 times a week, and the accelerated workout once or twice, depending on energy. I've firmed up noticeably in the midsection and plan to keep doing it. I enjoy the results adn the convenience of not having to buy any equipment whatsoever. The power sculpting with resistance DVD is the weak link in the set, but I really enjoy the other two.
10 Nov 2004 - Shauna of Georgia, USA writes:
The instructional video is very informative but when actually doing the excercises can be difficult if you are seriously overweight or heavy breasted which is my case. Fortunately, the video also includes alternate positions our types and for those who lack the flexibility when starting. Overall, it's a good buy but be patient for results.
9 Nov 2004 - Terry of California, USA writes:
I purchased Windsor Pilates after watching an infomercial during the wee hours of the morning. I am quite slim, but I have a classic pear shaped body. I am a size 0 on top and a 4 on the bottom. I tend to store fat on my thighs and buttocks, and it is the first place to go when I gain weight. Though I'm slim, I have noticeable saddle bags, and jiggly thighs. I have tried numerous thigh toning exercises and I've always ended up being bulky instead of getting the results that I've craved. When I first tried the workout, I found it to be slow, boring, and awkward. I had to convince myself that these moves must be done slowly to isolate the muscles in order to get the best results. I did it consistently and got amazing results! My hips and thighs have shrunken tremendously--without changing my diet! A word of advice--learn the moves to the best of your ability and write down the exercises in order of what is shown on the video. Put on some good music and do the moves on your own--you can get it done during your favorite television show or movie. This workout is definitely worth a try! P.S. Combine with a cardiovascular workout for best results.
2 Nov 2004 - Anna of Trinidad, USA writes:
I am in to my 4th week using Pilates and I believe it is really working for me. During the 3rd week, I was getting dressed for work and I looked down and realized that something was missing, my pooch. Instead I saw the floor. I will continue even after the 10th week and anticipate more positive results.
