Romana's Pilates - Ultimate Challenge Mat Workout Review

I'm the granddaughter of Romana Kryzanowska, and I've been surprised by a few of the not so favorable reviews some folks have issued here.I think this video series is great, if you're a beginner and have not had much exposure to the Pilates method, then this is a great way to start the learning process and have something you can follow at home.From what I can tell, many individuals who possess more experience with Pilates than the average person or are instructors by trade have very lofty expectations and are looking for a video product that will help them learn more advanced exercises or become better Pilates teachers.Simply put, these folks are missing the boat; with the exception of the Mat Challenge Workout video, this series is geared towards beginners or folks who are new to Pilates, not certified instructors or experienced students.As my grandmother tells you at the very begging of each video, this series wasn't designed to replace a private lesson with an instructor, let alone a seminar of any kind.This is because you can?t put your hands on someone or adapt to their specific body type or ensure the student is applying the appropriate rhythm and dynamics on tape like you can in person.Also, the vast majority of Pilates exercises should be learned and practiced under the direct supervision of a certified instructor, otherwise individuals can take on unnecessary risk when trying to work out at home.While later videos may focus on more advanced pieces of Pilates equipment and exercises for more experienced Pilates students and teachers, this series does not.My grandmother has always been reserved about providing instruction through video, for one simple reason...SAFETY.As a result, her video series takes into account beginners are most likely to buy and use videos; therefore Safety was the primary driver of the exercises that were selected and taught in the first series.If you?re new to Pilates, buy it and begin your Pilates journey in a safe manner, while learning more about Joseph Pilates and Romana Kryzanowska in the documentary; experienced instructors and students get yourselves to the studio and take a lesson with a certified instructor.

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Product Description:

Joseph Pilates developed a unique fitness system combining aspects of martialarts, gymnastics, yoga and ancient Greek training techniques, focusing on thecoordination of the body, mind and spirit. Pilates practiced what he called"The Art of Contrology" until his death in 1968, at the age of 88.He left his studio - and his legacy as a trainer, teacher and innovator - tohis student and colleague Romana Kryzanowska. Today, the conditioning systembears his name, is one of the most popular and fastest growing fitness methodsin the world. Known simply as PILATES, its leading teacher and practitioneris also recognized by only one name, ROMANA. For nearly half a century Romana has traveled around the world, teaching thistrue Pilates method that she learned directly from "Uncle Joe". Herclients include athletes, dancers and celebrities. Even the most successfulPilates teachers and other fitness experts regularly come to Romana for advancedinstruction and certification in the Pilates method. Now, for the first time,Romana has created a video series for home use. There are three words to describe Pilates: - Stretch
- Strength
- Control Mat Challenge Workout
This is the ultimate home workout for the experienced Pilates practitioner.Designed for both men and women, Romana's Pilates: Mat Challenge Workout willtest your limits in the three principles of a true Pilates workout - STRETCH,STRENGTH and CONTROL. In just twenty minutes, you'll utilize every muscle inyour body in a unique and intense workout. You'll discover new levels of: - Power
- Endurance
- Coordination
- Balance
- Spirit Special Features: - Bonus Workout
- Wall Alignment Warm Up
- Documentary
- Photo Gallery
- Trailers "Done three times a week, a few well-designed movements, properly executedin sequence, are worth hours of calisthenics or contortions! Whatever your fitnesslevel, I'll help you establish a workout that you'll truly enjoy. I'm proudof what a lifetime of practicing Pilates has done for me. Now let me show youwhat Pilates can do for you." - Romana Also Available: Romana's Pilates: - Introduction To Pilates Matwork
- Optimum Weight Management
- Powerhouse Mat Workout Reviews: "Romana is to Pilates what Madonna is topop music." Jeffrey Altshuler

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Classical Pilates Technique with consideration of the NECK & BACK Review

The Classical Pilates Technique series of DVDs has long served me as an important adjunct to my knowledge and skill in Pilates. As a Pilates practitioner, trainer, and studio owner, these DVDs have been indispensable as both a review of correct technique and as an inspiration of the technique performed as an art form.

The latest release, "Classical Pilates Technique with consideration of the Neck and Back," continues all the strengths of the original titles, but surpasses their technical quality and aesthetic interest. It is expertly shot with a beautiful background. Like the other Classical Pilates Technique titles, this DVD presents all workouts in real time, with voice-over commentary provided by best-selling Pilates author Alycea Ungaro, P.T. and Megan Rich, P.T. The commentary is precise, thorough, and easy to understand.

This DVD contains three full Classical Pilates mat workouts that focus on the stability of the neck and back. For those individuals who are unable to safely exercise within the Classical Pilates system, the DVD also contains a full pre-Pilates section aimed at facilitating the movement of the spine in a full and comfortable symptom-free range of motion, as well as bringing awareness to posture, alignment, and correct usage of the abdominal muscles.

As a previous reviewer suggested, this DVD is also helpful to people without neck or back issues. For an older person or someone who hasn't exercised in a while, this DVD provides a very thorough and safe introduction to Pilates.

There is a presence within the Pilates Community that believes the Classical method of Pilates is bad for the neck and back. This DVD should dispel that myth, as it demonstrates that most beginning and intermediate mat exercises can be modified within the Classical system to accommodate anyone.

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Product Description:
Classical Pilates Inc., producer of the industry's most popular DVD reference collection of the historically accurate technique and syllabus, preserves another essential dimension of Joseph Pilates' original method. We demonstrate a progression of safe and educational workouts for the entire mind and body that are uplifting for the spirit. Each workout level attends to the most common stress-related concerns in today's society: neck and back complaints.
This DVD contains a full Pre-Pilates section, as well as three complete Classical Pilates modified mat levels to help facilitate safety and stability of the neck and back while you enjoy your refreshing workouts. Another goal of this program is to help you safely increase strength, stamina, coordination and flexibility for the entire body.
All workouts demonstrate the purely classical forms of Joseph Pilates' original method, and are performed in real time with flowing movement, technical clarity and rhythm. As each exercise is presented, the name and number of repetitions are shown on screen.

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Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Magic Circle Mat Series (Basic; Intermediate; Advanced) & Reformer Mat Workout (Super Advanced) Review

If you are used to Pilates videos along the lines of Denise Austin or Ellen Barrett, this DVD is definitely NOT for you!Classical Pilates Technique provides much more serious, no-nonsense Pilates instruction.In fact, even the individual workouts have more of an instructional feel rather than seeming like actual workout routines, as the voiceover instruction fails to provide adequate cueing for movement changes, breath, etc.Instead, you will be in the middle of one exercise and hear "now another variation is..."; I found myself struggling to keep up with these rapid changes.Similarly, there is no pause between the moves, which would be fine if this was a Pilates mat routine only, but with the ring added, it makes it very difficult to find time to re-position the ring before the next exercise begins.

The DVD starts with a brief introduction to Pilates, which is basically a lying and seated breath practice.You then have four workouts to choose from.The first, Basic, is only 5 minutes long and is more of an introduction to using the ring; 6 basic Pilates matwork exercises are included.The second, Intermediate, is 18 minutes long, and the exercises included are similar to what would be found in most advanced beginners programs.However, the addition of the ring makes the exercises more challenging, and there is also a tough teaser sequence--three Teaser 1's repeated three times--at the end of the workout.At 20 minutes, the advanced version is slightly longer, but it moves even more quickly to include a larger variety of exercises.With a few exceptions (eg, full shoulder bridge, boomerang), most of the exercises included here are what I'm used to seeing in intermediate Pilates programs (rollover, corkscrew, hip circles), but again, using the ring ups both the intensity and the difficulty level.The final workout is called a "Super Advanced" Reformer Mat sequence; the overview stresses that this should ONLY be attempted by very advanced students and teachers, and they also mention that it is the first time that the entire 35-minute reformer sequence has been filmed.I previewed this segment only, and while I'm sure I could do some of the exercises--including the yoga-inspired moves and the arms series with light weights--others were clearly beyond my skill level, and they definitely required the use of a raised Pilates mat rather than a thin multi-purpose yoga/Pilates mat.

There is no music on this video, and each workout features a single participant following the rapid voiceover instruction.For someone who is experienced with Pilates and can follow the fast-paced movements in the intermediate and advanced programs, I think these routines could be highly effective, but for me, the low "fun" factor means I am not likely to use this video again.

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Product Description:
Classical Pilates technique videos feature two of the most renowned Pilates professionals in the world, master instructor Bob Liekens and commentator Alycea Ungaro, who uphold the tradition and high ideals of Joseph Pilates original New York City Studio, which began during the 1920s. Classical Pilates shows good fundamentals of using the magic circle, and then demonstrates a solid beginning workout. After that, they take you into a realm where only the most highly trained classical instructors can demonstrate effectively: a beautiful intermediate level and an advanced level that is superbly executed. As if all of these workouts were not enough, there is also the Reformer Mat workout. This workout is a sight to behold. Winner of the COMMUNICATOR AWARDS- 2003 AWARD OF DISTINCTION As a winner of this award Classical Pilates Inc. joins an exclusive list of video professionals who are recognized as the best within the industry.

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Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Universal Reformer Series + Archival English & Spanish (2 DVD Set: Introductory Basic; Basic; Intermediate; Advanced; Super Advanced; Archival) (2003) Review

I started taking lessons at a good Pilates studio not too long ago. The teachers suggested this 2-DVD set because it showed how to exercise on the "Universal Reformer" that Joseph Pilates made. It blew me away! Wow! If you are into Pilates you will not believe how extensive and (okay I'll say it: wild!) the exercises really are. If you're beginning Pilates there is a modified basic routine that's very instructive. Then these people show a full basic routine. Then intermediate. Then advanced. Then beyond advanced and many historical exercises. This video helped me see and feel how to practice Pilates. My lessons are better and my teachers are happier I'm making faster progress. If you have not tried Pilates, get this video and find a teacher right away!

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Product Description:
Classical Pilates technique videos feature two of the most renowned Pilates professionals in the world, master instructor Bob Liekens and commentator Alycea Ungaro, who uphold the tradition and high ideals of Joseph Pilates original New York City Studio, which began during the 1920s. The virtue of this DVD is that it demonstrates the full-range of workout levels, far beyond intermediate, and even beyond the advanced level. The Reformer super advanced workout shown here is one for the history books; it is totally inspiring. Winner of the COMMUNICATOR AWARDS- 2003 AWARD OF DISTINCTION As a winner of this award Classical Pilates Inc. joins an exclusive list of video professionals who are recognized as the best within the industry.

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Classical Pilates Technique - The Complete Mat Workout Series English & Spanish (Modified Basic / Basic / Intermediate / Advanced / Super Advanced) (2002) Review

I have been doing Pilates for a month now. I had to set this DVD aside for 3 weeks before I could try this workout. It is FAST! On my other tapes there is a lot of instruction and the exercises are performed slowly.
On this one the BASIC workout has 10 exercises and is 7 minutes long. The instruction is given, as the moves are being performed, not before. It is great, but it will take you time to really know the exercises through and through before you are able to follow along.
The Intermediate workout has 15 xercises and is 12 minutes long. On my other DVD's, 15 xercises amounts to at least 45 minutes. I do agree with this DVD, but like I said it will take you time to really know the exercises before you can follow along at this fast pace- A pace like in no other Pilates tape I know of. The exercises themselves are classic Pilates and are done very well and gracefully.
The advanced workout has 25 exercises and is 20 minutes long. This one is good and the man doing the exercises actually sweats a lot, something I have yet to see in any other Pilates film. This is a really challenging workout!
The quality of this DVD is outstanding. You are sure to get a classic Piliates workout of the highest caliper. I do wish there was a one minute pause between exercises so you have time to get out of one exercise and into the next one. It will take you a lot of practice before you can follow along with the people in this workout, but the rewards will be superior to the other tapes. I find it really nice to have so many workouts one one DVD. An amazing value for such quality. I suggest you buy Brooke Silar's book The Pilates Body as well. This book has all the exercies of this DVD, but it also explains them in fine detail that is missing in this DVD.

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Product Description:
Classical Pilates technique videos feature two of the most renowned Pilates professionals in the world, master instructor Bob Liekens and commentator Alycea Ungaro, who uphold the tradition and high ideals of Joseph Pilates original New York City Studio, which began during the 1920s. This DVD serves to preserve the original, classical method in the face of current challenges. Each exercise is performed flawlessly, in real-time, and in correct sequence. If you already have a foundation in the principles of this exercise method, then this is the DVD to buy to further your ability. It's not watered down, slowed down, or commercialized; it's just Pilates the way Joseph Pilates created it.While there's nothing flashy about this DVD, it is an invaluable tool (and the best) for those who are interested in more than the latest fad. Winner of the COMMUNICATOR AWARDS- 2003 AWARD OF DISTINCTION As a winner of this award Classical Pilates Inc. joins an exclusive list of video professionals who are recognized as the best within the industry.

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