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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Romana's Pilates - Ultimate Challenge Mat Workout


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

Click here for more information about Romana's Pilates - Ultimate Challenge Mat Workout

Classical Pilates Technique - The Complete Mat Workout Series English & Spanish (Modified Basic / Basic / Intermediate / Advanced / Super Advanced) (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been doing Pilates for a month now. I had to set this DVD aside for 3 weeks before I could try this workout. It is FAST! On my other tapes there is a lot of instruction and the exercises are performed slowly.
On this one the BASIC workout has 10 exercises and is 7 minutes long. The instruction is given, as the moves are being performed, not before. It is great, but it will take you time to really know the exercises through and through before you are able to follow along.
The Intermediate workout has 15 xercises and is 12 minutes long. On my other DVD's, 15 xercises amounts to at least 45 minutes. I do agree with this DVD, but like I said it will take you time to really know the exercises before you can follow along at this fast pace- A pace like in no other Pilates tape I know of. The exercises themselves are classic Pilates and are done very well and gracefully.
The advanced workout has 25 exercises and is 20 minutes long. This one is good and the man doing the exercises actually sweats a lot, something I have yet to see in any other Pilates film. This is a really challenging workout!
The quality of this DVD is outstanding. You are sure to get a classic Piliates workout of the highest caliper. I do wish there was a one minute pause between exercises so you have time to get out of one exercise and into the next one. It will take you a lot of practice before you can follow along with the people in this workout, but the rewards will be superior to the other tapes. I find it really nice to have so many workouts one one DVD. An amazing value for such quality. I suggest you buy Brooke Silar's book The Pilates Body as well. This book has all the exercies of this DVD, but it also explains them in fine detail that is missing in this DVD.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Classical Pilates Technique - The Complete Mat Workout Series English & Spanish (Modified Basic / Basic / Intermediate / Advanced / Super Advanced) (2002)

Classical Pilates technique videos feature two of the most renowned Pilates professionals in the world, master instructor Bob Liekens and commentator Alycea Ungaro, who uphold the tradition and high ideals of Joseph Pilates original New York City Studio, which began during the 1920s. This DVD serves to preserve the original, classical method in the face of current challenges. Each exercise is performed flawlessly, in real-time, and in correct sequence. If you already have a foundation in the principles of this exercise method, then this is the DVD to buy to further your ability. It's not watered down, slowed down, or commercialized; it's just Pilates the way Joseph Pilates created it.While there's nothing flashy about this DVD, it is an invaluable tool (and the best) for those who are interested in more than the latest fad. Winner of the COMMUNICATOR AWARDS- 2003 AWARD OF DISTINCTION As a winner of this award Classical Pilates Inc. joins an exclusive list of video professionals who are recognized as the best within the industry.

Get 12% OFF

Click here for more information about Classical Pilates Technique - The Complete Mat Workout Series English & Spanish (Modified Basic / Basic / Intermediate / Advanced / Super Advanced) (2002)