Leslie Sansone: Walk at Home - 3 Mile Slim & Sleek Walk Plus Pilates [DVD]

Wonderful workout! I am a beginner/intermediate exerciser, about 20 pounds towards my goal of losing 50 pounds, but still a fair bit overweight and with very weak abs. I picked up this video hoping to begin improving my core strength. I have been working out regularly to some of Leslie's 2 mile videos as well as some Kelly Coffey Meyer, Debra Mazda, and Kathy Smith. Going up to three miles in this one was fantastic. I LOVE the new moves -- side taps combined with knee-ups, step forwards with a knee, and my glutes absolutely adore the squat and back lift. Just as an aerobics workout, this is great. The fast pace gets my heart working hard, and the new moves really do a lot to recruit additional muscle and work areas that don't always get targeted in Leslie's more basic videos. The pilates element was surprisingly effective. Just being focused on keeping my core really tight and chest up, I noticed my abs more engaged in moves like the side taps. And the slow arm circles were surprisingly challenging; it was harder (and more abs-engaged) than I expected to keep the arms moving steadily and controlled while my feet were zipping along at a fast clip.As usual, I don't care for Leslie's stretch. I skipped that and went straight to the pilates mat workout (and finished up afterward with one of the 10 minutes stretches from Total Stretch for Beginners with Tamilee Webb). The pilates routine was very accessible for a beginner---a big bonus for me, as I find that even many "beginner" pilates videos are too difficult for me. It was short enough to incorporate at the end of the 3 mile workout, and it really worked the heck out of my abs and back. I was able to complete about half the reps the first time, and I'm looking forward to working up to being able to do all the reps. However, while I'm no pilates expert, I do know that breath technique is an important element of getting the most out of pilates work. Leslie does not include any breath technique here. So it is a great abs segment to finish off the workout, but falls short of being "true" pilates. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the mat routine and will probably include this video in my rotation 1-2 times/week.

For long-time fans of Leslie like myself, this workout is quite refreshing. It's the first time she really does something new since her 5-mile Advanced Walk about 3 years ago. Mostly in her workouts, she encourages you not to worry about the steps but to just keep moving to the music no matter what your ability level is. Good advice for beginners and others who need motivation to just get off the couch.Here she still doesn't require you to master the choreography, but she does repeatedly encourage you to focus on your form. During the first mile, she explains what she calls "Pilates talk." She introduces you to Pilates terms and concepts such as the powerhouse as she leads you through a mile that includes basic warm up and mostly familiar steps. She does repeatedly emphasize maintaining a certain posture that will help build a strong core, or powerhouse.The second mile is faster and more intense than the first and gets your heart rate up.The third mile feels completely new. It includes all new music, rather jazzy, and she does intervals of Pilates-style moves such as arm circles and leg circles with her basic walking steps. This are not difficult but do feel beneficial.All three miles, including a brief stretch, take less than 45 minutes. Then there's an optional Pilates mat exercise segment at the end. She takes about 5 minutes to demonstrate 5 basic Pilates moves and another 7 minutes to lead you through sets of each exercise.There are many advantages of working out in front of the TV at home. The biggest disadvantage is that the workouts become boring after a while. I, for one, am glad that Leslie has starting producing more DVDs even if they don't differ all that much from one another. Keep 'em coming!But it's great that she offers something really new every so often. This is it!

I have been an avid Leslie fan for 3 years now....she has been "my friend", and "walking partner", through my 114 pound weight loss...and has encouraged me, and kept me motivated in keeping this weight off. This dvd offers some new twists on some of her regular moves, and is peppy enough to really work up a sweat. If you are a beginner exerciser, this one may be a bit fast, and a bit too much to start. If you are an intermediate, or advanced walker....this one is a "must have". Although it says there are pilates moves...they are probably not what an avid pilates person would consider to be proficient....that being said----I enjoyed the integration of the new moves. No need to give you a "walkthrough", as another reviewer did a fine job of that.I really have to comment , though, on what some other reviewers have said. We are doing these dvds to improve our health, and stay motivated while doing so. If you are searching for someone who is "perfect", has impeccable cueing, perfect camera shots, and NEVER makes mistakes...find an "acting" dvd. Leslie is human....that's what gives me the "connection" to keep going. She is not an oiled up body builder, or a super-human....she is ordinary, just like you and me. She is easy to relate to. Take her for what she is....enjoy her workouts....which "do the trick", and will keep you fit, and healthy..along with a good eating plan. She is the only one out there, in my opinion, whose dvds can be used forever. Adding weights, or adding some jogging to sections, will increase the calorie burn, as well as the toning effect. The idea here....is to look forward to exercising, and feeling comfortable with the instructor, as well as yourself......Leslie meets all criteria.....and has made me LOVE exercising....with any luck---she'll do the same for you.