Rating: 
Summary: Finally, A Pilates Video to Believe In
Review: Just last year I was a basic level student who had never tried Pilates. I was so thrilled about the Pilates method that I wanted to become a certified instructor! The question was where to do my training and which certification program was best. As in any business, you have to ask a lot of questions and use your instincs.When I asked several professionals about training programs, as well as asking about supplemental material such as books and videos, several people recommend Classical Pilates. So I purchased their DVD Complete Mat Workout Series and DVD Complete Universal Reformer Series. Unbelievably amazing! I had no idea that Pilates movement vocabulary was so extensive! And I learned what Joseph Pilates really wanted from his students. He was a tough guy who also wanted his work to show some style. Whoa! The Classical Pilates' intermediate and advanced levels are clean, strong, and smooth! All I have to say is Joseph Pilates' method is challenging (when done the right way) even in the most basic exercises, which Classical Pilates demonstrates in its "Modified Basic" workout. The mind-body benefits are awesome! Thank heaven that Classical Pilates does NOT try to reinvent the wheel the way so many other videos and teachers do by adding new exercises or changing Joseph Pilates time-honored workouts. Thank you Classical Pilates! I hope you film ALL of Joseph Pilates equipment, like the Wunda Chair, Cadillac, and so on!
Rating:
Summary: A Collection Unsurpassed
Review: Although the Classical Pilates Technique DVDs were not shot in an exotic location or on a luxurious set, these are the finest Pilates DVDs on the market. They exhibit the high standards of instruction required of all who were trained in the tradition of Romana Kryzanowska. I have read in other reviews that the instruction does not focus enough on the Breath and must offer my opinion. Joseph Pilates himself said: "Above all, learn to breathe properly." By that, Mr. Pilates meant to take full inhalations and complete exhalations. He believed in a deep lateral breath. My beginning students are always concerned with when to inhale and exhale and I tell them to be more concerned with how, not when, to breathe. The body will find its own natural pattern to assist in the movement. In Ms. Ungaro's directions, I have found a new path to familiar routines and with my own students, I now use many of the powerful images that Mr. Liekens delivers throughout his voiceovers. Two of the DVDs in the collection include discussions, from which much additional information about the Pilates method can be learned. All in all, this collection of Pilates instruction remains unsurpassed.
Rating:
Summary: Changed My Life
Review: I just wrote a reivew of another Classical Pilates'DVD "The Complete Magic Circle Mat Series & Reformer Mat Workout" because I have been having a lot of fun with both of these fine instructional videos. The magic circle workouts build upon this DVD in very instructive and enjoyable ways. It's challenging to add the magic circle to each exercise, and I feel the proper muscles working so deeply. I believe these DVDs help keep me on the right track as far as studying the RIGHT KIND OF PILATES. Because, as I understand, Classical Pilates shows how Joseph Pilates originally practiced his method, and how he taught his students. This gives me confidence that I'm doing the right exercises in the right ways. I feel so much better because I do the mat workouts 3-4 times each week. My body has become more slender, and I have much better energy than before I started using these DVDs as home instruction.
Rating:
Summary: What a great workout!
Review: I am 4'10", 232 pounds, and HATE exercise. I'm in really bad shape though, and I'd heard a lot of good things about Pilates. I ordered Pilates for Dummies on DVD and this DVD as well. The Pilates for Dummies taught me the exercises pretty well, and now I'm working on the Basic Workout on the Classical Pilates DVD, but I do some of the modifications. For example, my arms are short, so I put my hands under my knees for Rolling Like a Ball and stuff like that, but I do my best. I couldn't believe what I felt in my abs after ONE session! I also have muscle tension and stress in my back and neck from anxiety disorder and stress. This workout stretches out my neck and back so well! They feel so loose and relaxed now. Wow. I definitely recommend this DVD and Pilates for Dummies if you're never done Pilates before. Use Pilates for Dummies to learn the exercises, then move to the Classical Pilates DVD. I haven't lost any weight yet and I'm considering doing walking three times a week to add to it, but I love it. I can't believe what this has done for how my body feels.
Rating:
Summary: A review for beginners from a beginner
Review: As the title states, this review is geared towards beginners since I'm just a beginner myself. When I first read reviews, I was worried by those who said this dvd offered little instruction and was a poor choice for beginners. After I finally decided to buy this dvd, I'm glad I did. Perhaps this dvd is not good for a "fitness" beginner, but if you're in decent shape, have the discipline for routine exercise, and looking for a challenge, the dvd is perfectly fine for you as a "pilates" beginner. If you're in good shape and already have a strong exercise regimen that includes abdominal work, weight lifting, and cardio, the modified basic and basic workout on this dvd will merely serve as a useful introduction. In themselves, they are way too short to break a sweat and the moves are modified to be easy. Still, the they provide useful insight into pilates moves and form, while also showing how one would modify a move if it is too hard. After watching them once, I was able to go through the two basic workouts with ease. The intermediate workout presented a true starting point. After watching it once and going through the workout once with the "pause" button handy, I was able to insert the intermediate workout into my daily routine. Thus, for a beginner to pilates, if you take the time to study the dvd first, you should have no problem. Also, you can easily add to the simpler routine--for example, the final push up exercise in the advanced routine can be easily added to the end of the intermediate routine. There have been many comments about the lack of instruction, counting, and breathing cues. I believe there is plenty of instruction by the narrator, and if the move feels smooth and in control, it's good enough for me. Counting is no big deal either since the reps and sets are marked on the screen, and you shouldn't be thinking so hard about counting anyway. Finally, breathing should come naturally in the movement and narrator provides plenty of cues. With some practice, you'll be able to discover your own smooth breathing rhythm for the workout. The intermediate workout is only a little more than 10 minutes, so you can fit it in easily during a free time slot during the day (for me, in the morning before work) while maintaining your normal exercise schedule. After practicing the intermediate workout daily for a few weeks, you'll likely be able to start studying and practicing the advanced workout, which is the true value of the dvd. It's a nice, challenging routine which is a little more than 20 minutes. The workout moves smoothly through each exercise with great transitions. While some moves are very difficult at first, some practice and also modification based on previous levels will let you flow through the workout. I find the large jumps in difficulty between the levels motivational: the difficulty challenges the user to practice and improve, and keeps the dvd from becoming boring. While the dvd lacks pastel colors, it's great as an instructional dvd to guide the user to eventually become independent in performing their pilates workout. As a final note, pass on the Winsor for sure. A friend had the Winsor 3 dvd workout set and I tried the 50 minute accelerated body sculpting workout. It's somewhat similar to the advanced workout offered in classical pilates dvd, but the workout is so slow and the breaks between exercises are very long. It's a little difficult not to daydream, nap, or even catch a cold between exercises in the Winsor workout. I'm exaggerating a bit, but it truly feels like you perform an exercise for 3 minutes, and listen to Winsor talk for three minutes...until you reach 50 minutes. Since focus is so important in pilates, I don't understand how one can do the Winsor series. Pick Classical Pilates Technique over Winsor any day. I can't judge other pilates dvd's since I haven't tried them, but I'm this dvd is probably your best bet.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed. I would have given it 0 stars, but...
Review: the star rater wouldn't let me. I was looking forward to this new DVD and seeing what Pilates was all about. I put the DVD in the player and chose the Basic section just to see what the routines were like. I was TRULY disappointed to find that at least 5 minutes of the section was all this "talking" (blab, blab, blab). No pilates routines whatsoever. I got so sick of the yapping that I just took the DVD out and put it back in its case. I'll never buy this series again. What a waste of hard-earned money.
Rating:
Summary: Today my Lower Back Tommorrow the World !!
Review: Me and my friend Mohatma Gandhi are big fitness fanatics. At any rate I asked him what should I do about my lower back pain. I asked him whether yoga or pilates was the better route to healthier back and mental fitness. He told me that this dvd really helped him and his get back into great shape. But as far as mental fitness you're on your own. But you don't have to believe either of us just look at some of the communicator awards this book recieved. THE COMMUNICATOR AWARDS, 2003 AWARD OF DISTINCTION to four instructional DVDs produced by Classical Pilates Inc.:
(1) Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Mat Workout Series;
(2) Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Magic Circle Mat Series & Reformer Mat Workout;
(3) Classical Pilates Technique: The 3rd Edition Complete Universal Reformer Series;
(4) Classical Pilates Technique: The Studio Equipment Series. After using this book I was able to relieve years of stiffness in my lower back (a cold damp cript will do that to you) and now I am almost ready to play professional football again. My heartfelt thank's to Mr. Ghandi
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Surprise
Review: I have had the privilege of studying with Carola Trier (in the 1950s) and Romana Kryzanowska (in the 1970s) and Kathy Grant (in the 1980s). These are 1st generation master instructors of the highest caliber. So, I have some experience learning from the best of Joseph Pilates original students who carried his method forward. In this modern world, it honestly hurts my soul to see Pilates move so far away from its original roots in Joseph Pilates' NYC studio. Yet, I feel this video captures the essence of the original Pilates method. I was, of course, skeptical when someone suggested buying this video. But I have to say this DVD is a nice surprise. I take it on vacation to the beach, and to the mountains when I travel. Watching this video brings back many memories of taking lessons with Joseph Pilates' brilliant and trusted teachers. Joseph Pilates said he was 50 years ahead of his time. He was correct. I assume he would be happy about how many people are practicing his method, but I am sure Joseph Pilates would be saddened by all the variations that exist today. I am certainly happy that Classical Pilates has preserved the wonderful tradition in the way Joseph Pilates meant it to be. You can't recreate the wheel, and Classical Pilates does NOT even try to recreate it. They just do the method justice by doing it well. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents with the rest of us who love the Pilates method.
Rating:
Summary: Good Enough for Me
Review: I bought this video because I read reviews on Amazon. Most people seemed to feel Classical Pilates is really good, but I noticed some people didn't care for it. Of course, everyone will have a different opinion. If all the reviews were good, then I would wonder... This video is definitely good enough for me. I have lost 15 pounds in the past 2 months after practicing with this DVD and watching what I eat. I'm 5'4' and weigh about 130 pounds, but I want a more svelt look for summer. I don't really trust fad diets because I know losing weight only comes by mental focus and discipline. But this video does not sell Pilates as a weight loss technique at all. This is good! Because I wouldn't believe it anyway. This video is sincere in its approach: it is a brilliant exposition of good solid workouts without frills and fancy backgrounds. Plus, it was good to see a man do Pilates. Although the woman who shows the intermediate workout is, well, nearly perfect, I appreciated the muscularity and speed of the man to demonstrated the advanced exercise routine. I totally recommed this video because you get every level of Pilates in one DVD, and because the producers believe in honest rewards for an honest day's work, so to speak.
Rating:
Summary: A World of Good
Review: I found this video to have very high quality and integrity. It shows a pre-basic workout for people who do not have previous experience in Pilates. Then the demonstrators move on to show a brief, yet vigorous beginner workout. These two workouts are excellent to gradually learn the concepts and the rhythm. Afterward, this DVD moves into intermediate and advanced workout routines that are expert in every way. Although traditional Pilates is not for everyone, this video should please inviduals who are interested in learning the real McCoy. I've seen other Pilates videos that alter exercises for specialty purposes, but this video provides every level for every type of individual. This is a video worthy of keeping and using for a lifetime!
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