I have a love/hate relationship with fusion Pilates. Sometimes I watch a new fusion Pilates with this or that DVD and I see that while the movement might not be something you would find in a formal Pilates class, it still has a connection to the fundamentals of Pilates movement. In that case, I'll often enjoy the video and say so.
On the other hand there have been many occasions where I've felt there was a blatant co-opting of the Pilates name with no real basis for it in the movement shown. That kind of marketing is such a rip-off for consumers I sometimes want to go on a one woman campaign against it. And I think I do in my own way.
Now the Athletic Conditioning with the Fitness Circle® DVD is a somewhat different twist on things. The fitness circle® is is another name for the Pilates magic circle and it is definitely classic Pilates equipment. So here we have Pilates equipment being used in a non-Pilates workout, without any mention of Pilates. I haven't seen a lot of this kind of DVD yet, but Pilates equipment become integrated into mainstream fitness it's bound to happen more.
In this case, I think there is a lot of merit in the way the circle is used in to support athletic conditioning.. I'm sure there will be some very questionable DVDs coming out using Pilates equipment in more cross training oriented but this one if worth investigating... for athletes, general fitness buffs, and yes, Pilates people.
Read my review of Athletic Conditioning with the Fitness Circle®
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