Alisa Wyatt’s New DVD for the Advanced

By Shari Berkowitz

Joseph Pilates wanted his clients to ultimately be independent in their workouts. As a supplement to the workout they would do in his studio on 8th Avenue in New York City, he hoped that they would do the matwork at home, perhaps have a Magic Circle and maybe even a Wunda-Chair.  A mini-studio at home.

Do people actually do the mat at home these days?  Some do!   The Magic Circle?  The Wunda Chair?  Well, many have Magic Circles, though I fear they get dusty in the closet.   Rarely does anyone buy themselves have a chair, though I absolutely recommend strong Intermediate and Advanced clients invest in one.

DVDs seem like helpful tools for people to do Pilates matwork at home.   There are so many DVDs on the market, it’s pretty difficult for the general consumer to figure out what is good and what is not. It’s just as difficult for the public to figure out which Pilates studio or teacher is any good. What’s also tricky for the consumer in the market for Pilates sessions and products is for them to know whether they are learning the method of exercises Joseph Pilates created (often referred to as “Classical Pilates”) or a variation and creation that is not related to Joseph Pilates’ work, and called “Pilates” anyway.  The marketplace is congested with many products for the uneducated consumer.

Alisa Wyatt sets out to give Advanced Pilates enthusiasts a flowing Advanced level Pilates matworkout.  In the opening sequence of text, she states, “This workout is unique in that it moves with flow – the entire classical mat series is completed in less than 45 minutes. Joseph Pilates designed the matwork to flow in this manner so that you get a vigorous workout and have time to practice regularly.” Clearly her objective is to present an at-home option to well-trained clientele.

Indeed, this DVDs workout is for the Advanced client, not for the novice.  This workout incorporates much of Joseph Pilates’ actual “Classical” matwork, though leaves out some essential standards like the Side Kicks Front/Back which was the only Side Kick that Joseph created.   Alisa adds in some fun and challenging “reformer on the mat” work  teaching the Footwork Series, Horseback and Table/Tendon Stretch to name a few.  There are a few different variations that will absolutely be a great challenge for most people practicing this on their living room floors with a few versions of Open Leg Rocker, all too many Teasers,  Hip Circles, and a lovely version of the Neck Pull and more.

If you’re already an Advanced Pilates client, then this is a nice way to get in a workout by a different teacher than you are used to working with daily.  Alisa is a lovely performer of Pilates.  The visual is great and in a beautiful space.  Here is your chance to see how these exercises are intended to be executed at the Advanced level.   This is enough reason alone to check out the video.

It’s of value to note that this DVD is primarily comprised of Joseph Pilates’ actual exercises.  As stated above, there are some additions of reformer on the mat exercises and some playfully creative variations, but the bulk of the work is Contrology, the exercises Joseph Pilates created. For the most part, Alisa’s DVD keeps the order of his exercises, which is vital in the progression of warming the client up and working the body completely and in a balanced manner.

Most people who pick up Pilates DVDs are either students of the teacher who is in the video or are new to Pilates. If you’re new to Pilates, remember, this is not the DVD for you. Please always start with Beginner Mat Pilates DVDs if you’re going to do a DVD at all. If you are a strong Intermediate client and are ready to move into the Advanced work and wish to learn these exercises on your own, rather than go to a studio to learn, then you’ll find Alisa’s DVD appropriate for you to follow. I recommend studying Joseph Pilates’ book “Return to Life Through Contrology” as Joseph clearly explains all of the 34 mat exercises that he wished for people to do at home, before following the DVD in your home.  Again, this DVD flows non-stop. You do not have time to stop and learn the exercises, nor does Alisa give you the technique of all of the exercises.  Therefore, develop yourself through Beginner and Intermediate work and then learn the Advanced work before you do this DVD.

DVDs are a great supplement to your workout in the studio.  Matwork is only part of the Pilates Method/Contrology.  It’s the entire Method of Pilates on all of the apparatus that develops the “Pilates Body” of long, lean, very strong and supple muscles for a balanced body and mind.   Let this DVD be a fun addition to the two to three sessions per week you already do in the Pilates studio!

To Purchase this DVD visit Alisa’s website www.alisawyatt.com.

About the Author: Shari Berkowitz is the owner of The Vertical Workshop Pilates studio in Beverly Hills, CA.  She is also the Power Pilates Director of West Coast Education and Lead Teacher Trainer.  She designs jewelry that can be found at www.sharibjewelry.com.

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