Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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!

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.

There are only a few Reformer videos available. I've seen the Stott video and I prefer this video because it shows basic, intermediate, advanced, super advanced and archival levels. I appreciate this video is 3 hours long. In this video you have your own encyclopedia of traditional workouts the way Joseph Pilates made them. This is strict East Coast Pilates. And this is the only real method. There are people think it's too fast. I say, NO WAY! I enjoy the energy really moving, instead of just contemplating your way through a workout. You can't go wrong with this top notch video.

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!

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.

Love these DVDs for keeping the "pure Pilates" method ongoing. Have been doing Pilates for 5 years with an excellent trainer (trained under Romana and her proteges) and do prefer the apparatus workouts. Had the amazing opportunity to take a private lesson from Peter Fiasca, (featured on these DVDs)the Classical Pilates Director, and also watched him go through the workout on the apparatus in person. The fluid moves learned with this method are amazing. I am 60 years old and can keep up with the 20 and 30 year olds on the apparatus. It has done amazing things for by body and health and I will continue to watch these DVDs and learn more. These are a true testament to appreciating the method and its results. You do have to have a good knowledge of the Pilates method (including the Matwork) before attempting to do some of the workouts. It is worth finding a 5 star trainer who has studied the Classical Pilates Technique. Great, great, great presentation.

This DVD shows exercise routines on the Pilates Reformer exercise machine. Although Pilates mat exercise routines are a great way to stay in shape, Joseph Pilates invented equipment that gives you his total philosophy of health. By using Pilates equipment WITH the mat floor exercises, your flexibility and strength increase in many ways.

Since I'm an instructor, I have searched the market for available videos on Joseph Pilates method. This equipment video is head and shoulders above the others. Honestly, I wish everyone would work out on Pilates equipment, in addition to the mat. I know, I know, Pilates can be expensive. But I feel that it's better to invest in your health and well-being than to pay for doctors and medication if you let your health deteriorate.

I recommend for everyone to "Get Pilates!"

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!

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.

This New "upgraded and improved" DVD is a phenomenal undertaking that professionally illustrates the dynamic mind/body achievements of the original Pilates Reformed Method.
I use this DVD to enhance and reinforce the lessons I take with classically trained certified Pilates teachers. I highly recommend this to all teacher, apprentices, students and beginners who are learning the reformer workouts.
This DVD adds to my steady progression in learning the method by presenting the fabulous disciplined soloists with enhanced visual clarity showing core abdominal strength, spinal articulation, flexibility, enthusiastic energy, athletic gracefulness and mastery of movement. The variety of body types and styles gives a depth of knowledge in clearly seeing the breath and engaged muscles as the soloists move through the workouts. The outstanding verbal instruction keeps the mind focused and continually learning and re-adjusting the movements.
This DVD presents intact the un-compromised original technical integrity of the method as developed by Joseph Pilates. A perfect example of the importance of not distorting or changing this method is seen in how specific and scientifically Joseph Pilates designed the archival exercises for specific physical problems and rehabilitation.
Pilates is an evolutionary progression of fitness and this DVD has achieved outstanding quality in showing what can be achieved in the body and mind when this is done with correct technical percision and accuracy. I am thankful to say that after the steady discipline of carefully working this method with my certified teachers I am moving from rehabilitating a physical injury into an improved intermediate/advanced reformer level with a new awareness of my bodies requirements for a safe workout.