Rating: 
Summary: Not Optimum
Review: As a student of Romana Kryzanowska's for many years, I was surprised that she allowed production of a video titled "Optimum Weight." Anyone who knows Romana is aware that she would not attempt to sell Pilates videos using terminology associated with weight control. When practiced properly, of course, the Pilates method can help people achieve a better balance of strengthening and stretching. To include weight control as a goal within the principles of the Pilates method, however, is something outside the original technique. Like another viewer, I was also disappointed with the name "Romana's Pilates" because this extraordinary method is not Romana's; it is the sole creation of Joseph Pilates. This follows a marketing trend of "Winsor Pilates" and "Polestar Pilates," which is unfortunate. I'm sure Romana would completely agree with this. As for the video itself, I don't think it showed Romana's remarkable talent, wisdom, and humor. The workouts are interrupted by some akward titling, and the number of repititions of each exercise are not shown on screen. The demonstrators are certainly professional, yet I didn't see the joy, the passion, and the thrill that is often part of taking a wonderful lesson with Romana.
Rating: 
Summary: I Wish I Could Endorse This Video
Review: I am a certified instructor who trained with Romana Kryzanowska during the 1980s and 1990s. I revere Romana like thousands of other hard working and talented instructors. I feel we share a special bond by experiencing the Pilates method through her greatness. There is no other individual in the world (who actually trained with Joseph Pilates) who is as creative as Romana, and who preserves the true method with beautiful musicality and authenticity. Having said these things, it is seriously discouraging to know Romana is casting the Pilates method as a weight loss approach. It's hard to believe that Romana actually approved this video, and it's suggestion of weight loss through Pilates.
Rating: 
Summary: The ONLY "First Lady" of Pilates
Review: I bought the whole set. After the slew of lawsuits surrounding Pilates trademarks, it's nearly impossible to find "Authentic" Pilates instruction. "Pilates" doesn't work if it's not "Pilates." No one alive today knew Mr. Pilates more than Romana Kryzanowska. She was and remains his "Chosen One."
These tapes are priceless in the sense that no one had a closer relationship to Mr. Pilates and his work than Romana. The only reason why I'm not rating it "5 STARS" is due to lots of repetition on each tape. I.E., the history of Joe, history of Romana, and basics are on each tape. Then the lessons. I understand some people might buy just one tape and to be thorough, all the history is included. And it's fascinating. Still completely worth the money considering each private lesson would cost you at least $50/hour by any instructor--authentic or not... And I feel as if my verbal instruction is more rhythmic than the gentle speaker. Otherwise, it's tops!
It's funny to read reviews criticizing the fact that the "optimum weight" tape never mentions food or diet, etc... If you paid attention to the increased physical exertion, you'd clearly understand that stepping up the intensity of the workout will kick up the loss of weight. Sensible eating should be assumed on any fitness program. The GLORY of REAL Pilates, is that as your body internalizes the work, it begins to reject empty and/or extra calories. Your body actually becomes repulsed by overeating. You can't do it. It's the body mind connection that happens regardless of you. That's the "non-mystery/mystery" of Real/ Romana's Pilates. BUY IT. STUDY IT. DO IT!!!
Rating:
Summary: a wonderful dvd
Review: I have taken numerous private sessions with Romana in New York City at Drago's Gym. These tapes were super. I felt as though Romana was in my house with me giving me a private session. They are Terrific and I highly recommend them!
Rating:
Summary: a wonderful dvd
Review: I have taken numerous private sessions with Romana in New York City at Drago's Gym. These tapes were super. I felt as though Romana was in my house with me giving me a private session. They are Terrific and I highly recommend them!
Rating:
Summary: No Mention of Weight Lose
Review: I love Pilates. I do the mat routine everyday. To keep it interesting, I go to different instructors and own about 15 DVDs. I do the different workouts on alternating days. I was excited to see a Romana DVD come out. However, it is clear that they put Weight Lose on the cover to get people to buy it. I bought it to see how the workout would differ from other styles. It doesn't really differ at all. It is really just an intermediate workout, but a good one at that. There is absolutely no mention of weight lose at any time on the DVD. Romana never talks about it and there is no indication, besides the title, that this will help you to lose weight. Clearly a marketing ploy. Not all bad though!! Even though the Romana DVDs only have 13-18 minute workouts, it is nice to be able to experience working with her when you don't live in New York City. I find that this workout and the Powerhouse Mat workout provide quick morning routines before jumping in the shower and heading off to work. If that is what you are looking for, buy this DVD. If you want to lose weight don't be fooled. My overall choice, Anna Caban, all of her DVDs, including the Cardio Pilates, which is a great overall workout.
Rating: 
Summary: If you love Pilates, you will enjoy this video!
Review: I thoroughly enjoy this video. After seeing 80 year old Romana performing her routine on the Cadillac, you may vow to make Pilates a permanent part of your life. The video begins with a history of Joseph Pilates and actual footage of Pilates performing his exercise routine. A young Romana is featured in the historic chapter. Then Romana walks through the basics, explaining the Powerhouse, breathing, etc. Next is the workout with Romana prompting and her student, Petie, performing an approximately 25 minute Pilates session. The set is beautiful, a studio with sunlight streaming in through a high window draped in white. The exercises are performed on the most luxurious mat I've ever seen. Romana is a riot, standing with arms folded, in her high heels, tapping out time and snapping form pointers to her student. She has a "stern yet earthly" instructor quality, this is not a video filled with repetitive, inane chatter. Romana's instruction chapter is followed by Petie performing the full routine to a subtle voice-over cue, which progresses more smoothly without Romana stopping to nitpick her form. Even without Romana there to oversee, Petie is very inspiring in her strength and form. The exercises flow and transition one right into the next for an advanced-beginner to intermediate workout. I wouldn't recommend this for a first-time beginner. Exercises include One Hundred, Leg Circles, Ball, Single and Double Leg Stretches, Open Leg Rocker, Swan Dive, Single and Double Leg Kicks, Teasers, and several others, finishing with Seal and some standing footwork. There are short bonus sections featuring a wall workout and foot strengtheners. In performing the workout, I found it to be fast-paced, flowing, and strong. I'm an intermediate Pilates student and this video had me breaking a sweat, breathing hard, and feeling lengthened and very hard in my core afterward. I look forward to using it again, and plan to purchase the whole Romana series. Romana belongs in the video library of every Pilates devotee!
Rating:
Summary: Pilates Is Excellent, But...
Review: I totally love Pilates and enjoy working out. I have been taking lessons with Pilates equipment because it feels so good. Because of wishful thinking, I bought this video because I'm a little overweight. And because I heard the woman featured teaches traditional Pilates. From my experience, no type of exercise can help you lose weight, because you must be eating a healthy diet---regularly. But, as I said, wishful thinking led me to buy this video. Well, I was disappointed because this seems to be yet another video that capitalizes upon our desire to loose weight. The Pilates method is great, there is no doubt about it. But this video cannot help you achieve the implied message of weight loss.
Rating:
Summary: Authentic, Effective, and Proper Technique
Review: I'm a beginner/intermediate to Pilates and had been going to a local studio in AZ for about 2 months. My instructor just opened her studio so she was green too. At her studio, she teaches mat and Reformer. What I noticed is that when I left class I often hurt for days. Some things about the workouts just didn't seem right to me so I decided to check 'other' Pilates material: books, DVDs, etc. I even read material Joseph himself wrote. What I found was my instructor was one of the many that's churned out from some instructor-over-night certification class---and she didn't know much more than I did. She certified under Stott and I trusted they wouldn't certify them if they don't know what they're doing. Not true! Once I asked, "how should I be breathing?" I was told by the instructor..."I really don't think it matters that you breathe as long as you breathe." WRONG! In Joseph's writings he preached breathing is essential and is always done through the nose, never the mouth. He spent a lot of time going over the dynamics and impact of breathing to get the optimum results from the workout.
After purchasing Romana's DVD, I am certain I'd be headed for life long back pain and injury if I continued to let some just-certified(incorrectly)-instructor teach me poor technique. I feel that Romana's DVDs teach the proper techniques safely and that they help you execute each move to get the intended and maximum results. By doing the moves correctly, you're gaining strength, flexibility and a better body.
I read the reviews where people complain..."oh there's only one workout." You want variety....don't be cheap---buy another DVD. For my $15, it's the best money I've ever spent and it will take me time to master it. If you went to her studio to learn this very session, you'd be paying a lot more than $15--so what really are you complaining about?--the fact that you can't do the workout? Stick with your $15 DVD; it'll come. Romana has saved me from injury and given me a better workout. After all, Joseph Pilates only created so many moves to be executed in a particular order on the mat. True Pilates is done exactly this way and took he and his pupils, like Romana, years to master. Hell....if you're bored or have outgrown the mat, get a Reformer or advance to another apparatus. This is pure common sense! When you passed the first grade you didn't stay there....you went to 2nd grade.
Oh and by the way, for those who complained about it not being a weightloss program. I was a size 14 two months ago and now wear a size 10. Go figure...my doing the ONE workout helped me lose weight. I concentrate on the moves and apply myself each day I play the DVD. I improve DAILY. I plan to continue use of Romana's DVD, master it and move to the next level.
I think people should have realistic expectations and want to do Pilates for all the right reasons. It's seems that many of the poor reviews that were written came from people who either already worked out with Romana or are practically instructors themselves. Give me a break! The rest of us millions of average everyday people haven't been to Drago's gym or had lessons with Romana. You should consider yourselves blessed. The majority of the population would get GREAT benefit from this DVD, so your viewpoints were found biased and downright unimportant. If you're dedicated to your form and the workouts 3-4 times a week, you CAN change your body and the way you feel about yourself. I am emerging a better me thanks to THIS DVD! I recommended it to anyone desiring better health, strength and above all attitude. I have chosen Pilates and it is a lifestyle change for me. I am so excited about what's to come for me for integrating it into my everyday routine! My only wish is that I could one day meet Romana and share a workout or two under her instruction. She is truly an amazing lady!
Rating:
Summary: Unrelated to Weight Loss
Review: I've studied Pilates at Drago's Gym where Romana Kryzanowska has taught for many years. And I've taken some lessons from Romana herself. I never heard anyone talk about Pilates that suggested it has weight loss benefits. From my understanding, Pilates was not created as a weight loss method. I'm curious why Romana Kryzanowska released a video that promotes Joseph Pilates' legacy as a way to lose weight. Romana is a one-of-a-kind teacher who embraces the brilliance of Joseph Pilates' tradition. Romana is clearly one of the most important communicators of the method. The Pilates method is awesome because it can transform your body and mind into better health overall. When Pilates is practiced properly in the original "East Coast" tradition (Joseph Pilates started his studio in NYC in the 1920s), you actually evolve into a more complete and satisfied human being. So, this video leaves me disappointed.
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