Rating: 
Summary: A Collection Unsurpassed
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular
Review: As an instructor, I highly recommend this Classical Pilates DVD for beginning through advanced clients. Understanding the flow and order of the exercises in each Reformer workout, as well as the nuances involved in performing the exercises correctly, can take years to comprehend. Classical Pilates' DVDs illustrate these points clearly and succinctly. The section of archival exercises is more of an exhibition than a workout, but it is the crowning glory of the method and this DVD. Congratulations to Classical Pilates for a spectacular presentation of the original Pilates method of body conditioning.
Rating:
Summary: Superlative
Review: I would be very surprised if there is ever a fourth edition, because this Third Edition of the Reformer from Classical Pilates is superlative! Both the modified basic routine and archival section are inspired supplements to the previous work this company has presented. If you have just started your Pilates training -- or not -- even if you are an instructor, this DVD of Reformer workouts is an invaluable resource.
Rating:
Summary: Pilates Equipment Is Great
Review: 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!"
Rating:
Summary: No Other Like It
Review: This Reformer video is the most complete set of Pilates workouts that you can buy, especially in a single package. Besides that, the professionals who put this video together are thoroughly expert in the description and depiction of Pilates workouts. If you are interested in the Pilates Reformer, the most well-known piece of equipment, this is the only video to buy. I tell every other teacher I know about this video, and I recommend that my students study this video. After my students watch this video, their understanding of the Pilates method improves, and their physical capabilities improve as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Useless without the reformer
Review: For those of us who have never done pilates before and have no idea what a reformer is, this DVD is useless. Make sure you have the reformer (approx. $355-500) before you purchase this.
Rating:
Summary: This Is Authentic Pilates
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: "Upgraded, improved and phenomenal".
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Intense Excellence
Review: About a year ago I bought Classical Pilates' previous Reformer DVD. It had a full range of traditional technique, but the lights and looked like a student film project. Even so, the movement was excellent. When this 3rd edition arrived, I called the company and asked what they had improved. It turns out just about everything: lights, sets, technique, and comprehensiveness. These cats are head and shoulders above any other Pilates DVD making company. They make the Reformer workouts look like a new sport/art form that could be in the Olympics.
Rating:
Summary: Beyond Beyond
Review: 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!
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