Romana's Pilates - Ultimate Challenge Mat Workout Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I pre-ordered this DVD, waited almost two months to receive it, and I may never watch it again. I am trained in the New York tradition and have heard many stories of the legendary Romana, and I had hoped that this DVD would be as incredible as the woman for whom it is named.
The section titled "One on One with Romana" was the best part and definitely worth a second look. It provides a voyeuristic glimpse of what it would be like to take a lesson from this Masterful Instructor -- certainly not for the faint of heart or weak of Powerhouse! -- by watching her teach Moses Urbano, an obviously talented Pilates professional.
It is the "Workout with Kathi" section, which is meant to be the complete workout of the DVD, which is the most disappointing. I bought this DVD under the premise that the instruction would be provided by Romana herself, but it is not. There is virtually no instruction at all! I do not consider repeating the phrase, "Circle down and up, circle down and up," throughout the entire Single Leg Circles, or "Roll back and forward, roll back and forward," for each repetition of Rolling Like a Ball to be quality instruction. Some of the transitions are edited out of the routine, so it could be a challenge just getting from one exercise to the other if you were to follow along with the tape.
This DVD includes the Intermediate exercises performed at an extremely Advanced level. It is not for the average Pilates enthusiast. It is, however, a wonderful opportunity for those truly devoted to gather a few pearls of wisdom from Romana.
If you are looking for more in-depth instruction, including flowing transitions and powerful imagery, and a DVD that you can work out to, I recommend Classical Pilates Technique Complete Mat Workout Series rather than Romana's Pilates.

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Joseph Pilates developed a unique fitness system combining aspects of martialarts, gymnastics, yoga and ancient Greek training techniques, focusing on thecoordination of the body, mind and spirit. Pilates practiced what he called"The Art of Contrology" until his death in 1968, at the age of 88.He left his studio - and his legacy as a trainer, teacher and innovator - tohis student and colleague Romana Kryzanowska. Today, the conditioning systembears his name, is one of the most popular and fastest growing fitness methodsin the world. Known simply as PILATES, its leading teacher and practitioneris also recognized by only one name, ROMANA.

For nearly half a century Romana has traveled around the world, teaching thistrue Pilates method that she learned directly from "Uncle Joe". Herclients include athletes, dancers and celebrities. Even the most successfulPilates teachers and other fitness experts regularly come to Romana for advancedinstruction and certification in the Pilates method. Now, for the first time,Romana has created a video series for home use.

There are three words to describe Pilates:

- Stretch - Strength - Control

Mat Challenge Workout This is the ultimate home workout for the experienced Pilates practitioner.Designed for both men and women, Romana's Pilates: Mat Challenge Workout willtest your limits in the three principles of a true Pilates workout - STRETCH,STRENGTH and CONTROL. In just twenty minutes, you'll utilize every muscle inyour body in a unique and intense workout. You'll discover new levels of:

- Power - Endurance - Coordination - Balance - Spirit

Special Features:

- Bonus Workout - Wall Alignment Warm Up - Documentary - Photo Gallery - Trailers

"Done three times a week, a few well-designed movements, properly executedin sequence, are worth hours of calisthenics or contortions! Whatever your fitnesslevel, I'll help you establish a workout that you'll truly enjoy. I'm proudof what a lifetime of practicing Pilates has done for me. Now let me show youwhat Pilates can do for you." - Romana

Also Available: Romana's Pilates:

- Introduction To Pilates Matwork - Optimum Weight Management - Powerhouse Mat Workout

Reviews: "Romana is to Pilates what Madonna is topop music." Jeffrey Altshuler

Get 61% OFF

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The Method Pilates - All in One Workout Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In-between whipping up magic in the kitchen (cooking), keeping your life organized (cleaning, errands), securing a paycheck (work), and making everyone happy (family responsibilities), it may sometimes feel like you are much less than an exercise goddess. After all, who has 90 minutes to exercise?
My solution has been to make time to escape to the workout room. I've found that I can get more done because of the increase in energy. So, technically, I don't have time "not" to exercise.
Once I start the "All in One" workout, I know I am going to feel like a goddess, move like a dancer and feel like I really did work every muscle group in my entire body.
The precise movements in this video do take time to master, yet are fun and creative. With three instructors and constantly changing exercises, you will never be bored. You will in fact experience a new dimension in total physical conditioning. A combination of yoga, T'AI Chi, classical and aerobic dance, and exercises inspired by Joseph Pilates will encourage the integration of the entire body.
You will also find yourself feeling more balanced. Of all the workout videos I have tried, this one excels in developing balance. Improving strength, endurance, suppleness and flexibility are also included in the game plan.
There are three sections or if you add "lengthening," there are four sections.
1. Warm-Up Conditioning is an innovative variety of dance-based movements to firm every major muscle group. This is one of my favorite segments and is 15 minutes.
2. Aerobic Cross-Training (30 minutes) warms your body to fat burning intensity. You alternate between aerobic dance and weight exercises which are not overly challenging, but seem to work well.
3. Centering Makeover (35 minutes) helps you to become more aware of your body's center of energy, balance and strength. It encourages good posture, balance and poise. The anti-gravity techniques help to defy aging.
4. Lengthening (10 minutes) is a cool-down segment, which is reminiscent of yoga. I would have enjoyed another 10 minutes in this section if it had included more yoga stretching. At this point, I was not going anywhere and was flat on the floor anyway! This is a tough workout, but you will love the challenge.
Overall, you will enjoy the variety. The dance segments evoke a "from the beginning of the earth" tribal feel (drums alternate with a more Jazzy track) and make you feel centered. The footwork is challenging at first.
If you keep your feet moving you can work your way past the more complex routines which are not that complex on your third use of this video. They are actually quite fun and the dance is alternated with weights so you get a break from the dance segment to catch your breath. The dance steps do demand your full attention.
I rate this an intermediate to advanced workout. If you have been walking on a treadmill a few times a week, you will have no problem completing the 90 minutes.
Jennifer Kries makes her appearance in the beginning and end of this video. If anyone is a fitness goddess, she is! Soon after she begins instructing you in the Method Techniques, you will realize why. She also seems to have a subtle humor and enjoys encouraging you to push your limits. I especially enjoy the Method workouts when she is the instructor. All the instructors in this video are easy to listen to and inspire you to keep going.
I give this my highest recommendation for all over body conditioning and enjoyment. I am very picky about workout videos, so you know this one is going to be good! The dancing in this video will really make you feel like a goddess and you don't have to have a perfect figure. Dance away and enjoy life, that is what is important!
~The Rebecca Review

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Defy gravity defy age!This easy-to-follow full-body Method workout is designed for maximum fat reduction and aerobic conditioning.A complete fat reduction workout!This video integrates all of the elements recommended for a complete workout and includes innovative anti-gravity precision toning and firming techniques.System Requirements:Running Time: 90 Min. Color.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:HEALTH/FITNESS UPC:071083559860 Manufacturer No:5598-6

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