Search - Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Magic Circle Mat Series (Basic; Intermediate; Advanced) & Reformer Mat Workout (Super Advanced) on DVD

Thorough, no-nonsense Pilates for experienced practioners

Beth Cholette | Upstate NY USA | 06/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are used to Pilates videos along the lines of Denise Austin or Ellen Barrett, this DVD is definitely NOT for you! Classical Pilates Technique provides much more serious, no-nonsense Pilates instruction. In fact, even the individual workouts have more of an instructional feel rather than seeming like actual workout routines, as the voiceover instruction fails to provide adequate cueing for movement changes, breath, etc. Instead, you will be in the middle of one exercise and hear "now another variation is..."; I found myself struggling to keep up with these rapid changes. Similarly, there is no pause between the moves, which would be fine if this was a Pilates mat routine only, but with the ring added, it makes it very difficult to find time to re-position the ring before the next exercise begins.



The DVD starts with a brief introduction to Pilates, which is basically a lying and seated breath practice. You then have four workouts to choose from. The first, Basic, is only 5 minutes long and is more of an introduction to using the ring; 6 basic Pilates matwork exercises are included. The second, Intermediate, is 18 minutes long, and the exercises included are similar to what would be found in most advanced beginners programs. However, the addition of the ring makes the exercises more challenging, and there is also a tough teaser sequence--three Teaser 1's repeated three times--at the end of the workout. At 20 minutes, the advanced version is slightly longer, but it moves even more quickly to include a larger variety of exercises. With a few exceptions (eg, full shoulder bridge, boomerang), most of the exercises included here are what I'm used to seeing in intermediate Pilates programs (rollover, corkscrew, hip circles), but again, using the ring ups both the intensity and the difficulty level. The final workout is called a "Super Advanced" Reformer Mat sequence; the overview stresses that this should ONLY be attempted by very advanced students and teachers, and they also mention that it is the first time that the entire 35-minute reformer sequence has been filmed. I previewed this segment only, and while I'm sure I could do some of the exercises--including the yoga-inspired moves and the arms series with light weights--others were clearly beyond my skill level, and they definitely required the use of a raised Pilates mat rather than a thin multi-purpose yoga/Pilates mat.



There is no music on this video, and each workout features a single participant following the rapid voiceover instruction. For someone who is experienced with Pilates and can follow the fast-paced movements in the intermediate and advanced programs, I think these routines could be highly effective, but for me, the low "fun" factor means I am not likely to use this video again."

In A Class of Its Own

Larry E. | New York, NY | 12/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since I'm a Pilates fan, I have purchased many DVDs to practice the method. There are a few other videos that show magic circle, but they're way NOT like this DVD.Classical Pilates shows good fundamentals of using the magic circle, and then they demonstrate a solid beginning workout. After that, they take you into a realm where only the most highly trained classical instructors can demonstrate effectively: a beautiful intermediate level and an advanced level that is superbly executed. As if all of these workouts were not enough, there is something called the Reformer Mat workout. I had never heard of this before. If you go on vacation and don't have your Reformer with you, you can practice all the Reformer exercises on the Mat! This workout is a sight to behold. The woman who performs this workout is so beautiful, strong, and pleasant in her demeanor, that she makes Pilates look like a sheer joy to do!I have been telling all my friends and family about this DVD because it adds new interesting dimensions to regular Pilates mat exercises. If you get this DVD, you will want to tell your friends!One last thing: the man that narrates the workouts coaches you with this really cool accent. I don't know where he is from, but his words and voice make me understand the Pilates exercises in ways I never dreamed of before. His voice lulls me into deeper wisdom about the Pilates method every time I listen to the DVD."

Cool Stuff

Jay | California | 10/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just started Pilates a few monts ago, and was looking for a video that added some new movements. This DVD definitely has them using the magic circle. The magic circle keeps my attention and I have to concentrate even more. Also, I feel the muscles in the "Powerhouse" area work intensely. I think this video is terrific for everyone. Yes, it moves fast, but the people show Pilates authentically. These guys don't mess around, which I like. And the workouts are seriously satisfying."

A great pilates dvd but definitely not for beginners

M. Martin | 07/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The magic circle most definitely adds a different dimension to basic pilates exercises and really helps me focus on my powerhouse. However, if you are new to pilates, this should NOT be the first dvd you buy. I would recommend Pilates for Dummies first and once you master the basic pilates moves, then go on to the Classical Pilates with the magic circle dvd. The reason is that this dvd moves really REALLY fast and there are virtually no instruction on how to do the moves. Once you have master the basic pilates moves, then this dvd is great because you get a fantastic workout and the magic circle really makes it more of a challenge. I didn't even attempt to try the super advanced reformer mat exercise that comes with the DVD. However, I hope someday I will!"