Customer Reviews

Classical Pilates Technique: Magic Circle Mat Series & Reformer Mat Workout

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

Since I'm a Pilates fan, I have purchased many DVDs to practice the method. There are a few other videos that show magic circle, but they're way NOT like this DVD.

Classical Pilates shows good fundamentals of using the magic circle, and then they demonstrate 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 something called the Reformer Mat workout. I had never heard of this before. If you go on vacation and don't have your Reformer with you, you can practice all the Reformer exercises on the Mat! This workout is a sight to behold. The woman who performs this workout is so beautiful, strong, and pleasant in her demeanor, that she makes Pilates look like a sheer joy to do!

I have been telling all my friends and family about this DVD because it adds new interesting dimensions to regular Pilates mat exercises. If you get this DVD, you will want to tell your friends!

One last thing: the man that narrates the workouts coaches you with this really cool accent. I don't know where he is from, but his words and voice make me understand the Pilates exercises in ways I never dreamed of before. His voice lulls me into deeper wisdom about the Pilates method every time I listen to the DVD.

I just started Pilates a few monts ago, and was looking for a video that added some new movements. This DVD definitely has them using the magic circle. The magic circle keeps my attention and I have to concentrate even more. Also, I feel the muscles in the "Powerhouse" area work intensely. I think this video is terrific for everyone. Yes, it moves fast, but the people show Pilates authentically. These guys don't mess around, which I like. And the workouts are seriously satisfying.

The magic circle most definitely adds a different dimension to basic pilates exercises and really helps me focus on my powerhouse. However, if you are new to pilates, this should NOT be the first dvd you buy. I would recommend Pilates for Dummies first and once you master the basic pilates moves, then go on to the Classical Pilates with the magic circle dvd. The reason is that this dvd moves really REALLY fast and there are virtually no instruction on how to do the moves. Once you have master the basic pilates moves, then this dvd is great because you get a fantastic workout and the magic circle really makes it more of a challenge. I didn't even attempt to try the super advanced reformer mat exercise that comes with the DVD. However, I hope someday I will!

I have always kept in moderately good shape all my life with swimming, walking, aerobics, tennis, and golf. Yet as time goes on (I'm in my 50s) I find it's very helpful to gain deeper muscular strength in such a way that I also increase flexibility. I wish knew about Pilates 30 years ago. But there's good news: it's never too late to start Pilates. Since I bought Classical Pilates other DVD, I thought I would give this one a try.

The magic circle Pilates workout is simultaneously gentle and physically challenging. It's also mentally interesting and keeps my attention. I don't get bored, which is very gratifying! Sometimes I workout on the treadmill, but it definitely does not challenge my mind. I can space out and watch TV or listen to music on the treadmill. But with Pilates, my mind and body must try to coordinate all the intriguing movements and goals to improving the movements.

I bought this video because it was recommened by a friend, and because of the reviews on Amazon.com. For $19.95 you cannot have a better Pilates training guide, unless you hire a teacher to come to your home.

Thank you for making this video.

First of all, it won't play in my DVD player. I think it's foreign in origin and has compatibility issues. I can play it on my computer, however.

The best thing about this dvd is that the workouts are truely challenging--something to work towards.

The worst (other than it won't play on my dvd) is the difference between the beginner's workout (too easy and slow) and the intermediate (challenging, but very quick in the transitions--and the commentary does not always follow the movements so you have to continously look at the screen).

The advanced workouts are truely advanced--some of the moves impossible (and dangerous I'd venture) for someone at the intermediate level. It certainly gives you something to aspire to.

All in all, this isn't a bad dvd if you want something authentic. No cheerleaders here. These guys are serious about their pilates

The magic circle makes Pilates mat exercises fun! I love Pilates but lessons are expensive, so I can't take them regulary. With this DVD you can save a lot of $$$$ in lesson fees, but be aware that using the magic circle looks deceptively easy! The demonstrators are clear and straight forward, so I thought that's fairly easy. Well, it's not! It takes concentration and coordination, two very good things that apply in many other parts of life. But the fact is that everyone can use the magic circle with Pilates mat exercises.

The magic circle makes me feel my muscles more in the center of my body, the area that Pilates people call the Powerhouse. And you must keep your mind focused and completely 'present.' You don't have time to think about anything else, which is good! In this multitasking world, it feels like such a rare and satisfying experience just to be completely involved in what you are doing in the moment. And time flys right by! Woooosh! You're done! And you had fun!

There's also an extraordinary workout at the end of this DVD called the Reformer Mat Workout. This workout seems to be the final frontier of Pilates mat exercise routines. It is a awesome challenge for the mind and body, and I will be working on it for many years to come.

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.

That's what Joseph Pilates used to say about his method of exercise: "It's good for the body." I'm a teacher and I was looking for some new material to teach my students. Since Classical Pilates has a great reputation, I tried this DVD and was seriously impressed. All the workouts are traditional and the magic circle adds a new feeling to each exercise. By new feeling I mean you can really feel your muscles working from the Powerhouse. This is good because even teachers accidentally cheat sometimes (without realizing it) when they workout sing more arm and leg strength, instead of the Powerhouse.

If you want the traditional series of Pilates workouts with the magic circle, I definitely recommend this video.

I was interested in finding a new DVD to satisfy my thirst for learning new Pilates exercises. This is it. Using the "magic" ring (kinda looks like a "thigh master") or magic circle, I saw new really good moves for the regular Pilates mat routine. The people on the video make it look natural and easy, but it isn't. You have to practice and it feels good to practice because the video is actually interesting to watch. I'm having fun and feel a lot better in general. My friends and family definitely notice.