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.
Still Inspired, June 17, 2004
By Daria (NY) - See all my reviews
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. From what I can tell, many individuals who possess more experience with Pilates than the average person or are instructors by trade have very lofty expectations and are looking for a video product that will help them learn more advanced exercises or become better Pilates teachers. Simply put, these folks are missing the boat; with the exception of the Mat Challenge Workout video, this series is geared towards beginners or folks who are new to Pilates, not certified instructors or experienced students. As my grandmother tells you at the very begining of each video, this series wasn't designed to replace a private lesson with an instructor, let alone a seminar of any kind. This is because you can't put your hands on someone or adapt to their specific body type or ensure the student is applying the appropriate rhythm and dynamics on tape like you can in person. Also, the vast majority of Pilates exercises should be learned and practiced under the direct supervision of a certified instructor, otherwise individuals can take on unnecessary risk when trying to work out at home. While later videos may focus on more advanced pieces of Pilates equipment and exercises for more experienced Pilates students and teachers, this series does not. 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 beginners are most likely to buy and use videos; therefore Safety was the primary driver of the exercises that were selected and taught in the first series. If you're new to Pilates, buy it and begin your Pilates journey in a safe manner, while learning more about Joseph Pilates and Romana Kryzanowska in the documentary; experienced instructors and students get yourselves to the studio and take a lesson with a certified instructor.
