Joseph Pilates developed a unique fitness system combining aspects of martial arts, gymnastics, yoga and ancient Greek training techniques, focusing on the coordination 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 - to his student and colleague Romana Kryzanowska. Today, the conditioning system bears his name, is one of the most popular and fastest growing fitness methods in the world. Known simply as PILATES, its leading teacher and practitioner is also recognized by only one name, ROMANA. For nearly half a century Romana has traveled around the world, teaching this true Pilates method that she learned directly from "Uncle Joe". Her clients include athletes, dancers and celebrities. Even the most successful Pilates teachers and other fitness experts regularly come to Romana for advanced instruction 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 Introduction to Pilates Matwork There's no better way to get started on Pilates at home than with a 1-on-1 from the grand mistress of the true Pilates method. Romana's Pilates: Introduction to Matwork will guide you step-by-step through the basics of Pilates. You'll discover your Powerhouse and what it means to you overall well-being. You'll develop a positive mind-set, while stretching and strengthening your muscles. Romana's Pilates will get you on a path to improved health and fitness. - Easy to Learn - Fun to do - Builds Strength - Sparks Energy Special Features: - Wake Up Routine - Documentary - Photo Gallery - Trailers "Done three times a week, a few well-designed movements, properly executed in sequence, are worth hours of calisthenics or contortions! Whatever your fitness level, I'll help you establish a workout that you'll truly enjoy. I'm proud of what a lifetime of practicing Pilates has done for me. Now let me show you what Pilates can do for you." - Romana Also Available: Romana Pilates: - Optimum Weight Management - Powerhouse Mat Workout - Mat Challenge Workout Reviews: "Romana is to Pilates what Madonna is to pop music." Jeffrey Altshuler
E**N
Good for basic moves
This is a good introduction video that walks you through basic moves.I found that there was more documentary than exercise.Great to hear from someone that actually practice with Joseph Pilates.
T**N
Four Stars
wonderful to see and hear a master
J**B
Where is the workout?
I am fairly new to pilates but have watched several videos. I like the ones that give modified versions of a move but still offer a workout. I am disappointed in this video because it is more of a warm-up than a workout....three repetitions of a move is about it and I would guess it is just a ten minute routine. If it were easier to fast forward to the "workout" portion I truly would use it as a warm up. I was i was excited because in the beginning it shows an actual class being done by several with Romana instruction. But that was a "teaser" Alas, none of that follows. I found it interesting to hear the background and "meet"Ms. Romana but what is that 5 minutes worth? Perhaps her more advanced workouts would be worth buying but now I am skeptical. The title says it all: introduction to Pilates Matwork. So do not expect an actual full routine. Watch it once for correct form and overview and to hear the history, then resell or give it away.
T**W
Stretch, Strength & Control
I was quite excited to learn about the lessons taught by Romana Kryzanowska, the last living disciple of Joseph Pilates. It is not every day that you have someone teaching you Pilates who actually studied with Joseph Pilates.The Introduction to Pilates Matwork introduces you to the magic of Pilates and I must say this seems to be more for serious students of Pilates or for anyone interested in seriously changing their body shape.If you are new to Pilates, this will also gives you the basics and some of the history I was not aware of when I first started exercising. I started to get a sense of how everything evolved and how Pilates has become so prominent in the exercise culture.There are many segments in this DVD, so it is not only informative, you get two exercise sections. In one, you have a one on one lesson with Romana and then there is a Workout with rapid sequences that will be enjoyed by intermediate students.Other special features:Wall alignment warm upHistorySpecial Wakeup RoutineDocumentaryMari Windsor appears in the documentary. It was fun to see her talking about Romana since Mari first introduced me to Pilates in her Accelerated Body Sculpting videos. While I had done other Pilates exercises in many workouts, that was the first time I actually realized the exercises were part of Joseph Pilates innovative techniques for body sculpting.Some of the basics you will learn in this workout:The HundredLeg CirclesRolling Like a BallRoll-UpThe results of Pilates are long-lasting and healing. You can literally resculpt your entire body with a good routine. When you see Romana at 80 years old and how flexible she is and how she moves like a dancer even while walking, you will be very motivated to keep up with your exercises.Romana's energy and zest for life is refreshing and I lament the fact that I did not have anyone like her in my life as a teenager. Sometimes you need a little extra motivation and for someone to care enough to show you how to take care of your physical form. Romana stated Pilates at the young age of 15 and her life is an inspiration. There are quite a few secrets in these DVDs that I have not seen in any other Pilates workouts.This DVD put everything into perspective and I think this is one of the essential Pilates DVDs to watch because I learned so much about the history and the introduction to Romana's life was magical. She made me want to keep up with my exercises for the rest of my life.~The Rebecca ReviewP.S. If you enjoy this DVD, you may also want to read Ultimate Pilates by Dreas Reyneke.Also Highly Recommended:Winsor Pilates with Mari WinsorThe Method Standing Pilates BlendMTV Pilates MixCrunch Fat Burning PilatesThe Method Pilates Target SpecificsCrunch Pick Your Spot Pilates
D**A
Still Inspired
I'm the granddaughter of Romana Kryzanowska, and I've been surprised by a few of the not so favorable reviews some folks have issued here. I think this video series is great, if you're a beginner and have not had much exposure to the Pilates method, then this is a great way to start the learning process and have something you can follow at home. Because this is Romana's first video series, many individuals with existing Pilates experience have very lofty expectations and are looking for something that will help them become better Pilates teachers. Simply put, these folks are missing the boat; this series is for beginners, not certified instructors or experienced Pilates students. This series wasn't designed to replace an advanced or Continuing Education seminar, those require supervision or individuals can take on unnecessary risk when trying to work out at home. Later videos may focus on more advanced pieces of Pilates equipment and exercises for more experienced Pilates students and teachers, just not this series. My grandmother has always been reserved about providing instruction through video, for one simple reason...Safety. As a result, her video series takes into account the range of people who may buy and use them with Safety being a primary driver of the exercises that were selected for the first edition. If you?re new to Pilates, buy it and begin your Pilates journey in a safe manner; experienced instructors and students get yourselves to the studio and take a lesson with a certified instructor.
R**H
informational only
While I enjoyed the documentary aspect of learning about Pilates and about Romana (who is very inspirational), the workout included in this DVD was only about 5 minutes long and terribly disappointing. I wish I had bought it used instead of spending $15 on it. I will share it with friends so they can see the background of the workout I've been enjoying for over a year, but I won't mind if it never makes it way home to me again.
M**F
not an exercise class!
While I appreciate the historical value of this video and its explanation of classic Pilates history, it is erroneously marketed as an exercise class. The content is particularly dissapointing for anyone with a low-to-moderate fitness level. The rushed and competitive manner in which the material is presented may encourage beginners to take on more risk of injury than would be appropiate for their level. If you're looking for a carefully guided class for beginners, go elsewhere.
Y**L
Super bien super dur
les exercices sont super bien faits, très bien effectués, c'est vraiment le Pilates traditionnel. Le rythme est un peu soutenu, mais franchement ça vaut le coup. Indispensable pour les instructeurs.
