Pilates

All pilates workouts are not created equal.  I've been doing the same dvd for about a month now and decided to check Netflix for a new one.  I found several that are available and picked one to do yesterday and today.  I realized fast within the first flow that the dvd I was doing was a bit wimpy compared to this new one.  Several times within the workout I found myself saying "you want me to do what?".  I use to deem my belly as my weakest area, now I know for sure its my arms.  I can clasp my hands behind me but then the nazi pilates girl wanted me to lift them towards the sky they moved about two inches.  My armpits even hurt, how did that happen?  Brian doubts the effectivness of pilates and questions how I know it really works.  He said "look at that lady, I doubt she has ever been overweight in her life".  He's probably right, the lady looks pretty chizzled.  He's a needs results right away kind of guy.  I'm not looking for a miracle though.  I do my workouts because everyday they help me feel a little stronger.  Almost every muscle in my body is sore right now, thats how I know its working.  I like the controlled movements of Pilates it really echoes the control you need in ballet.  I even heard Lou Ann's shrill voice in my head saying "rotate!  rotate!".  So I'm giving it a chance.  What could happen really?  It makes me feel a little better knowing that I'm trying to get stronger and what could the side effects be, loosing weight?