Rating: 
Summary: Intense Excellence
Review: About a year ago I bought Classical Pilates' previous Reformer DVD. It had a full range of traditional technique, but the lights and looked like a student film project. Even so, the movement was excellent. When this 3rd edition arrived, I called the company and asked what they had improved. It turns out just about everything: lights, sets, technique, and comprehensiveness. These cats are head and shoulders above any other Pilates DVD making company. They make the Reformer workouts look like a new sport/art form that could be in the Olympics.
Rating:
Summary: No Other Like It
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: 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: Spectacular
Review: As an instructor, I highly recommend this Classical Pilates DVD for beginning through advanced clients. Understanding the flow and order of the exercises in each Reformer workout, as well as the nuances involved in performing the exercises correctly, can take years to comprehend. Classical Pilates' DVDs illustrate these points clearly and succinctly. The section of archival exercises is more of an exhibition than a workout, but it is the crowning glory of the method and this DVD. Congratulations to Classical Pilates for a spectacular presentation of the original Pilates method of body conditioning.
Rating:
Summary: Beyond Beyond
Review: Classic Pilates sets the standard by which I see all other Pilates DVDs. As a certified instructor, I know that Joseph Pilates created a very clear and organized exercise system. He also wrote books that established a philosophy of health to give his exercise system even more substance. I am a fan of Classical Pilates because their work shows ultimate respect for remaining true to Joseph Pilates' workouts and philosophy. I purchased this comprehensive 3 hour 2-DVD Reformer video from Classical Pilates (before it was available on Amazon) and it definitely goes beyond all expectations by expertly demonstrating workouts with beautiful strength and articulation. Classical Pilates brings it all together with some of the best Pilates professionals in the business today. There are two distinct basic Reformer workouts on this video, which is very instructive, because they show how you can start the method differently from the very beginning. These two basic Reformer workouts also show how different types of skills can be accomplished with the same exercises. Then on to intermediate level, advanced level, and even super advanced level. There is also a phenomenal exposition of archival exercises that I have never seen. The camera work is wonderful in this Reformer video. You really feel the movement of the demonstrators as you watch it. And it feels great!
Rating: 
Summary: Useless without the reformer
Review: For those of us who have never done pilates before and have no idea what a reformer is, this DVD is useless. Make sure you have the reformer (approx. $355-500) before you purchase this.
Rating:
Summary: Superlative
Review: I would be very surprised if there is ever a fourth edition, because this Third Edition of the Reformer from Classical Pilates is superlative! Both the modified basic routine and archival section are inspired supplements to the previous work this company has presented. If you have just started your Pilates training -- or not -- even if you are an instructor, this DVD of Reformer workouts is an invaluable resource.
Rating:
Summary: For All Students & Teachers
Review: I've studied the Pilates method for a few years, and became certified through the Stott training program. After going to a couple of Pilates conventions, where people from different schools attend, someone suggested that I buy this Classical Pilates video. I had heard of the classical style or classical approach, but I didn't know much about it. Stott Pilates is good, but we learn different exercises and different movement speeds compared to this video. This Reformer video opened my eyes, and my mind, about the classical approach to Pilates. The exercises are precise and they flow energetically from one to another without interruption. The practitioners execute their routines with wonderful movement qualities. After seeing this video, I wanted to learn more. So I decided to study with someone who trained in this tradition. The experience has been great! I'm thankful that I found this video. It has enlightened me about the Pilates method, and I use the master teacher's verbal cues to improve my workouts.
Rating:
Summary: This Is Authentic Pilates
Review: If you are looking for authentic Pilates with seriously beautiful and skillful practitioners, as well as solid instruction, this DVD is for you. I'm happy to have 'graduated' from using the small home "Performer" that I bought on QVC, to getting a full studio Reformer. I was so inspired by this DVD that I decided to take private lessons from a certified Pilates instructor. Using this piece of Pilates equipment literally changed my body and improved my strength. Now I alternate between doing a Pilates mat workout 2-3 times each week, and practicing on the Reformer. This is a fabulous combination. This is a 3 hour 2-DVD set. Although I will never, ever, get to advanced and super advanced routines, these are splendid to watch. Pilates, I see now, can go on forever!
Rating:
Summary: The Gold Standard
Review: The more you understand Pilates, the more you understand it is a very, very challenging exercise method. As far as I'm concerned, this video shows Reformer equipment exercises better than any other video. This Universal Reformer Series demonstrates the most comprehensive and professional and attractive way of practicing Pilates.
I started out studying the Stott version of Pilates. When I saw this video, I discovered Pilates can be strong and beautiful. It's energizing too. Now I'm studying with a Pilates teacher who studied classical Pilates, and it is an excellent workout.
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