Rating: Summary: Just what I was looking for! Review: This really is great--I felt wonderful after completing the stretches. It's MUCH better than the Ann Smith series.
Rating: Summary: Not as good as Madeline Lewis' "AM/PM Stretch" Review: This video is only good if all that you want is a 5 minute stretching routine for before/after working out. It only targets the major muscles. The standing, sitting, & floor routines are all repetitions of stretching the same muscles, just in different ways. And it really is for beginners only; most of the stretches are extremely basic. I would not recommend it if you are looking for a TOTAL stretch for your whole body. If you are looking for a relaxing stretch program for your entire body, then instead of this DVD, I recommend "AM/PM Stretch" by Gaiam with Madeline Lewis. Madeline Lewis gives better instructions about proper form, and she helps you target your breathing better. Plus, the mood on "AM/PM Stretch" is much more soothing. Both DVD's are suitable for beginners. If you can afford both, then the two DVD's actually work well together - I use the "AM/PM Stretch" when I want to stretch my entire body and feel relaxed, and I use this Tamilee Webb DVD when I'm preparing to do aerobic exercise. I bought both DVD's at the same time, and while I don't hate this one, it just isn't nearly as thorough as the "AM/PM Stretch". Even for the stretches that the two DVD's have in common, the "AM/PM Stretch" gives more thorough directions on how to properly do each of them. Only get this Tamilee Webb DVD if you don't know any of the major body stretches AND only if all that you need is something very quick so that you can go work-out.
Rating: Summary: Not as good as Madeline Lewis' "AM/PM Stretch" Review: This video is only good if all that you want is a 5 minute stretching routine for before/after working out. It only targets the major muscles. The standing, sitting, & floor routines are all repetitions of stretching the same muscles, just in different ways. And it really is for beginners only; most of the stretches are extremely basic. I would not recommend it if you are looking for a TOTAL stretch for your whole body. If you are looking for a relaxing stretch program for your entire body, then instead of this DVD, I recommend "AM/PM Stretch" by Gaiam with Madeline Lewis. Madeline Lewis gives better instructions about proper form, and she helps you target your breathing better. Plus, the mood on "AM/PM Stretch" is much more soothing. Both DVD's are suitable for beginners. If you can afford both, then the two DVD's actually work well together - I use the "AM/PM Stretch" when I want to stretch my entire body and feel relaxed, and I use this Tamilee Webb DVD when I'm preparing to do aerobic exercise. I bought both DVD's at the same time, and while I don't hate this one, it just isn't nearly as thorough as the "AM/PM Stretch". Even for the stretches that the two DVD's have in common, the "AM/PM Stretch" gives more thorough directions on how to properly do each of them. Only get this Tamilee Webb DVD if you don't know any of the major body stretches AND only if all that you need is something very quick so that you can go work-out.
Rating: Summary: I love this video! Review: This video is the only one of the many, many I've tried that's motivated me to stick with it. Only 10 minutes a day is required to get results. The exercises are so well cued by Tamilee, that my chronic back pain is relieved rather than aggravated. I highly recommend this video to beginners, especially to those with chronic tension as well as to those with chronic back problems.
Rating: Summary: Fabulous! Hope More to Come Review: Usually I get bored watching the same videos after a few times. But this one is absolutely my favorite. The traditional stretching exercises have mostly been focused on leg stretching but in this program there are lots of new stretching techiniques targeting shoulder,arm, hip areas specifically. As I recently experienced severe neck and shoulder pain, these are tremendously beneficial to me. I used to only know stretching could only be done on the floor or with a ballet bar but now I learned from this program that we can stretch effectively while sitting and standing!! I especially love the beautiful scenery and music in this DVD: The first section was performed on the beach with a magnificent ocean view, the second section was done in a so peaceful garden full of luscious green with that new age kind of music! Total tranquility!!! It makes me feel like taking a mini vacation doing the stretching. I do get bored or disinterested if the background of program or outfits are not appealing. I can't wait for the intermediate and advanced levels or other variations to come out. It could be a bit too easy for some people but this is for beginners. And on the days that I am too tired or just don't feel like, this low impact relaxing program is just what I need. Tamilee, please make more with such superior quality!! Thank you so much for this fabulous DVD!!
Rating: Summary: Pleasant Stretches in a Natural Setting Review: Voice: Pleasant and Relaxing Setting: Natural Level: Beginner Music: Hardly noticeable If you are already very flexible, you might be disappointed because this video is really for those who have just entered the realm of stretching. If you are looking for a relaxing escape that has a nice flow and is artistically appealing, this might be for you. Peace and Relaxation.
Rating: Summary: Multiple Stretching Routines on 1 DVD Review: Workout Description: three 10 minute routines (1 standing, 1 seated, and 1 on the floor) and one 30 minute routine (split between standing and the floor)
Workout Level: beginner to intermediate
Instructor: Tamilee Webb (Has degrees in Physical Education and Exercise Science; IDEA's 1993 Instructor of the Year; original Buns of Steel instructor). Tamilee is soft-spoken but serious about what she is doing. She mostly restricts her chatter to cueing and pointing out facts about the muscles you're working; she is chattier on the Total Body Stretch, though.
Class: Tamilee only
Music / Set: The soft instrumental music is not intrusive. Both programs are shot outdoors: Total Body Stretch on a Jamaican beach, Stretch for Flexibility at some sort of country club.
Equipment Needed: mat for standing and floor segments of Total Body and all of Flexibility; chair for sitting segment.. The workout can and should be done barefoot.
Caveats: Follow Tamilee's suggestions in the introductions. As she says, always stretch to the point of tightness and never to the point of pain.
Additional Comments: You don't need a lot of space for this routine. You should be able to lie down with your arms and legs extended, and you should be able to kneel and stretch forward.
Each routine is distinct, although most stretch the same muscles: triceps, chest, hamstrings, quadriceps, etc. You can choose to do any of the workouts separately or combine the Total Body Stretch segments. (You actually get a good total body stretch if you do all three of them.) The Total Body Stretch are good warm up or cool down additions to your workouts. The Flexibility stretch is geared towards the end of the day, since it includes a relaxation segment.
The stretches are held for a decent amount of time; they're not very short, but they're not very long. Once you know the routine, you'll be able to move into the stretch sooner and get a few more seconds in.
The DVD allows you to select your workout, although I have difficulty getting my disc to skip the introduction. You can choose alternate camera angles or the music only option. There is also an interactive quiz about flexibility and stretching.
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