10 Minute Solution - Fitness Ball Workouts [DVD] [2006]

Looking at some other reviews, a few people said it was too fast for a pilates dvd but nowhere on the case does it say it's pilates - mine says fitness ball workout which is exactly what it is! I enjoyed each section and put in as much energy as I could for maximum benefit. The instructor is pleasant and gives good instructions throughout (I had to pause a couple of times because I wasn't sure what was coming next but it wasn't a problem). I always hate the music on these dvds which is why I've only given 4 stars instead of 5.

The stability ball...that thing I bought ages ago and then stuck it in a corner and forgot about it. Well, I did use it once, to sit on in front of the full length mirror while I put my hair rollers in. Sound familiar? I think perhaps a few of us buy these balls then have no idea what to do with them. If that's you as well, then this dvd will be worth every penny. It shows you a wide variety of uses for the ball, all of which work your muscles hard and support your body at the same time. Core exercises are so much easier to do with the support beneath you, and feel more effective. Likewise arm exercises with dumbells, much more comfortable for the lower back to sit rather than stand. The exercises here challenge all the bits we want to tone up, legs, arms, bums and tums, and the originality and diversity makes it fun and mentally stimulating too. All of a sudden I'm in love with my stability ball and looking forward to doing it again. Another great thing, as the instructor mentions, is that transitioning from one exercise to the next is easy and fluid on the ball because you just roll into it. It's challenging but achieveable and gets the targeted muscles burning so you know you've worked them enough to change them. Innovative, fun exercises that are actually enjoyable. The instructor wears trainers but I found it easier in bare feet to control the ball when I had my feet on it. If you want to learn how to use your stability ball this dvd is brilliant.

Pros:Easy to fit into a hectic life! I have many knee issues which prevent me from doing do much with my knees and thigh mussles so being able to just chop out the section on legs and concentrate on the secions on core, arms, flexibility and cardio, really helps me. If you like the other 10min solutions dvd's you will love this.Nicely paced, each move is simple to copy and follow and well explained. As expected with a fitnessball your core mussles are actively engaed through out the work out so it is good for improving ballence as well as toneing.I didn't feel like I was working out at all duing this work out and found it entertaining trying to balance. Good fun, practical and worth the small price.Cons:Requires a good floor space (enough for plank on the ball and to raise both arms out.)Storing the actual ball for this dvd is no easy task as it's bound to encroach into needed space.A good dvd I would deffinately recomend. (If you enjoy this try 10 MINUTE SOLUTIONS- Blast of the Belly fat to improve core muscles and the 10MINUTE Solutions Pilates dvd. Together with this they work wonders.)

I had used some of the other 10 minute solutions DVDs and enjoyed them, so decided to buy this. I, like many others, had a fitness ball sitting around looking sorry that it didn't get used. When I first tried this DVD, I was amazed at the different moves that can be made on the ball, and how quickly you can transition between them. Despite being fairly fit, I found some of these quite challenging - particularly the upper body workout. It really made my arms ache at first, but you soon need to buy heavier weights, something she reminds you of while you're doing the exercise, unlike most instructors on exercise DVDs.I also love the flexibility workout. The moves are pilates/yoga inspired but having the ball for support allows you to perform them with better control, strength and form.The only section I'm not so keen on is the cardio one. There's nothing wrong with it as such, but for 10 minutes of cardio, waving a ball around above your head the whole time seems a little silly - there are other 10 minute solutions DVDs that focus on cardio a little better (like the cardio kick boxing section on 5 day get fit mix). This one really is more about strengthening and toning.The instructor is great. She's not too girly, like some of the others (the belly, butt and thigh one has a slightly irritating and high-pitched voice). I looked her up and it seems that she normally does kick boxing.It's quite fun using the ball and I've found myself laughing on several occasions. I thoroughly recommend this.

I have a few of the 10 Minute Solutions DVDs already, but I think this one is going to be a favourite! I really like the instructor (Kimberley Spreen), encouraging without being over the top in her enthusiasm, and the workouts are great. I have a slight issue with the cardio workout, as I live in a flat I won't be using that one much as the neighbours might object to all the bouncing but that is true of a lot of cardio stuff! I am also finding the abs section a little too challenging at the moment but that's something for me to work on ;-) I love the upper body & the lower body workouts, both get your heart pumping and are at a good pace for me.The flexibility routine is nice and gentle, a great way to finish off any workout. The cover didn't seem to quite match the contents list on the DVD but not an issue, just seem to have changed the segment titles but it is obvious which they refer to.Overall, really pleased with this DVD.