Rating: 
Summary: A Must Have
Review: I started with a Pilates book. The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler and it was good, but hard to follow, and not so user friendly I felt. The pictures weren't that great, but the decspritions were wonderful. I found it hard to get into the flow when I was craining my neck, flipping through pages and trying to keep the darn book open. Not to mention that the only chart is the entire advanced workout and it was difficult to discern which step was MY next step. So I started looking for the perfect video that went with my new intrest in true matt work. I found it. It doesn't have the arm sculpting, but you go from modified beginner, beginner, intermediate, advanced and then crazy/professional advanced. I went from beginner to intermediate and am working on that level. This is a wonderful investment because it grows with you. I intend to use it for a very long time. I feel great, still waiting to look great, but I can feel it happening. It is very useful to see them doing the routines and to follow it to the tempo. Makes u feel like you are burning some extra calories when u keep the pace. From the DVD then I have ordered Pilates: Body in Motion and then Portable Pilates - Book and CD Set both by Alycea Ungaro who helped put together this DVD. My hope is that the CD will alow me to keep up my workouts while I am traveling or even in my home. (Plus the book that comes with the CD is spiral bound - why didn't they think of it before?) The Body in Motion book looks like it has more information without being as winded as Brooke Siler's book. Siler's book though was a great tool with the DVD. The mental awareness of what should be happening helps with ones' form. The Body in Motion introduced me to "The Magic Circle" which I will have to go get...My entire reason for going with the purist mat was that I wouldn't need much equipment, but as my intrest increases my pocketbook keeps decreasing. If you don't have the time or money for a personal trainer I think this is the next best thing!
Rating:
Summary: Pilates as Joesph Pilates taught
Review: Finally a pilates video that documents the Pilates method in its true form - no "new twists" or "improvements" on the genius of Joseph Pilates. No Ball-ates, yoga-lates, or other mutations. Just the pure pilates method. This video beautifully shows the method from beginner through super advanced level. The exercises emphasize the principles of pilates, such as flow of movement, without sacrificing precision. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect!
Review: This is perfect! This gave me such a delightful understanding of classical pilates. I recommend this to those seeking good guidance and a realistical goal. Classical Pilates makes it easy to focus with the precise demonstration and consistent narration. It's a peaceful way of combining mental and physical stability. Just after a few days of classical pilates I felt rejuvenated. It's a method that works on your physical being but in the long run, if done correctly, will change your entire persona.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Demonstration, Shabby Narration
Review: I bought this DVD based on the raving 5-star reviews listed here... I watched the DVD first, prior to start the workout with this DVD. It has excellent introduction to the concept of the genuine Pilates exercise and the importance of 'controlled movement' and 'breathing', which this DVD promises to teach. As the workout begins ((starting at the basic level of course)), the model demonstrates the movement along with instruction narrated by someone else. Well, I was disappointed to find out that the 'instruction' wasn't really teaching but it was more like 'commentary' -as you would hear in ESPN sports news. There is no coaching in breathing either -such as inhale as your leg goes up, exhale coming down, etc... I would recommend this to folks who are already familiar with Pilates workout, but not for absolute beginners...
Rating:
Summary: A 10 Star Video!
Review: I have been working out in the Pilates method for several years and take private lessons only once in a while. I live far from certified instructors who have extensive training, so I have to rely on mat classes and video instruction. When I heard about this Classical Pilates video, the recommendation seemed too good to be true, but I bought it anyway. This video is so pleasurable to watch because the demonstrators are precise, focused, dynamic, and fluid. This video is also thorough enough to be considered as a 'visual encyclopedia.' I have never seen another video that exhibits every level! Other Pilates videos charge about the same price, however, they only supply a single workout. The point is that I can grow with this video, and learn from Bob Liekens' insightful instruction, as if I were taking lessons in a New York City studio. Another thing I'm very satisfied with is that I actually get a workout! Many other videos show so many flashy camera angles, and explain the movements in so much detail, that I don't sweat. Classical Pilates claims to preserve the original Pilates method in their video. Since I do not know very much about the Pilates method, I can't adequately comment on this. But I have heard that Joseph Pilates was a tough guy and all around athlete who put his clients "through their paces," and he would encourage people to workout intelligently with robust energy. From watching other students and instructors practice the Pilates method, I can see that Classical Pilates technique is flawless, so I am inclined to believe that Classical Pilates keeps the true flame of Joseph Pilates' tradition burning brightly for the rest of us. I am very impressed
Rating:
Summary: A Great Success!
Review: This video succeeds where others fail by delivering genuine instruction in the Pilates method. To experience the rewards of this genius method invented by Joseph Pilates himself rather than the most recent alteration by professional exercisers riding the wave, try this tape. All of the instructors bestow superior guidance through their knowledge of and devotion to Pilates. Pilates has worked for athletes, dancers and performers for over half a century. It works for me and it will work for you. But take my advice and get the real deal from Classical Pilates.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!!!
Review: I have been doing Pilates for 2 years and seemed to reach a plateau. I bought a reformer and did mat work as well, but stopped getting results. I bought the Classical reformer DVD as well as the Classical mat DVD and the results in just a couple weeks have been exponential! It really is the only DVD you will ever need. It includes everything from beginning to super advanced. Although for most the super advanced seems to be for entertainment purposes only. Those exercises are for those who are into fitness for a living like dancers, gymnasts and the like. But it gives you a goal and a example on the potential of the Pilates workout. All the exercises are well explained and well demonstrated. If you are a beginner or have been doing it a long time, you will benefit from this DVD greatly! The production is low budget, but you get a nuclear bang for your buck. No gloss, no unecessary frills, just Pilates in it's original intended form. There are no contemporaries to this series.
Rating:
Summary: Do it.
Review: Pilates is the right thing to do, and Classical Pilates is the right way to do it.
Rating:
Summary: Zippy Pilates
Review: As others have noted, this is a well produced video with a range of increasingly challenging routines. I will be using it daily. The producers are honest in suggesting we begin with some work under a trained instructor. The DVD proceeds at a fast pace and would be mind-boggling for a rank beginner. Twelve minutes for the whole intermediate mat is a sprint, but the upside is that we're not kept waiting around for long chatty digressions that soon lose their charm by repetition. My only other quibble is with the accent of the instructor. Bob Liekens may be a Pilates master, but the DVD would have been better if it had been narrated by someone with a more neutral accent.
Rating:
Summary: With my whole heart
Review: I have been working out faithfully with Classical Pilates Complete Mat Workout Series since July. As a matter of fact, I prefer it so much that I have not even watched any of my other Pilates tapes from the time when I received this workout series. I recommend this product whole-heartedly. Since I have been doing Pilates for the last two years, my body has become much more flexible and toned and I have so much more energy. My boyfriend tells me that I look better now, at 40, than I did when we met 20 years ago!
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