Rating: 
Summary: Not for beginners!
Review: I purchased this tape because of the high ratings listed on amazon, but I was sorely disappointed. Although there are beginner's and intermediate levels listed on the summary, this tape is completely insufficient for a Pilates beginner. The narrator speaks too quickly (and with a sometimes indecipherable accent) and often fails to give the breathing cues that are so importaint to pilates. There is a HUGE disparity between the intermediate and advanced levels, so it is very difficult to make the transition from one to the next. After rushing through the excercises, viewers are treated to a long-winded and pointless 'round table discussion' of Pilates, but it would be more helpful to have a thorough description of each excercise, with cautions regarding form. If you have not been practicing Pilates for some time, I would definitely not recommend starting with this tape.
Rating: 
Summary: Strength and Precision
Review: There's a place in New York City called Drago's Gym where one of Joseph Pilates' most famous students trains apprentices to become instructors. On this DVD, there is guy who demonstrates Pilates exercises, Peter Fiasca, who would take regular lessons at Drago's. It was instructive to watch the strength and precision Peter would achieve, and how the Pilates method evolved into more than a body conditioning technique when this guy worked out. With his highly esteemed instructor, I would see Peter bring exercises to life, moving in a continuous flow, which seemed like a strong river of energy, passion, and light. It was a pleasure and inspiration to see this 'duet' of Peter and his instructor work and play together. There are many talented instructors from around the world who work out at Drago's Gym, yet a few stand out. Peter simply demonstrates the high standards that Joseph Pilates had for his clients, and his method in general. To make this DVD, Peter also assmbled a great team of true Pilates professionals with Alycea Ungaro, commentator, and Bob Liekens, master instructor. I offer congratulations to this team for creating such an excellent video about authentic Pilates. I sincerely hope that many other true Pilates professionals will preserve the method (through books, videos, teaching, and training new instructors) like Classical Pilates.
Rating:
Summary: Champagne for Best
Review: This DVD costs nearly twice as much as other Pilates DVDs. Why pay more? There are several reasons. First, because you get every level of Pilates workout from basic to intermediate to advanced to super advanced. You can make progress in learning the Pilates method and advance toward higher goals. Most other Pilates DVDs give you just one level of workout. Second, this is traditional Pilates the way professionals who are trained in Joseph Pilates' original method teach and practice. This DVD was NOT dreamed up in a producer's office trying to ride the latest fitness trend. This DVD is NOT an offshoot or hybridization of Joseph Pilates' pure and amazing method of body conditioning. Third, this DVD features Bob Liekens who coaches you through these classical workouts firm, supportive, and artful descriptions of what your mind should be focused upon, and what your body should be feeling. Some people say this DVD does not have sufficient instruction; these critics are assuredly not schooled in the New York City tradition of Joseph Pilates' 1st studio on 8th Avenue. Bob is one of the foremost international master instructors today, and he is extraordinary beyond belief. Fourth, this DVD has demonstrators who execute classical Pilates movement vocabulary with remarkable expertise, so you can see and feel how your workout should eventually take shape. This DVD is the standard for the Pilates mat workout series. And I'm thrilled other people have been exposed to this wonderful documentary of Joseph Pilates mat exercises.
Rating:
Summary: Not for the inexperienced
Review: I was very excited to order this DVD to further my Pilates Body. I am a bit disappointed. There are little or no instructions on how to do the actual excersize. The whole basis of Pilates Is the the entire positioning of every part of your body including your breathing during each movement. This DVD lacked that. I am fortunate to have taking Pilates before, but for some one just starting out, or has only had a few classes, AVOID THIS DVD. There are some much better DVDs out there for the beginner or even intermediate.
Rating:
Summary: Tradition is Good!
Review: As an instructor of Pilates who has many years of experience, it is good to finally find a video that shows the method as Joseph Pilates taught it. For several years, my students asked me to recommend a Pilates video they could use, but I was not aware of Classical Pilates until summer 2003. Eureka! This DVD reminds me of photos I've seen of Joseph Pilates' original New York City studio: straight forward, sincere, organized, professional, and dedicated to helping people achieve better health through hard work. The only 'eye candy' in this DVD is the exceptionally accomplished technique that is true to Mr. Pilates' method. The demonstrators are seriously skilled, and it shows. They also make Pilates look enjoyable to do. Many Pilates videos I've seen rely upon fast MTV-style camera angles and chatty commentator/instructors. In my view, Classical Pilates DVDs are clearly above the rest in terms of authenticity and comprehensiveness. Several other Pilates videos are more serious about the method, yet they don't preserve the Pilates method artfully, nor do they show the dynamic, energetic flow necessary to get a good solid workout. There are good reasons to keep some traditions alive and well, and the Pilates method should be kept the way Joseph Pilates taught his students.
Rating:
Summary: The Best of the Best
Review: I just started taking Pilates mat class at my gym, and the teacher recommended this DVD. The "Modified Basic" and "Basic" workouts really helped me understand which muscles to use, as well as the energy and timing of exercises. It was also exciting to watch the intermediate and advanced workouts just to see how far the Pilates method can take you. Although I read a couple of reviews saying this DVD is "not instructional enough," Classical Pilates instructed me expertly! The master instructor, Bob Liekens, is very articulate and the performers are great. This DVD helped me gain more awareness of my body, how and where to initiate movement, and it helped me develop ways to create muscular resistance while stretching and lengthening. All in all, this DVD is worth every penny; it's good for the body and good for overall health.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I've shopped around for Pilates DVDs because I love the method. It's clear that Classical Pilates made the best---and perhaps only---video that preserves Joseph Pilates' New York City school. When I first started a Pilates mat class at a local gym, I thought all Pilates teachers were similar. After taking some private lessons with a certified instructor, I learned that Joseph Pilates' real method is practiced and taught by people who actually trained with him in New York City. Thankfully, my teacher was taught by one of these people. Classical Pilates offers a direct no-frills demonstration of the complete Pilates method (at a good price) with outstanding voice coaching by Bob Liekens, master instructor. This guy is brilliant and his articulation of the Pilates method provides deep insight into this wonderful method. Bob's reputation is stellar, and he is undoubtedly the brightest rising star of the method. People who are lucky enough to study with Bob Liekens are, indeed, very fortunate.
Rating: 
Summary: Heed the warnings from others
Review: I am so glad I read the reviews posted by the other members. I think NY, NY hit the nail on the head. There is no instruction on this video. Fortunately, I followed their advice and purchased the Pilates for Dummies DVD. I have been using the for Dummies DVD for about 2 months now and have yet to switch over. The reason being is when you take a class or session in a studio, you are constantly being reminded to tighten your powerhouse and keep your body in position. This DVD does none of that, which frustrates me. I think when you use a DVD at home, the instruction aspect is as important, if not more, than the coaching. Personally, I need that reminder in order to get an effective workout. When I did switch over to this DVD (I have used it only once) I felt like I did not get nearly the benefit of the dummies workout because there was no teaching aspect. Agreeably, you do not need to be taught each time, but even on the advanced section of the dummies DVD she reminds you of how to hold your body which is how you gain success with Pilates.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Tribute to a Great Method
Review: I have been a fan of Classical Pilates' work for a couple of years, and feel it is important to communicate the importance of their DVDs. Many years ago I found the Pilates method, yet I did not start studying with a classically trained instructor from the New York School. Then, one fine day, someone suggested going to an instructor who actually studied with Joseph Pilates. I was so impressed that I told all my friends about my new instructor. It made all the difference learning real Pilates, instead of the many knock-off variations that are available. Anyway, my instructor suggested getting Classical Pilates DVDs. It is thrilling to see the amazing movements of the entire Pilates method. The Pilates method, specifically the classical Pilates method, has changed my life, making me healthier, more energetic, more confident, and more youthful than ever. I am proud to stand tall with my Pilates body.
Rating:
Summary: Challenging
Review: One of the great benefits of Pilates is the ability to see one's progress over time. Unlike so many beginner DVDs, this gives more and more challenging workouts that you can "grow into" over time. This is best for someone who has some basic experience with the moves, but would like a deeper understanding of the positioning and alignment of the body. Rather than counting, the instructor takes time to explain each move with greater detail. The production quality is not great - not digitally recorded and the camera is in one position the entire time. However, the benefits far outweigh the few shortcomings.
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