More like 4.5 stars
I liked this DVD. I only have minimal pilates experience so I don't really have much to compare to, but as a basic fitness dvd, it fits very well into my rotation. In my opinion its really more cardio than pilates. Don't expect a lot of mat work - there's actually very little. The majority of the workout is done standing up. As far as low impact cardio goes, this one does quite well. While it's not going to get your heart rate up as high as say running or cycling, it does better than I expected it to. Nothing is overly challenging - most people should have no problem doing this one - but you do feel like you accomplished something by the end. Overall a good value so long as you're not expecting a crazy strenuous workout.

Crunch-Burn & Firm Pilates
Always in search of a great fitness video, I was well pleased with this one. Ellen, the leader is easy to follow and makes this video enjoyable with her attractiveness. I definitely get my heart rate high enough, without high impact movements. It took me two week's time to be able to do this video without muscle soreness, but now that I am past the soreness, I can feel my muscles firming. The class members on the video feel like people you know, not like people from Hollywood.

Great video!
I'm an avid exerciser and really am challenged by and enjoy this video. The music is relaxing & uplifting and the instructor fun & easy to follow. The moves target & tone the core, butt, & thighs and addition of 5lb dumbells makes you sweat. You feel good after doing this.

Not bad - It made my rotation!
I certainly would not "poo poo" this workout as some others have done, saying that it's not very challenging and doesn't give you a good workout. I disagree 100%, and I am in pretty good shape - I work out at home 3-5 times a week doing cardio and weight training together (usually with The FIRM workouts). After doing this video once, I was sore for 2 days - it works your core, arms and inner and outer thighs like mad.

BUT it is key that you pay attention to form when doing the movements - if you're just kind of going through the motions without consideration to proper form, posture and breathing then no - it's not going to be nearly as effective.

This video is in my rotation now and I plan on doing it at least once a week, mixed in with The FIRM videos - which I HIGHLY recommend. I only gave it 3 stars but it really deserves 3 1/2 - the cueing is great, the camera work is good, the set is crisp and clean, the music is fine - but as some other reviewers have also said, the cardio segment does get a little repetitive and that's where the real work is - it could use some variety in the movement sequences.

Cardio, legs, arms
My introduction to pilates was part of a great jazzercise class that incorporated cardio dance, weights, and pilates moves. This is my first Ellen DVD and I think it's a wonderful 50-60 minutes home workout. Pilates incorporates several moves into one so it's an efficient form of exercise/toning/cardio. Ellen uses 3 lb weights and most of the DVD is standing up working legs/inner thighs/arms with lunges and plies. Stomach/core areas are addressed through pulling in abdomen during standing part and during the last 10 minutes of floor work while doing pilates leg moves combined with crunches. I'm not a person that enjoys exercising nor do I have that much space at home for jumping cardio routines. This DVD had me breaking a light sweat in first 10-15 minutes so it's working and psychologically easier to get into after just crawling out of bed if you're not a morning person. I agree with others that Ellen comes across as a coach rather than a drill sergeant or annoying cheerleader. I discovered a very useful site that rates and allows you to preview fitness DVD's at collagevideo dot com.