( 32 reviews )
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Posted: Aug 12 2009
The video quality is bad (kind home-made video) plus I can hardly hear what the instructor says.
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Posted: Jul 16 2009
This is undoubtedly an excellent DVD in many ways. It is well demonstrated and the instruction is good. However, I am getting tired of DVD introductions that advise the user to take instruction from a trained classical Pilates instructor. That's great advice if you live in NYC like so many of the people who produce classical Pilates videos seem to. But I can tell you that for many of us who do not, this simply is not feasible, if not impossible. Classes in my area often claim to be classical Pilates but I am familiar enough with authentic Pilates to know they are not. Even if I were able to drive an hour and a half each way to a "real" classical Pilates studio, the private instruction there is so costly it would be out of my reach. I know this is a problem for a lot of people seeking classical Pilates instruction and I wish it's something the classical Pilates people who are trying so hard to keep the original method alive would better understand. As it is, true classical Pilates is, in many ways, becoming an exercise method for the elite. For those of us who purchase DVD's to learn more about classical Pilates technique, I personally would rather see the exercises broken down in a separate, more in-depth tutorial as well as some close-ups added at certain times in the workouts themselves. For example, a close-up on the positioning of the feet, hands and arms in some of the advanced moves would be very beneficial. This is particularly true if these are viewed on anything less than a big screen. Also, I know that flow is important as you advance in Pilates but I do wish the transitions would be just a little slower. By the time you've learned to flow as quickly as the performers do, you probably will be so familiar with the given routine, you won't need to follow the DVD anymore or, at least, not as closely. So, why not gear the DVD's pace to those just beginning to learn the routines? On the other hand, this DVD, as with all of the Classical Pilates Technique DVD's, really is among the very best. And as far as value goes, it can't be beat-- this is a small price to pay for so many workouts. Furthermore, the exercises are all clearly and expertly demonstrated, and accompanied by verbal instruction. I just wish there was more of it.
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Posted: May 30 2009
This DVD (along with all the Classical Pilates dvds) is a really good source for learning the technique and sequence of the classical pilates repertoire. When I started learning pilates I did DVDs which you would work out with. After I while I wanted to learn more and start working out on my own (without a video), so I ordered this DVD, along with Pilates book "Return to Life Through Contrology". As many reviewers have said, the pace of this video is too quick to really exercise w/ it. However, I knew that from reading reviews before I ordered it, so I had no issue with it. Classical Pilates is basically pilates exactly as Joe Pilates taught it. This includes the technique for performing each individual exercise (various other methods of pilates make small - or sometimes not so small - changes to the way the moves are performed), the number of reps for each move, and the order of the moves. I basically watched the video to study the moves (along w/ reading Pilates's book), then would practice them later on my own. The video was good for this purpose - the name of each exercise and the prescribed number of reps is displayed on the screen as the exercises are done, which made it easy for me to write it down to study later. The video also goes through workouts of various levels, from beginner all the way to advanced. The cueing (done by pilates expert Bob Liekens) is very good. The technique of the demonstrators is also beautiful, and i enjoy watching them workout simply to appreciate their skills as practitioners. I am actually a certified pilates teacher now (not classical style), and I really think having a knowledge of classical technique has made me a stronger practitioner and given me a greater appreciation for my own training (in terms of understanding the reasons for deviations from pilates original vision). I love the sequencing of the classical workouts (I find it to be the most athletic), although the unchangeable order can get a little stagnant after a while. Overall, I think a knowledge of the classical repertoire is a must for any serious pilates student, and this DVD is the best source I've found for studying the pure classical pilates matwork. Enjoy!
