Denise Austin

This core Pilates workout includes many typical Pilates moves that stabilize the core area. Denise offers tips for making the exercises more difficult. She has a model demonstrating the exercises while she helps with form and movement. The exercises in the core section are preparation for the next abdominal workout. This is a good introduction to Pilates for beginners, with beginner versions of the plank, T-stand, V-sit and others.

The Abs and Waistline workout starts off with toe touches, leg lifts and crunches. Denise Austin shows several levels on each exercise. The exercises in this section are more advanced than in Core and more appropriate for intermediate to advanced level exercisers. She includes similar moves to those in the previous Core workout but at a higher level of intensity.

Power Abs begins with Austin's variation of the "100" and moves into intermediate and advanced leg lift movements. She moves on to do T-stands, different variations of crunches with leg presses, planks and V-sits.

The Hip workout starts with lying leg lifts and the bicycle. Denise includes some bridge poses, hip swivels, and more hip movements. All of the movements are in a seated or lying position and will strengthen the core as well as increasing the stability and mobility in the hips.

This section of the Hit the Spot Pilates focuses on the thighs. As with most movements, it's impossible to isolate just one area in the body. The exercises in this section work the hips, legs and core, as well as the thighs. There are some standing movements including lunges and dance type movements.

The Buns workout includes variations on the bridge, donkey kicks and many movements that focus on stabilizing the hips and abs. Plank variations will work the core while strengthening the glutes as well. Similar dance moves to those included in the thighs section are here as well.