 Romana's Pilates: Powerhouse Mat Workout(Natural Journeys) 2003 What is it? Part Pilates documentary, part instructional and part Pilates workout. Its focal point is master Pilates instructor Romana Kryzanowska, who inherited the studio and legacy of Joseph Pilates. Who is it for? Anyone who wants to have a better of understanding of Pilates, the way it was meant to be practiced. To do the actual workout with any amount of accuracy, however, you will need to already be familiar with Pilates and practicing it regularly.
What to expect: There is no doubt that Romana Kryzanowska is the world's premier Pilates expert. At the age of 80-plus, she still practices and teaches the style of Pilates she learned from its originator and namesake, Joseph H. Pilates. While acknowledging that Pilates is best learned in person from an experienced and certified teacher, Romana has put together a series of at-home workouts meant to inspire and educate. The Powerhouse Mat Workout begins with a 15-minute documentary that shows archival footage of Joseph Pilates himself, and Romana as a young woman learning from the master — here they are, many decades ago in another century altogether, performing those familiar moves! Next up is a 20-minute instructional section in which Romana goes over a series of Pilates moves with a student. Some of them, such as the Hundred and the Teaser, are well known to most Pilates enthusiasts; a couple — the Snake and the fourth Teaser variation — are not as commonly practiced. This section is really the meat of the video, where you get the most value. The final segment is a 14-minute workout in which you practice all these moves along with the student. This is an incredibly fast-paced session and, if done with anything close to good form, it will leave you breathless and exhilarated. What many people don't realize is that Joseph Pilates meant his exercises to be performed precisely, but also very quickly and in a flowing manner. Those who are used to a slower form of Pilates will probably be a little stunned the first time they try this short workout, but if they persist they will discover a new dimension to their work. Other Pilates DVDs you may like:
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Pilates DVDs 
