A introduction to Pilates technique and a 25-minute Pilates workout. Ana Caban instructs.

Those who are new to Pilates, or are still at the beginning stages. You will need a thick Pilates mat.

If you're a Pilates beginner and want to start a routine at home, this workout featuring Ana Caban is an excellent choice. Caban is an engaging personality — upbeat without being a cheerleader — and she's a certified Pilates instructor (not all Pilates video instructors are, and a workout can suffer as a result). Caban offers a good introduction to Pilates technique for about ten minutes, and then goes into the 25-minute routine. She shows the exercises in their full form while another exerciser shows the modified versions. Most of the traditional moves are here — the Hundred, Roll Up, Saw, Leg Circles, etc. Those who are still getting to know Pilates will find this a good workout, although perhaps a bit short. It's not a complete instructional workout on its own — you really need an in-person teacher for that. But it's definitely good to add to a library of beginning Pilates workouts. Those who have moved beyond the early stages of their practice will want to check out Caban's Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout, or her other videos and DVDs.