Ten-minute Pilates routines that are done with a fitness ball — just like the title says. There are five of them. Your instructor is Lara Hudson.

Intermediate through advanced exercisers — this is definitely for experienced exercisers! A knowledge of Pilates is a must to make this really work for you. You will need a stability ball and a mat.

I usually look forward to these 10-Minute Solution DVDs with the idea that I can get a good, fast workout, but won't be challenged all that much. So I'm a little embarrassed to admit that there were a couple of exercises here even I couldn't do (and it's my job to be able to do these routines!). The DVDs routines are 1) Pilates for abs; 2) Lower body Pilates; 3) Upper body Pilates; 4) Pilates for flexibility; and 5) Total Body Pilates. Some instructors wimp out with their ball routines, but Hudson knows just what to do to adapt a Pilates move to the ball while making the move tougher. In the abs section she actually invites you to try a Pike on the ball (I couldn't do it without falling over and had to stick with the modification). The lower body segment uses variations on bridges and leg kicks that really work your inner thighs and glutes. The arms segment will surprise you — even though it doesn't use dumbbells, my arms were shaking after all the planking and pushing up with the ball. Hudson also makes the most of the total body routine, hitting every muscle group in minutes, and the flexibility routine is wonderfully relaxing. If you think you're something of a hotshot (like me), this DVD may bring you down a peg or two. Chances are you will master all the moves in these five routines, but you may have to practice to do it. Isn't it nice to have a challenging workout in such a short period of time?

 

 

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