Customer Reviews

Rael Pilates: System 27

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was Surprised how good this dvd is , it is the cheapest pilates dvd I've bought (on DDD) yet it's the best in my opinion and my favorite now. The production quality is great and the picture is widescreen, it's from the same production team of the "Total Yoga" series which I also recommend.This is the third level and the most advanced in his pilates system series but it's not the most advanced pilates dvd you can find , in fact I'd say its good even for intermediate (and advanced) pilates students in good shape.It's a challenging yet doable workout and primarily focuses on the powerhouse( not alot upper or lower body work) .There's no super advanced pilates exercises on this one but the workout flows great , rael's instruction is motivating and straightforward
The workout starts with sufficient warm up of basic pilates movements like ab curls and bridge also through the workout there's a few stretches and downward dogs and some relaxation in the end , something that more pilates videos should have!
for a video clip check collagevideo.com
and for more reviews videofitness.com

The quality of the film is very good, making it pleasing to watch and follow the instructions. The workout itself is tough, which I appreciate as something to work toward. The instruction is very good, led and demonstrated by those with years of teaching and experience. They're very encouraging. The music complements nicely. If you are looking for a challenging workout without jarring your joints, this is it. I still feel some cardio work. The number 27 in the title reflects the number of exercises in the video. There is an intermediate 17, which I also have, and a beginner's 7, which I will recommend to folks I know who want to start an exercise program. Can I be more positive? No, I have no connection to the program - I just like it!

This disc comes with a 5 min interview with Rael, comes in 5.1 sound, the music is not annoying & the director & producers have won golden globes, emmys, etc. for other tv shows. The workout is 25 min long.
Rael Isacowitz has been doing Pilates for 25 years, is one of the few who can perform the entire repertoire & teaches other pilates teachers. He's one of the only people who can do the entire workout & has a masters in dance which shows in how he moves & speaks. He is very graceful when he moves, has a lot of charisma when he speaks & doesn't miss anything when showing how to do the movements. He sees the body as a dancer & is amazing in knowing how the body responds to small differences in movements such as which way the palm should face.
The set is simple orange with Rael guiding & speaking with an in shape female in gym halter top & pants doing the movements on a pilates table. Rael tells you how to move, what to watch out for all while keeping perfect pace of always telling you when to inhale & exhale in charming manner that's never annoying. He also demonstrates the more advanced way of doing each movement w/perfect precision & grace, even the roll ups. The pace is relaxed to emphasis body awareness.
Some of the movements are: breathing, pelvic curl/yoga bridge pose, lying spinal twist (knees tucked), chest lift (crunch), hundreds, roll up (laying to sitting), leg circles, rolling like a ball, single leg stretch, criss cross legs ab workout, double leg stretch, shoulder bridge, spine stretch (sitting), saw (touching each foot opposite hand), sitting spinal twist, corkscrew, side leg lifts (lying down), adductor squeeze, oblique arch, swan (yoga cobra/upward dog), single leg kick, double leg kick, cat/cow stretch, leg pull front, hip flexor stretch, back support (toning), single leg teaser, seal puppy & child's pose relaxation.
Only a few of the moves I felt were easy, but the more advanced way was plenty challenge enough for me.
If you want to learn pilates from a real master & get true body awareness to avoid spams & muscle injury, get this dvd.

You can see trailers for his system 17 & 27 at collagevideo com & get more info at raelilates com

I bought a lot of pilates dvds after I moved to a rural area and could no longer attend pilates classes. Most of them seemed slow and were not very challenging, but this dvd is different! It is pretty close to the experience of a real class in terms of feeling like a strong workout (workout is 45 minutes). Rael Isacowitz suggests ways to make the exercises more challening if you want; I've been doing this tape for the last 6 months and still have room to increase the intensity of the exercises. I haven't gotten bored from doing this dvd...as someone who's bought lots of other yoga and pilates dvds that I only used a few times, I really love this workout and suggest this dvd to anyone who is interested in a more advanced pilates workout.

I'm new to Pilates. This one has been rated advanced, but it is still easy to follow. I can't do the moves nearly as gracefully or for as long in all of them, but it strengthens my core like nothing else has. I love the way all the moves flow from one to another continuously.

This is a really good workout. It mainly focuses on your core (abs) and after a couple of days, I could definitely feel the burn. I have been doing other pilates videos for about 5 month, and this is a good step up from them. I really feel the burn after the workout. I would definitely recommend. I am looking forward to seeing results on my abs.

I love pilates and have struggled to find a suitable DVD which I can use to exercise at home. This DVD is, without a doubt, the best pilates DVD available. Rael is an outstanding instructor and is very knowledgeable. It is well presented. The people on the DVD do the movements beautifully and set a great example. The exercises flow from one into the other. The session is well structured and not disjointed (like other DVDs). It is challenging and I always feel good after using this DVD. I use this DVD everyday - I highly recommend it.

Great workout for intermediate/advanced trainees. Rael is an astounding instructor. The workout is complete and has an overall adequate pace and vitality. The warm-up and cool down parts are well balanced. The presentation of the title menu is excellent as well. Couldn't have asked more from it!! I am extremely happy with this DVD.

I'm a big fan of Rael. This is a good instructional video. It's not one to really work out to on a regular basis as the pace is slow for more advanced practioner. Rael gives a lot of good cues and insight into the movment. The instructor/models are amazing. Beautiful, graceful bodies. Nothing too difficult, good modifications.

After the basics of his prior DVDs, move to the advanced RAEL PILATES SYSTEM 27 , which continues Rael's exploration of the movement. Lest you think these Pilates moves are easy - Rael is one of the few who can perform the entire repertoire). More modern postures blend with coaching tips to build upon the basics for more advanced students, while new poses from corkscrews to double leg kicks are added.