Customer Reviews

Classical Pilates Complete Universal Reformer Series (basic; intermediate; advanced; super advanced)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

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.

It is wonderfully refreshing to see the Pilates method preserved the way Joseph H. Pilates meant it to be, and the best way to derive maximum benefit from his amazing body conditioning technique. If you know about people in the business, master instructor Bob Liekens, commentator Alycea Ungaro, and director/soloist Peter Fiasca all studied extensively with master instructor Romana Kryzanowska, who is one of the foremost authorities of Joseph H. Pilates' original method. This DVD is a true and thorough exposition of the Pilates Universal Reformer Series. In contrast to Classical Pilates' exemplary compilation of the Universal Reformer workouts, there are many celebrities and fitness professionals who have jumped on the Pilates bandwagon (without in-depth or comprehensive study of the method) and produced videos that are either technically derivative or piecemeal. In the Pilates world, passion runs deep within those who truly care about preserving the method with historical accuracy. I hope that Classical Pilates continues their fine work.

I've looked at a few Pilates Reformer videos because I love the method and enjoy taking Pilates lessons. Most fitness professionals have fairly good products, and each video has its own perspective. For a long time, I just figured that Pilates was like aerobics or Yoga: there were many types and each was valid in its own way. After watching this Classical Pilates DVD, I learned there is a single tradition that continues Joseph Pilates' original method.

There is a big difference between this DVD and the other Pilates-based workout DVDs. This Pilates video is definitely faster, and requires more energy and mental discipline. The interesting thing, though, is that you GET more energy by expending energy in a good workout! I also liked this DVD because it has the full range of workouts, so if I feel like practicing the basic routine, I'll do that. If I feel like doing the advanced routine, I'll do practice that.

Although the lighting could definitely be better, I prefer this low-budget production that shows the heart and soul of Pilates.

Be advised when ordering this series. It requires a piece of gym equipment called a Universal Reformer. If you do not have and do not plan to purchase a Reformer, this series is not for you. Purchase a beginning series that uses mats instead.

This DVD inspired me to take my workout to the next level. I train regularly with a local Pilates instructor and really enjoy my lessons.

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. Just to be aware of where the Pilates method can lead is truly exciting. Watching this DVD even makes me want to become an instructor so I can share the Pilates method with other people.

The other Reformer videos I've seen only show a single workout level for about the same price. So, for $...you can't beat it. The production (lighting, sets) of this DVD could have been better, but what you get is real substance and real inspiration. The other vidoes I've seen have slick production value, but lack the classical approach and thorough range of workout levels.

The "Classical Pilates" COMPLETE Universal Reformer Series DVD is the most accurate and purest example of the original Pilates Method as taught by Joseph H. Pilates.This is a beautifly exciting DVD and I am continually inspired by the excellent certified teachers as they perform the exercises with such grace and flowing beauty. I constantly hear new information as I listen to the insightful and in depth instructions on this DVD and learn a new appproach to intigrating the method into my mind and body. I use the DVD in addition to reformer lessons I take with excellent certified teachers and have my lessons strengthened and enhanced by the treasure chest of information and accurate visuals. As I begin to learn more advanced forms I am challenged and excited to see the forms I will be doing and I am confident in the master instructions on this DVD. I also have this series in VHS and I use the Classical Pilates Matt VHS. I can say my progression to more advanced reformer has been helped by these tapes. I recommed this DVD for anyone who wants to seriously learn how this incredible method can bring the mind and body to its full potential in strength, corrected posture, cardiovascular endurance, abundance energy and a wonderful sense of well being.

This production shows each individual exercise from several different angles. It leaves no question in my mind where the body is in relationship to the Reformer, unlike other productions that include too many fancy camera moves that just prove to be distracting. The performers are unquestionably well trained and their clear-cut movement makes it easier for me to learn the new exercises, especially in the super advanced segment. The education and commentary provided by the instructors is illuminating. Working with this product continues to enhance my Pilates sessions.

I have been working with the Classical Pilates Reformer basic-advanced VHS to facilitate my progress in the lessons and classes I take with a private instructor. Bob Liekens' masterful instruction, Alycea Ungaro's insight and wisdom of the method, and the clearness and exactness of the performances by such highly skilled Pilates professionals (Peter Fiasca, Junghee Kallender, Jamie Trout) have helped me to improve my Pilates workouts more rapidly than before I started working with the tape. I bought this DVD because I prefer this format and because it included the super-advanced workout as well. We all have dreams and aspirations. At first viewing, I was so mesmerized by Peter Fiasca's super-advanced workout that I watched it all the way through to the end. It was comparable to watching an athletic performance of dance. Such incredible strength and beauty...I had no idea that the Pilates method was so developed, and that one's technique could be so finely honed as Fiasca's. I am grateful to have discovered the Pilates technique, for it has made a dramatic improvement in my body and my life, and I am also indebted to Classical Pilates for producing such high quality technique videos which are educational, motivational and inspirational.

The Performer I bought from QVC this winter has been given a new life, thanks to this DVD! I was getting tired of the same routine from the video that came with the equipment. This DVD has four complete workouts, from beginner to really advanced. I enjoy working out again! I suggest this DVD to anyone who has a Performer like mine or the studio Reformer as well.

This DVD is a must have for any Pilates person. Two hours long, four levels of Reformer real-time workouts for only $... -- I have not seen a better value advertised. And it is so easy to find the workout or exercise you are looking for on DVD. Thank you Classical Pilates!