A mix-and-match variety of Pilates workouts for beginners and advanced beginners. Maggie Rhoades instructs.

Anyone who is new, or fairly new to Pilates. If you have been doing it a while, this will probably be too slow and elementary for you. You will need a mat and 1 to 3 pound weights.

While the basics of Pilates are always best learned from an in-person instructor, this DVD offers up a pretty good program for those who are Pilates newbies. Rhoades starts you off very slowly and offers lots of modifications. You learn all the basic poses — the hundred, roll up, back extensions, single leg kicks, leg circles, etc. The moves are arranged in segments so they can be combined into different programs, usually around 15 to 20 minutes apiece. The "Getting Started" section has nine programs, including targeted versions (abs and arms, legs, rotation and flexion, for example) and a segment that uses light weights. There's also a full 35-minute workout. The "Beginner Routines" section shows fuller versions of the moves and also has nine programs, including more advanced targeted workouts, a routine with light weights and a full half-hour routine. Rhoades veers a little from the traditional ordering of exercises, so it's not a purist's DVD. It is good for people who want to ease back into exercise and are looking for the core strengthening and light toning that a beginning Pilates program has to offer.