Clare Dunphy
This is the introductory video to a series of BodyBar videos by Clare
Dunphy. Her other video's include Innovative Stretch, Balance Line and
Strength, and the newest tape, Ripple. Clare is a certified Pilates
instructor with a dance-type background.
I really enjoyed Elements of Form. The first 15 minutes are a very basic
review of posture, alignment and how to work from ones core. Then there is
an extremely deliberate and slow total body workout using a bodybar. There
aren't many repetitions. Clare comments that "the body loves variety" and
I think she's right about that.
This video achieves what the Method videos only attempt, which is to
intelligently and deliberately introduce pilates based movements to the
newcomer. Her focus on form and alignment were unfailing, she has terrific
cueing and she's quite calm and encouraging, without being
condescending. There is alot of active stretching in the tape and I felt
really good afterwords.
I'm really glad I started with this tape rather than diving into, say,
Ripple. It's a great foundation that I'm glad I didn't overlook.
Jane C.
6/10/01
I am kind of surprised that I liked this workout. I am an
intermediate exerciser and a Pilates drop-out. (I
consider Pilates the exercise equivalent of watching paint
dry!)
Yet this was interesting and even enjoyable. I found the
12 minute instruction section in the beginning very
informative. All about posture, breathing, keeping the
hips and shoulders squared, belly button to the spine and
buns tight.
Then the workout is a nice balance of mostly slow moving
strength and stretching moves. I used my mini-bar and it
was just right. I could not do all the roll-ups, but was
able to do most of the other moves. Not many
modifications are given, but there are many form
pointers. This would be good on a hot day when you don't
want to do something very strenuous, but still want a
functional wo
Instructor comments:
Clare is much more engaging and warm in this video than
in "Innovate Stretch". She obviously loves this kind of
movement and teaches it well.
Alta
7/6/02
