Element: Accelerated Pilates with Resistance Band Review & Guide
Fuse movement and subtle tension for deeper muscle shaping and improved posture.
Element: Accelerated Pilates with Resistance Band – Comprehensive Review & Workout Guide
Looking to add a fresh twist to your Pilates routine or seeking a home workout that maximizes toning and core strength? Element: Accelerated Pilates with Resistance Band brings the challenge and effectiveness of Pilates equipment into your living room with just a mat and a band. This detailed guide explores how the DVD harnesses resistance bands to supercharge your results, provides breakdowns of the program’s structure, shares expert tips, and helps you determine if this workout belongs in your arsenal.
Quick Facts: At a Glance
- Format: DVD-led workout with included resistance band
- Instructor: Lisa Hubbard (Pilates expert and educator)
- Main Workout: 30-minute total-body Pilates routine
- Bonus: 10-minute core/ab sculpt session
- Equipment: Exercise mat, included resistance band
- Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate Pilates practitioners
Why Use a Resistance Band in Pilates?
The resistance band introduces an entirely new dimension to traditional mat Pilates. By integrating the band, you:
- Add extra resistance to movements — working more muscle fibers
- Challenge stabilizing muscles (especially the core, hips, and shoulders)
- Enhance balance, control, and alignment
- Sculpt and tone muscles more efficiently
- Mimic exercises typically performed on expensive Pilates equipment (like the Reformer or Cadillac)
Lisa Hubbard’s approach shows you don’t need a studio or pricy machines to access the full benefits of Pilates-inspired strength training in your home.
Program Structure and Flow
The core of Element: Accelerated Pilates with Resistance Band is a 30-minute, total-body workout in which every move utilizes the resistance band. Here’s how the session is generally organized:
- Warm-Up & Standing Series: The routine begins with standing exercises that emphasize balance and coordination, warming up the entire body and introducing basic band techniques.
- Band-Intensified Mat Exercises: The heart of the workout adapts classic Pilates moves for the band. These include leg circles, roll-ups, bicycle crunches, and more, with variations that intensify the core and limbs.
- Strength Training Surprises: You’ll encounter hybrid exercises—like triceps kickbacks combined with Pilates roll-ups—giving you bonus toning for the arms as well as the center.
- Bonus Core Sculpt (10 Minutes): A stand-alone or add-on session, this ab sequence overloads your obliques and deep abdominals, ideal for time-crunched mornings or supplementing the main routine.
Effectiveness: How Does the Resistance Band Enhance Results?
Throughout the workout, expect to feel muscle fatigue sooner compared to unassisted mat Pilates. The band amplifies resistance at every phase of movement, requiring continuous core engagement and increased stabilization.
- During familiar moves such as bicycle crunches, bridges, or leg circles, the added resistance not only sculpts your muscles but also improves awareness of correct form.
- Strength-training adaptations (e.g., triceps kickbacks) provide extra upper-body benefits often missed in classic mat routines.
- The program is designed to be both accessible and invigorating for those seeking a home workout that doesn’t feel repetitive.
Expect a noticeable burn and increased focus on technique, which can produce visible toning, especially when practiced consistently.
Mood & Intensity: Who Is This For?
While the band raises the challenge, the overall session avoids exhaustion or excessive strain, making it ideal for those who:
- Want to feel energized and balanced post-workout—not wiped out
- Are new to Pilates or coming to fitness after a break
- Enjoy bodyweight exercises and prefer a low-impact, joint-friendly program
- Want to use minimal equipment at home
Sweat Factor: While you won’t leave drenched, you’ll feel activated all over—especially the deep core and hip muscles.
What Sets This Pilates DVD Apart?
- Total-Body Focus: Every major muscle group is worked, with special emphasis on functional movement, balance, and core stability.
- Equipment-Free Convenience: The included resistance band means you only need an exercise mat—no bulky machines or weights.
- Pilates, Refined: Lisa Hubbard’s cues explain how the band simulates equipment-based Pilates moves usually found only in advanced studio classes, motivating you to push with perfect form.
- Bonus 10-Minute Core Set: This quick-hit ab workout can be appended or used as a daily standalone, keeping the routine flexible and engaging.
Trainer Insights: Lisa Hubbard’s Coaching Style
Lisa Hubbard’s instruction is clear, encouraging, and focused on precision. Her cues remind you to activate your core throughout every exercise, drawing attention to alignment and the subtle postural muscles Pilates is famous for. She also motivates by drawing comparisons to Reformer exercises, reminding viewers they are getting boutique-level benefit at home.
Breakdown of Featured Exercises
Key movements in this program adapt both classic and creative Pilates moves for resistance band training.
- Pilates Hundred with Band:
- Lie on back, legs in tabletop (knees 90°, shins parallel to floor).
- Wrap band over shins, holding ends by hands.
- Engage core, lift head and shoulders, raise arms to shoulder height, keeping band taut.
- Pump arms up and down, five short inhales and five short exhales (repeat for 100 arm pulses).
This move turbocharges core engagement—ensure postural awareness and breathing stay controlled.
- Leg Circles with Band: Amplifies hip and thigh activation while building coordination.
- Triceps Kickbacks + Roll-Ups: Doubles as core and arm training, efficiently blending Pilates principles with targeted strength work.
- Oblique-Rich Core Series: Bonus ab routine piles on rotational and lateral challenges, cinching in the waistline.
| Exercise | Band Benefit | Main Muscles Worked |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Hundred | Constant tension fires deep abs, aligns body | Rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, hip flexors |
| Leg Circles | Band increases hip & core stability challenge | Glutes, thighs, abdominals |
| Triceps Kickbacks with Roll-Ups | Turns core drills into arm-toning | Triceps, shoulders, abs |
| Oblique Side-Twists | Band adds resistance for waist definition | Obliques, deep core |
What’s Included and What You’ll Need
- Pilates Resistance Band (included): Lightweight, portable; may feel less substantial than pro-grade bands, but effective for most home users.
- Exercise Mat: Any stable mat with mild cushioning is sufficient.
- Optional: A fitted, supportive tank top (like the recommended North Face Tadasana VPR Sport Tank) helps you visually and physically cue proper posture and core engagement.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
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Sample Workout: How to Get Started
- Start with the main 30-minute routine to learn each move and build familiarity with the band.
- Add in the 10-minute core session 2–3 times a week for extra abs and waist toning.
- Combine both when you have more time, or use the core session alone for a morning energizer.
- Wear form-fitting clothing to spot posture corrections and ensure continual core engagement.
Most users find their coordination, balance, and muscle endurance noticeably improve after just a few weeks of consistent practice.
Where to Buy and What to Expect
- Available on multiple platforms and fitness retailers, often around $17 for the set.
- The included band, while light and less robust than studio-grade versions, suits the DVD’s intensity for most home users.
- No major audio or video production flaws; features English audio and closed captioning.
Expert Tips for Making the Most of Your Pilates Band Workout
- Focus on Form: Prioritize alignment and core engagement. Let the instructor’s cues help correct and refine movement.
- Adapt Intensity: If resistance feels too easy, choke up on the band for more challenge or hold the band closer to your legs/hands.
- Control Breathing: Pilates breathing techniques enhance muscle activation—take controlled, mindful inhales and exhales with each rep.
- Experiment: Use the DVD’s band variations as inspiration to integrate the resistance band into other favorite moves or routines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What fitness level is best for this DVD?
The workout suits both beginners and intermediate exercisers interested in Pilates. Advanced users may want to supplement with heavier resistance or additional upper-body work.
How often should I use the Element: Accelerated Pilates routine?
2–4 times per week is ideal for most. Pair with walking, cardio, or other strength styles to round out your schedule.
Is the included resistance band durable?
It’s lightweight and designed for flexibility, not heavy tension. Most users find it effective for Pilates applications, but seasoned athletes may upgrade to thicker bands for more resistance.
Are there modifications for individuals with injuries?
Hubbard includes cues for alignment and engagement, but always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness program if you have injuries or limitations.
How is this different from Reformer Pilates?
This DVD mimics many of the same muscle-activating moves but in a portable, affordable format. While a band can’t fully replicate machine resistance, it does challenge coordination, balance, and muscle endurance in similar ways.
Final Verdict: Should You Try It?
If you crave an efficient mat Pilates routine that invigorates the abs, hips, and core while adding new challenge and variety, Element: Accelerated Pilates with Resistance Band deserves a place in your home fitness lineup. It offers a smart, practical, and energetic approach to body sculpting, ideal for at-home exercisers who want real results.
Related Resources
- How to Use Resistance Bands for Full-Body Toning: Discover more ways to incorporate bands into your daily movement.
- Best Home Pilates Workouts: Compare routines and digital classes for maximum variety.
- Essential Tips for Boosting Core Strength: Find expert-backed advice on getting the most out of every rep.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/a20441730/fitness-dvd-review-element-accelerated-pilates-with-resistance-band/
- https://www.totalfitnessdvds.com/Element-Accelerated-Pilates-DVD-p/424-o.htm
- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-element-accelerated-pilates-lisa-hubbard/24892853
- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Element-Complete-Pilates-Kit-DVD-Starz-Anchor-Bay-Sports-Fitness/28969503
- https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/element-accelerated-pilates-not-provided/1000075539/
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