DVD Review: Mari Winsor Slimming Pilates System

Posted on Mar 5th 2010 12:00PM by Kristen Seymour

Filed Under: Fitness, Reviews & Products

Years ago, I was introduced to Winsor Pilates by a friend. We'd both been active and athletic through high school and were seeking new ways to stay fit in college, when we no longer had daily basketball and volleyball practices. I fell in love with not only Pilates, but also Mari Winsor's approach. She was encouraging and gave great instruction, which gave me plenty of courage to try other Pilates classes in my area.

When I heard that she had a new system out -- the Mari Winsor Slimming Pilates System ($59.50) -- I was, naturally, intrigued. How would she improve upon the original? I wondered. By adding in equipment, of course!

That's Fit received the whole system for review, including the Accelerator (a weighted bar and resistance cord that can be configured in seven different ways), four DVDs (Superfast Body Blast, ABsession, Quick Start Pilates for Weight Loss and Rapid Results), Learn the Moves Wall Chart, Rapid Results Weight Loss Guide, tape measure and On-the-Go Eating Guide. Now, granted, that's a lot of stuff for a pretty decent price, but is it worth it?

Level of Difficulty
Beginner to intermediate; maybe even advanced if you do a couple of workouts back to back and really push yourself to hold perfect form.

Next Day Soreness
Moderate.

Who's It For?
If you enjoy at-home Pilates workouts and are looking for a way to take your workout to the next level, you'll appreciate the way these workouts incorporate equipment.

Likes
I liked the challenge of using the Accelerator to modify and enhance the standard moves, and I liked the fact that the equipment moved Mari to create new moves in some cases. Not only did I learn some fantastic moves using that equipment, but I've also been able to take some of my favorite gym moves home and get the same burn using the Accelerator. Additionally, there are six different 20-minute workouts which makes it easy to mix and match for a longer, shorter, easy or more challenging workout.

Dislikes
Unfortunately, I have some real gripes. My main problem: Too many of the workouts required the Accelerator to be attached to a doorknob. I don't know anything about your house, but in my house, there's no place I can workout in front of a door and still see the television, so I had to watch the moves, then go to another part of my house and do the exercise -- not at all convenient. I tried hooking it up to other furniture (not something the DVD recommends), but after a really heavy chair nearly fell on me for the second time, I decided that wasn't the best idea. Since the Accelerator has straps for the feet, I really wish Mari had come up with modifications for those who didn't have a closed door handy.

Additionally, while there were new moves used in some of the workouts (I learned a lot of new ones in Quick Start Pilates for Weight Loss), some of the others relied on the same tried and true moves we've seen in every Mari Winsor video. If you're new to Pilates, this isn't a bad thing -- they're great moves. But if you're familiar with Mari, you'll be breezing through some of the workouts. And while Rapid Results promises a Bootcamp Express workout, well ... it's not quite the challenge I was anticipating. I didn't sweat, and I always sweat.

Bottom Line
If you have a space in your house where you can hook up the Accelerator and watch TV, you're going to love the Mari Winsor Slimming Pilates System. If you don't, you'll still be able to get a lot out of the system, but be forewarned that it won't be as convenient for you as it's designed to be.

Looking for another way to mix up your Pilates workout? Try Piloxing!

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Tags: accelerator, dvd-reviews, home gym, mari winsor, mari winsor slimming pilates, pilates, winsor pilates

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Julie 3-08-2010 @ 7:26PM

I just use the treadmill at home. Have not found anything else I like.

Kim Wollek 3-09-2010 @ 8:42AM

I do Yoga from FitTV, I also have an eliptical and balance ball. I also do vidoes from MSN workout.

Marissa Gannon 3-09-2010 @ 11:08AM

I walk on the treadmill 5 days a week for an hour, I do Windsor pilates bun and thigh sculpting 2 days a week, and then I do upper body sculpting 2 days a week. The new slimming system would be a great addition.

Beverly Bowman 3-10-2010 @ 1:04AM

I have not been on any shape up, toning, or weight loss programs. I have heard wonderful things about pilates and I know the timing of this is perfect for me. With this ad I feel very motivated and pray I get a chance to use pilates to become healthier, slimmer, and toned.

Cynthia 3-15-2010 @ 9:47AM

I run or jog 2 miles each morning... I keep 30 lb long bar in den for me to pick up during break times while I clean the house during the day. I ly on a rug and do ab exercises during the day. On Sundays, my husband and I go to our upstairs office/exercise room and I set up stations for us to do a bootcamp workout including:turkish getups, running steps holding a weight overhead, jumping 3 hurdles, swinging a kettle bell, jumping air ropes, doing squats, slamming a soft medicene ball.
I go to a local gym to do regular workouts with weights.

Angie 3-11-2010 @ 1:45PM

I use my weight bench and I walk. I just need that extra something and I have heard so many great things about the pilates. I did read that Kelly Osborn used this in combination with something esle. I'm unable to find what she did now. Does anyone know what she used? I am 47 and I feel like I'm 37 or younger I just want the body I had before three kids and a divorce..... Dreaming right!

Mary 3-16-2010 @ 8:05PM

I have exercise all my life. But for about a year I starting suffering panic attacks and starting using antidepressants. I haven't be the same since. I had packed twenty pounds and it seems like they will never go away.

I do the treadmill 4 to 5 days a week and do some weights also. I am aware that these type of medication make you gain weight. I will appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks

Angel Gates 3-22-2010 @ 8:07PM

I bought this program and love it. I had bought Mauri's orig. program in 2004 and this one is great also. The only thing that I would disagree with on the initial review is the statement that too many of the dvd's require the door attachment. Only 1 DVD requires the door attachment and that is the ABSession. All of the other workouts can be done in front of the TV without the need for the door attachment. Like the originator of the post stated, I too do not have a door close to my tv to use the door attachment so I just do not do that particular DVD.

To add a challenge, one day I will do the Superfast body Blast and then the following day I will do either all of the workouts on the Weightloss DVD or the whole DVD for the Pilates for the FAmous. They each end up playing for about 40 min if you do all the workouts on the DVD. I alternate so that on one day I do a 20 min workout with the Bodyblast DVD and then 40 min the next day with one of the other DVDs. And yes, after 40 straight min, I do sweat! Love the program!

Shannon 4-08-2010 @ 12:30PM

In order to make use of the door attachment without having a TV nearby, I use my laptop. I put the DVD in there and put my laptop on a chair in front of the door. That way I'm utilizing all that I payed for. Maybe it's not as big of a picture as my TV, but it works!

Davon McCormick 4-12-2010 @ 4:44PM

I usually do the door exercise in my living room since I have double french doors there. However, I've noticed some ladies have been getting pretty creative for this when they do not have a door close to a TV, they will use a laptop or portable dvd player etc, you can set it on a snack table by the door and work out that way.

I've also noticed some other ladies may use a secure standard double hung window and lock it while its in use.

That should address the door to tv situation, good luck working out ;-)

namrata 4-15-2010 @ 6:33PM

Hi
I have read a lot of positive reviews about Mary Winsor Slimming Pilates and thinking of buying it myself, but had a few concerns.

I have bad knees, is this a high impact workout, specially the Cardio moves?Do the exercises involve jumping, kick boxing etc or are they all done lying down on the mat pilates fashion?Are they intense on the knees?

Also are there detailed instructions/modified version for beginners?
I would appreciate if somebody could answer these questions.
Thnx a lot and good luck working out!

Leslee 5-16-2010 @ 5:23PM

I don't think it would impact your knees. I have one bad knee and it never hurts after doing this program. I love the program, and I, too, am one who started doubling up on the workouts. There also is someone on the videos who does a modified version for beginners.

Luckily, I haven't really had to deal with customer service. I ordered everything online. I couldn't figure out how to access the online club either, I emailed CS, and within a day had a password!

Rachel 6-06-2010 @ 8:22AM

DOOR KNOB LOCATIONS SOLUTION: If you have a laptop - put it on a chair or low table and pop the DVD in. Then you can move closer to a doorknob and use the program to your hearts content. I have been using Winsor Pilates for years and am really excited that she has come out with a new system.