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Peter Roberts has been teaching Pilates for over ten years. Following his own experience of spinal injury and MRSA, he understands the importance of Pilates for body conditioning and health.

Filmed in the beautiful setting of the Southern Algarve in Portugal, this workout teaches the fundamental principles of alignment and controlled movement in order to achieve the best from your body.

Although suitable for beginners and advanced Pilates users alike, this DVD is especially suitable for those who are less active or have structural injuries, specifically around the lower back area.

Roberts uses a step-by-step, hands-on approach, teaching how to stabilise the pelvic region and use the correct breathing technique by working directly with his helpers rather than simply doing the exercises himself.

This is a good technique for teaching Pilates as it allows him to point out the specific subtle areas that you need to be focusing on in order to do it correctly. In fact, it feels very much like you are in the class with him.

He has a very relaxed, unscripted manner and goes into enough detail (explaining why, as well as how) to help you to build confidence slowly and ensure that you are doing each move correctly.

Style: As close to a personal Pilates class as you can get from a DVD
Best bit: The detailed explanations
Avoid if: You prefer cardio work
Get if: You have lower back or posture problems

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Yogalibre with Liz Lark

29 December 2008

Yogalibre means 'Yoga for Freedom' and this DVD focuses on the principle teachings of Hatha Yoga. Developed by Yoga expert Liz Lark, who Mariella Frostrup describes as 'the best yoga teacher on the planet', this workout offers a good introduction to yoga, while helping to introduce intermediate yoga-fans to the next level.

There are lots of stunning shots of the Cornish scenery where it was filmed, and the relaxing music and gentle voice of Lark really get you in the mood to get bendy with your body.

For people who have never done yoga before there is a good beginners menu which explains in more detail some of the simpler moves and basic principles. Liz Lark is also impressively bendy, and makes it all look very easy - which it isn't, by the way.

Style: Relaxing and energising yoga for people who like to get bendy
Best bit: Seeing Lark putting her body into positions you didn't think existed
Avoid if: You prefer cardio work
Get if: You've always wanted to be able to touch your toes

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Workout DVDs for 2009