AM/PM Stretch for Health

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: Each workout flows naturally from stretch to stretch, and the natural setting and calming, unobtrusive background music is very soothing. I do the AM stretch when I first wake up, and the PM stretch after my evening workout. The former gives me a sense of centeredness and accomplishment to help start my day off right, and the latter leaves my body relaxed and tranquil, all the while increasing my flexibility. I really like the instructor, Madeline Lewis, and her narration is relaxing yet encouraging. (She narrates throughout each workout, over the music, and the video portion consists of her performing stretches according to her narration.) The stretches themselves encompass the whole body, and although emphasis is put onto the lower body, there are some upper body, and especially back stretches within each segment. Most stretches target a specific area rather than encompassing a larger, more general set of muscles, but attention is paid to many major muscles: hamstrings, quads, glutes, lower back, biceps and triceps, shoulders, and neck. Abs are not emphasized in the AM or PM workouts, although it seems logical that they would be in the Power Stretch workout, which I haven't looked at yet.

I would definitely recommend this video, which is calming and focuses one's attention on the body without being strenuous or difficult. You truly feel relaxed and refreshed afterward.

Rating:
Summary: A must to start your day!
Review: I am 42, out of shape and looking to add flexability. This is a must have for anyone's collection at any fitness level. The streches wake the body up, gently add back flexability and give you energy for the rest of the day. The instructor's voice is soothing and the moves build strength. I can't say enough about this. I use it every morning!

Rating:
Summary: Essential to my well being
Review: I am an active woman of 62 and stretching is vital in keeping my body able to do each activity I ask of it. The "a.m. & p.m. stretch" DVD of Madeleine Lewis has made this necessary stretching a pleasure. Her wonderfully soothing voice, her flowing movements, her obvious knowledge of the body encourages me never to miss my morning & evening routines. I feel no important muscle has been neglected and I feel confident that Madeleine is helping me do a really good thing for myself. I especially appreciate her gentle reminders to breathe, check my posture, and persevere. The beauty of the mountains surrounding her is a wonderful bonus and instills feelings of peace and tranquility that I take with me into my busy day. Nature is very important to me so I truly look forward to the visual aspect of this DVD. I'm looking forward to more of this kind of work from Madeleine Lewis. Thank you GAIAM and especially thank you, Madeleine!

Rating:
Summary: Essential to my well being
Review: I am an active woman of 62 and stretching is vital in keeping my body able to do each activity I ask of it. The "a.m. & p.m. stretch" DVD of Madeleine Lewis has made this necessary stretching a pleasure. Her wonderfully soothing voice, her flowing movements, her obvious knowledge of the body encourages me never to miss my morning & evening routines. I feel no important muscle has been neglected and I feel confident that Madeleine is helping me do a really good thing for myself. I especially appreciate her gentle reminders to breathe, check my posture, and persevere. The beauty of the mountains surrounding her is a wonderful bonus and instills feelings of peace and tranquility that I take with me into my busy day. Nature is very important to me so I truly look forward to the visual aspect of this DVD. I'm looking forward to more of this kind of work from Madeleine Lewis. Thank you GAIAM and especially thank you, Madeleine!

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: I am in my late fifties, overweight, out of shape and have arthritis in my knees. When I previewed this DVD, I was sure that I would not be able to do the stretches. However, with some modifications for my inflexibility, I was able to do all the stretches.
Pros:
Beautiful and peaceful scenery
Very professionally produced
She gives instructions with voice-over as she does the stretches silently - very easy to follow her instructions and movements
Calm, soothing voice
Reminders to breathe correctly
Reminders for good body alignment and form
Not impossible moves for the inflexible
Good sequencing of stretches
Just makes you feel good!
Cons: Her voice-over tells you to use one leg or arm while she is using the opposite leg or arm on the video. Not really a big deal,though.


Rating:
Summary: Wonderful program, beautiful scenery!
Review: I have had this DVD for only a few days now, and my body already feels more healthy! I originally bought the DVD because I suffer from insomnia and I thought that a PM stretching routine might help me fall asleep. It has helped a lot! I have been doing the "PM Stretch" just before going to bed. It makes me feel very relaxed both physically and mentally, and I have been able to fall asleep easily afterwards. The music is very soothing and the background setting is gorgeous! As an added bonus, I've also discovered that the "AM Stretch" is a wonderful way to wake up in the morning. I do it first thing as soon as I get out of bed and it really helps me wake up and seize the day. The AM music and mountain setting are invigorating. The instructions for both AM & PM stretches are given in a clear, easy to understand way, and the stretches are easy for even a beginner such as myself to do. I also find it helpful that throughout the programs you are gently reminded to check your posture, breathing, and muscle tension. Each program is only about 30 minutes long, so it's easy to make the time in your day to do them. I highly recommend this video to anyone who is looking for a good stretching program!

Rating:
Summary: This DVD makes your body feel fantastic!
Review: I have this dvd for 3 months. I use in almost on a daily basis.
It contains 2 kinds of stretches - am stretch, to wake you up and put some energy in your body, and pm stretch, to relax you and prepare you for a good night sleep.
I am not really flexible, but I already feel the improvement.
the guide lady is so professional and nice, she just makes this dvd so worthy!.
I highly recommend.


Rating:
Summary: excellent
Review: I have tried other stretch videos but this one is really the best. I actually look forward to doing this routine every morning and evening. The bonus workout is excellent. All three workouts stretch your body while energising it. I even feel like my muscle tone has increased!

Rating:
Summary: My favorite stretching routine
Review: I was looking for a good stretching routine and I've found it! Madeleine Lewis instructs the stretching. She is very clear in her instructions and is good for either beginners or intermediate students. The scenery is absolutely lovely in the practices. You have your choice of three different routines. One, the AM is a fairly gentle routine. I use it quite often in the morning to get me going. You do a short warm up and then get into the stretching. There are about 25 stretches and the practice lasts about 25 minutes. The second one is a PM stretching routine which again starts with a warm up, then about 15 stretches and then a relaxation/cool down, about 25 minutes. The third routine (extra) is a power stretch and very uplifting, lasts about 20 minutes. All of them are very good and useful for every time of day.

Rating:
Summary: AM/PM Stretch
Review: I was looking for a stretch video to help with muscle tension and for relaxation after work or whenever I may feel the need. I found that this stretch routine really works for me. I am a beginner and I desired a routine to increase my flexibility as well. I tried the AM stretch routine one morning and found that it really helped to relax, calm and even energize me for the coming day. The PM routine was relaxing as well and it helped to unwind me. The routines in each section are not difficult and allow you to do what is comfortable for you. I purchased the DVD version with both AM/PM stretch routines. The DVD version also contains a bonus workout.