Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at age 57 in the spine and hip. For two years, I tried other DVDs for osteoporosis, but never had total confidence in the safety of the exercises or my ability to perform them safely. I consulted a Physical Therapist, who developed a daily routine for me, but I found it difficult to retain important information about proper posture while doing exercises without a video reference. Finally, in fall 2013, I stumbled across Teresa Maldonado Marchok's DVD. In fall 2015, my DEXA scan showed nearly a 17% improvement in bone density, putting me in the category of osteopenia. I attribute this improvement in large part to daily walks of at least 2 miles, healthier diet (increase in calcium-rich foods), vitamin D supplementation and especially regularly following the BoneSmart postural practices and bone-strengthening exercises in the BoneSmart Pilates DVD workouts. I was immediately struck by important differences between the BoneSmart Pilates DVD and my previously purchased DVDs: 1. Teresa is a licensed PT with years of experience, so I had confidence that the exercises were SAFE. In fact, many of the exercises were those recommended by my PT. 2. Teresa is a very effective teacher. Unlike my PT, Teresa clearly demonstrates common postural errors (unsafe positions), followed by detailed explanation of the proper postures. When I attend a yoga class now, I know what exercises are not safe for those with osteoporosis and how to safely modify them. 3. The DVD is divided into short workouts, 2 or 3 of which are easily manageable to do on a daily basis. a. MAT exercises for core, hip & arm strength/vertebral bone building/flexibility b. STANDING counter workout for alignment, balance, contraction working hips, back & wrists c. RESISTANCE BAND workout to develop proper posture & strengthen back, core and shoulders (excellent for anyone who has suffered frozen shoulder) d. HIP blaster (daily 5-minute essential workout) e. BONE DANCE workout incorporates the element of "bone surprise" to stimulate bone remodeling f. BONUS section that provides the best coaching I have ever seen on postural alignment that can be practiced throughout the day; seated exercises that provide an alternative to the MAT workout for those (like me) who suffer from vertigo; and a morning routine called "rise and shine" to safely awaken muscles and joints 4. Each DVD segment is preceded by a detailed tutorial, which can easily be skipped if you desire to do so and have mastered the concepts/safe positions. After almost 3 years, I STILL prefer to go through both the tutorial and its section, as I find benefit from the methodical slower-paced tutorial as a warm-up for the actual routine. 5. The concepts of Alignment, Balance & Contraction (the ABCs explained in the DVD's introduction) are emphasized/reinforced throughout all workouts. 6. Those who purchase the DVD have access to a private support page! 7. The DVD production quality is superior: a. The background/environment is not cluttered (white background, participants wear similarly colored clothing, offering a relaxing, distraction-free visual experience) b. Positions that could be confusing are described verbally in detail and demonstrated in front, back and side views as needed. Description and modeling of common postural errors are clearly contrasted with correct postures. The images of a soup bowl, lantern and puppet strings to illustrate postural alignment are excellent. c. Workout participants vary in age from 40s to 80s and adaptive positions are described and demonstrated. d. Sound is excellent and verbal instructions are evenly paced and clearly enunciated. For those concerned that the exercises can't be performed without the prop bundle, alternatives to the prop bundle are described in the DVD. I used previously purchased resistance bands (one tied in a knot to simulate the ankle band), a rolled up towel for the mini-ball and a swiffer mop handle instead of a dowel. That said, I recently treated myself to the prop bundle and it is definitely a step up!