There’s no denying
that when the "Stripilates" DVD arrived at the GO Brooklyn
desk, the curiosity of all of my colleagues was piqued – even
the ones that don’t enjoy a good workout. And that’s exactly
what Greenpoint producer Christopher Bagnall was hoping when
he set out to make this utterly unique workout film.
Pronounced "strip-uh-LOT-eez," it’s safe to say that
a Pilates novice will be a bit sore the day after attempting
this 50-minute fitness routine that works the muscles deeply
– especially in the abdominal area.
It’s a real workout, Bagnall assured us before we considered
popping it in the ol’ DVD player.
It focuses on "being sexy without sleazy," he said.
The moves are choreographed and performed by the blonde and very
encouraging Sally Donaubauer (pictured at left), who was a member
of the Kane School of Core Integration faculty in Manhattan before
pursuing her doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University
of Southern California.
While combining typical Pilates’s breathing exercises and stretching
with "verbal affirmations" and a few exotic dance moves
(like pulling the torso of the body forward on the floor, with
legs splayed behind in Russian splits), the DVD does not feature
any footage of actual "stripping."
One of the nifty features on the DVD allows you to switch from
a music and narration track to a narration-only track, so you
can play your own music – customizing the routine to your own
sensibilities.
If I can ever get that copy of the DVD back from my co-workers,
I’m sure I’ll attempt this workout again.
The "Stripilates" DVD (Rock Box Films, $16.95) is available
through the Web site, www.stripilates.com.
LOOK BETTER NAKED
