Romana's Pilates - Ultimate Challenge Mat Workout Review

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(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

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Element: Pilates Weight Loss for Beginners Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a mother of 4, and this Pilates Weight Loss DVD is the perfect workout to do at home. It's really helping me tone my saggy "muffin-top" waist area, while giving me the total stretching and strengthening I need. The visual demonstrations are very clear, and the detailed verbal instructions give me all the coaching I need to work on improving my pilates technique. This DVD is excellent as it's so easy to follow and has plenty of variation to keep me working out for months to come! It's amazing how these Pilates techniques, that make me feel so good by stretching my whole body, can really create a great cardio burn too.

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Pilates can transform your body in a way no gym equipment can match. Filmed on a breathtaking location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this dynamic beginner's workout is designed to maximize calorie burn while teaching you the basics of Pilates. With a combination of Pilates-conscious cardio and mat Pilates, this sequence uses the principles of control, concentration, precision, center, breath, and fluidity to help you sculpt a new shape. The gentle, low impact exercises will strengthen and tone your whole body to develop a slimmer, leaner body line. About the Instructor:
Brooke Siler is a second generation Pilates teacher, trained directly under Joseph Pilates’ own protégée for 12 years. She is the celebrated author of the New York Times best-selling series of books The Pilates Body and Your Ultimate Pilates Body Challenge. As owner of re: AB® Pilates Studio in New York City (www.reabnyc.com) and founder of the re: AB Pilates Teacher Certification program, Brooke has trained countless celebrity clients including Kirsten Dunst, Lauren Hutton and Madonna.
“Never done a roll up? Brooke Siler who’s trained Rachael Weisz easily you through a mat and cardio routine.” - The Best Workout DVDS US Weekly; January 12 2009 ed.

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Pilates For Beginners (3 DVD Set) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am somewhat out of shape, so this set was a perfect choice for me since it has things from real beginning levels to start you off on one dvd which gets you ready for things on the other DVD. The middle one generally picks up where the first leaves off, at least what I found so far when trying them, since you first one concentrates on helping you out more if you need it. I can see me using these videos for a long time and really get alot out of it.

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This 3 DVD set has everything you need to begin learning Pilates and to progress at your own pace. Never before has a has a single collection of Pilates DVDs contained so much valuable information to help you explore the hworld of Pilates. Be inspired and motivated with this amazing library that will grow with you for years to come. DVD HIGHLIGHTS:* Over 40 routines for a wide range of needs * Modifications of poses for less-flexible people* Routines from 15 - 60 minutes Pilates For Beginners 3 DVD Set contains the following DVDs:Pilates for Inflexible People Pilates for Inflexible People is for anyone who considers themselves inflexible. Joseph Pilates developed his method not for people who were already flexible, but rather to help inflexible and/or injured people become more flexible, strong and healthy. Pilates Complete for Inflexible Peopleis the perfect companion for anyone on this wonderful journey to increased health and vitality. A wide range of poses are taught and modified to help both beginning and intermediate students experience the benefits of Pilates. No matter how flexible you are, these customized workouts allow you to progress at your own pace. Includes remedial yoga sections to concentrate on flexibility. Over 15 routines! Pilates Complete for Weight LossPilates Complete for Weight Loss is the perfect way for beginning, intermediate and advanced students burn fat, build muscle and achieve and maintain an ideal weight. These workouts are designed to transform how your body looks, feels and performs, and is the perfect complement to any weight loss program. With over 15 customized mat workouts to suit your physical and scheduling needs, there is no better way to learn, progress and experience Pilates in your home. Great for beginners and advanced students Over 15 routines!Pilates Complete Sculpt and Tone Pilates Complete Sculpt and Tone has everything you need to get into the best shape possible. With a wide range of routines, these routines will help you achieve a sculpted, lean physique. Easy-to-use menus allow you to select a workout that fits your scheduling and physical needs. You can choose a workout by either body part (abs, legs, arms, back and glutes) or by type of routine (mat work, circle, weights, balance ball or small ball). No matter what shape you are in now, these customized workouts allow you to work and progress at your own pace. Over 20 routines!

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Pilates - Beginning Mat Workout (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've kicked my rating up one additional star for this one reason: I have been doing this tape everyday for 2 weeks and I can truly see and feel the difference. My stomach, waist, and hips are getting stronger by the day and are visibly more slim. My pants are definitely baggier in these areas and I can see definition in my stomach, and this is after only 2 weeks. Also, I feel stronger in these areas as well as my thighs. Much less joint pain and creaking going on down there, as well. The most signifigant aspect of this rapid improvement is that *you do not break a sweat when you do this workout*. Additionally, it's short, approx. 20 minutes, so I don't feel as though I'm wasting any part of my schedule by doing it. Another bonus is that you don't need any special workout gear, clothes, shoes, scary contraptions, etc. It's just you, the mat, and Ana.
I do have one recommendation for new users: get yourself one of those sticky mats that we use for yoga. The Living Arts company, the very same group that puts out this video, has one. Also, be certain to get Brooke Siler's book in order to understand the poses to their fullest.
That's all I have to say. I just love this workout.

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Pilates is a full-body conditioning exercise program that uses a series of machines and exercises.It works the entire body, both the right and left sides, in unison.It focuses primarily on what Joseph Pilates called the "powerhouse," the group of muscles that begins two inches above and below your navel, then wraps completely around your front and back--kind of like a corset.It also includes your buttocks.The DVD features the Pilates Beginning Mat Workout, plus a bonus workout and interview with instructor Ana Caban.

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