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Post by Karla on Dec 21, 2023 22:10:37 GMT
UFIT Ultra Burn: Stretch & Scuplt
Cindy Whitmarsh
Year Released: 2013
My VF Review from 9 Nov 2013:
Sculpt & Stretch (20 minutes):
* Begins with upper body stretch to plank, go back up, repeat
* In plank position, row with press up & go back down, change sides (I did the modified movement on knees with row - forward push - row - down - then change sides)
* Yoga stretch on knees - cat-cow stretch pose, sit back on heels, to downward dog, down to floor & repeat
* Push-up with rotation to arm up into side plank, down & switch sides (I did the modified knee version)
* Begin on knees - Extend one arm, opposite leg back pose - switch
* Standing - alternating arm pushes from side to side (legs stay still, focus on abs) - begins slowly then speeds upp
* Forward lunge with arms up & lower - left side - hold shoulders back & look up, come up, go back down (like warrior pose)
* Balancing on left leg with shoulder presses
* Forward lunge with arms up & lower - right side - hold shoulders back & look up, come up, go back down (like warrior pose)
* Balancing on right leg with shoulder presses
* Side stretch - right leg forward, left arm overhead - pull back, stretch further, repeat
* Tree pose right leg up with bicep curls on left side
* Side stretch - left leg forward, right arm overhead - pull back, stretch further, repeat
* Tree pose left leg up with bicep curls on right side
* Triangle pose left side, bring up a bit, go deeper with stretch, repeat
* Balance right leg, left leg back, triceps kick backs
* Triangle pose right side, bring up a bit, go deeper with stretch, repeat
* Balance left leg, right leg back, triceps kick backs
* On floor, rolling back and then up into sitting position with arms out, feet off floor; repeat
* Cool-down stretch: Legs crossed, right side stretch, switch
Overall thoughts on Sculpt & Stretch:
* I'm 50/50 on this one - I like the idea of alternating sculpting and stretching, but these just seemed to be an odd fit of moves sometimes. For example, the tree pose with bicep curls - I felt really off-balance, and I don't usually have issues with tree pose.
* I think it's probably just a personal preference, but I enjoy slower, calmer music when stretching, especially when it's for yoga poses. The yoga poses had really fast-paced rhythms which don't really allow you to focus on getting a deep stretch. For example, triangle pose had a fast-paced techno-y song that kept saying 'push-it' over & over again.
* There was a lot of picking up weights, putting them down, picking them up again movements which made me dizzy.
* The clicking really annoyed me in this one, probably because you don't expect to hear 10 seconds of it when doing yoga poses.
* I'm sure I'll do this one again, but I'll probably turn the sound off.
soccergal23
01/02/2014
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Post by Karla on Dec 21, 2023 22:11:31 GMT
Beginner's Stretch for Flexibility
Tamilee Webb
Year Released: 2000
I’m reviewing this video after doing it a couple time in the 2 years I’ve had it.
General workout breakdown: The routine lasts about 30 minutes. This is geared towards the end of the day, since it includes a relaxation segment towards the end. 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.
Level: I’d recommend this to a beginner (although if you’ve never stretched before this might not be ideal) to a low intermediate exerciser. I’m definitely a solid intermediate exerciser, but my flexibility is still limited. I find this an appropriate video.
Class: Tamilee only.
Music / Set / Production Notes: The instrumental music is soft. Tamilee stands outdoors at some sort of country club. (Look for the ducks waddling by to see what’s going on.) The picture and sound quality are very good.
Equipment: mat (or equivalent). Tamilee is barefoot.
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.
DVD Notes: This workout is available with Total Body Stretch for Beginners on the “Total Stretch for Beginners” DVD. The DVD allows you to select your workout, choose alternate camera angles or the music only option, or take a quiz about flexibility and stretching.
Conclusion: This isn’t a bad stretch workout at all, but I’d personally rather do a 30 minute yoga program. Conversely, if you like the idea of stretching and relaxing but don’t like yoga, this might be a good video to check out. I’ve kept the DVD for the Total Stretch, which allows you to select 10 minute segments, which is easier for me to add on to other videos.
Instructor Comments:
Tamilee is soft-spoken and serious about what she is doing. She restricts her chatter to (mirror) cueing and pointing out facts about the muscles you’re working. She’s calmer and less forced than in her other stretch video.
KathAL79
09/28/2005
This workout takes place in a garden setting with Tamilee by herself (well, except for the duck that wanders through occasionally!). It seems to flow for me and covers the entire body. Tamilee stresses the important actions in stretching (inhaling before moving, exhaling with movement, tilting the pelvis, etc.) and inserts reminders throughout the workout. There are a couple of moves that I wish she would offer a modification for because it is hard to get into the position if you are very tight.
I do this workout less than her 10-minute segments on the same DVD in the Total Body workout, mainly because they fit in my schedule easier. However, this workout is a good one when I have more time and have a need to relax.
Instructor Comments:
She comes across as calm and knowledgable.
Laura S.
09/15/2004
This is a 30 minute stretching video led by Tamilee Webb. There are no background exercisers.
It has an outdoor setting, the backdrop is a wall of green leaves (large hedge). There is a breeze blowing which causes the leaves to move about, occasionally a bird will walk through the set. I did not find either one of those things distracting. Tamilee is wearing a red camisole and matching red long leggings (or it may be a unitard, can’t remember now).
Stretching starts from the top and works down. There is no “warm-up,” so if you like really warm muscles you might want to do your own warm-up.
I liked this video. It was soothing and I felt stretched when we were done. The stretches weren't held long, but overall I felt that it was probably enough.
Instructor Comments:
As usual Tamilee is thorough and gentle in her approach.
new2me (Donna)
08/26/2004
Yee, Kest, and Windsor. These are just a few of the instructors whose videos I have tried. With each play of the VCR, I was hoping that one of these famous fitness gurus could peak my interest in the joy of stretching and flexibility. After lots of purchases, unfortunately I discovered that I am not a fan of yoga or pilates. As much as I wanted to love it, getting in some much needed flexibility training was not going to be accomplished using one of their methods and that is when I bought Tamilee's Stretch for Flexibility.
This tape is approximately 29 minutes long and gives you a nice good old fashoned athletic stretch workout that will increase your flexibility and relax you at the same time.
The set is outdoors in a garden. Occasionally, you hear birds chirping and you even see a duck walk behind Tamilee in one shot.
Tamilee's voice is very relaxing and I really liked the way she gently guides you through the series of stretches. Even though this is an athletic stretch workout, it is very flowing and Tamilee demonstrates each move with poise and grace.
So if you are looking for a good tape to increase your flexibility and just get in a relaxing stretch to lengthen your muscles. This is a great workout to have in your collection. Anyone at any level of fitness will reap the benefits from this workout.
Instructor Comments:
Found her cuing to be excellent and she has a nice calm voice and demeanor. She made me feel totally relaxed. You will benefit completely from Tamilee's years of experience.
Tiffanee
11/28/2003
My general impression of this tape is that it is a good, short series of stretches that help release tension and relax you. It begins with some standing stretches for the side of the body, triceps, back of the thighs, outer thighs and inner thighs, and then you go to the floor for some stretching of the low back, obliques, outer thighs again, hamstrings, quads, abdominals and neck, followed by a short progressive relaxation (where you visualize relaxing from your head down to your toes). What I like about this tape is that it is short (about 30 minutes), and the stretches are all do-able, regardless of what level of flexibility you have. Tamilee looks very attractive in her red outfit and her voice is soothing and pleasant.
My criticisms are that the stretches are not held long enough, are not repeated enough (except for the stretches at the beginning of the tape) and there isn't much variety. I would have liked some more hamstring stretches and upper body stretches. This might be trivial, but Tamilee doesn't pronounce the "b" in abdominals, which I noticed ever since her Abs of Steel days. I forgive her though, because I think she is a competent instructor with a nice personality.
I would recommend this tape to anyone who is looking for a good, quick, basic, relaxing stretch tape.
Abbe
07/29/2001
This tape offers a basic and very relaxing 30-minute stretch. Unlike the other tape in this stretch series, it is not broken into sections: you are meant to do the entire 30 minutes. The time goes very quickly. All of the stretches are athletic-style, although there are a few modified yoga poses. Tamilee tries to coordinate the breathing with the stretches, but not in a yoga way: the emphasis is clearly on the athleticism of the moves. Several times, Tamilee reminds you of this, encouraging you to note your progress so you'll see how much easier the moves get with practice. About 15 minutes of the tape is done standing, and the rest is done on the floor. None of the poses will require modifying even by complete beginners. Tamilee is a very soothing instructor. I bet she'd be great at reading books on tape :-) This is a thorough yet relaxing stretch program that will increase flexibility and allow even the most inflexible beginner to stretch comfortably.
Joanna
06/03/2001
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Post by Karla on Dec 21, 2023 22:12:29 GMT
Ballet Boot Camp Stretch Jessica Sherwood Year Released: 2007 Stretching and relaxation are important aspects of my workout regime. I say “stretching and relaxation” because, to me, they are inter-related; I can’t feel that I have had a good stretching session unless I also feel relaxed and refreshed. This is why I listed Ballet Boot Camp Stretch for sale on eBay minutes after completing the DVD; it is the least relaxing stretching DVD I have ever tried. DeniseR has already provided a breakdown of the DVD, so I will just add a few impressions. The first segment begins to the strains of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite which seems like an odd choice of music. I suppose it suits the “ballet” theme, but it’s hardly a soothing or relaxing piece. Instructor Jessica Sherwood begins the first section, a series of moves to warm up the neck, by snapping her fingers to an inaudible beat. Between the finger snapping and Tchaikovsky, I felt as though I had suddenly been transported to a rehearsal session for my Broadway debut — but not in a good way. Thankfully, Jessica eased up on the finger-snapping, but I was already irritated by the time we moved to the next section. The workout continues with various yoga- and Pilates-inspired stretch and strengthening exercises, but then Jessica threw in some crunches. There are many yoga and Pilates exercises which stretch the body while strengthening the core, so crunches are an uninspired choice here. Jessica concludes the workout with a full split and pigeon pose without mentioning any modifications or safety precautions for people who lack the flexibility to perform these exercises. After these intense stretches, I was expecting a gentle full-body stretch to conclude the workout, but it ended abruptly. Another less-than-soothing aspect of this DVD is Jessica Sherwood’s raspy voice. She sounded as though she had a very sore throat, which progressively worsened as the workout continued. By the end, I wanted to put her to bed with a hot toddy. In conclusion, while this DVD does provide a thorough stretch, it left me feeling more irritated than relaxed. I would only recommend it to hard-core Jessica Sherwood fans. Ratings out of five: Production values ***
Workout design ***
Instruction **
Relaxation factor *
Music * Meets expectations **
Overall **½ Instructor Comments: As indicated in my review, Jessica doesn't provide any modifications or suggestions for the more intense stretches, and given her sore-sounding throat, I think she should have postponed filming the workout, RedPanda 02/13/2011 The setting is in what appears to be a dance studio. The music is all classical ballet. The dvd is chaptered so you can go to any of the sections at any time, based on your needs or time constraints. Here are the chapters: Isolations: Beginning with exercises to warm up the neck, you'll start to prepare for deeper stretches. Jessica moves progressively through the body (neck, shoulders, ribs, hips, etc) to actively warm up the participant. Standing Stretch: The stretches are very active in this section. (you'll keep moving which will continue to warm you up and burn calories) Jessica includes some great lower body stretches that will actually help develop tone in the muscles while increasing mobility/flexibility. Seated Stretch: Starting with butterfly, you'll stretch the inner thigh. Deep forward bends and twists are included. Lots of poses to release the hips, hamstrings, quads and inner thigh areas. Abdominal Exercises: This segment utilizes pilates and traditional strength training exercises to tone the core. Cat Stretch: This chapter is very brief. Here, Jessica performs a cat stretch to release the back area before moving into the 2nd abdominal set. Abdominals Continued: Again, combining the two disciplines, you'll begin with crunch variations. This segment gets progressively harder as you go along. Reclining Stretch A & B: (you can actually go to either A or B chapters) All done supine on your back, you'll work deeply into your hips, back, inner thighs--all the areas are worked including down to the ankles and feet. These 2 sections are a great way to end the practice. Split Preparation: This section helps to open & lengthen the hips to prepare for a full split. (pigeon pose & hip flexor exercises are included) This session is the hardest but overtime will allow you to go deeper into your split. With a definite ballet flavor, you'll experience a fusion of multiple disciplines in Ballet Boot Camp Stretch. (pilates, contemporary dance, traditional strength training, etc) The practice is enjoyable for all participants and no prior ballet dance experience is required. (anyone can follow along and attain the benefits) You'll tone and lengthen your muscles (no bulk, just a dancers lean look), become more limber and increase joint mobility. Instructor Comments: Jessica provides great instruction and form cues. Check out her website at www.balletbootcamp.comDeniseR 05/19/2007 |
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Post by Karla on Dec 21, 2023 22:14:17 GMT
Athlean-XX for Women: “XX-Hale”- Invigoration
Jeff Cavaliere
Year Released: 2012
Athlean-XX “XX-Hale”- Invigoration" is a 14 min. total body stretch workout created by Jeff Cavaliere (he's a physical theapist). It is led by Sue Carlucci, and consists of static and dynamic exercises. Most exercises have a 3 rep pattern, and are repeated twice. The menu has the option to play workout w/ introduction by Jeff or just the workout. I liked that the workout was short, and hits everything. I use it post-workout, but could see myself using it in the am (early morning workout just to get moving).
cast: Sue
set: studio w/ woodlike flooring, view of gym in background
music: soft instrumental
equipment: optional mat
Exercises
Lying Hamstring Stretch> alternate lowering & lifting legs, then hold.
Crossover (seated spinal twist)> face center, lean into C-Curve spine, lift both legs off floor & hold.
Prone Quad stretch> Back extension (lift arms & legs).
Hover (chatarunga/ slow lower tricep push-up) into cobra> cat/cow
Prone glute stretch (straight rear leg, bent front)> lift & lower of upper body w/ arm extension
Standing
Chest Stretch (arms clasped rear)> Single Leg Deadlift w/ arms held in chest stretch.
Overhead Tricep Stretch w/ side bend> add lateral leg lift pulses> shoulder rolls.
Static lunge w/ rear arm extension> lunges w/ bicep curl arms.
Adductor Stretch/Lateral Lunge (w/ turn out) hold> alternating lunges then hold.
Shoulder rolls> overhead arms w/ inhalation, reverse motion.
cardiomama
04/13/2012
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Post by Karla on Dec 21, 2023 22:15:45 GMT
Classical Stretch Back Pain Relief
Miranda Esmonde-White
Year Released: 2003
I don't have back pain, but I like instructor Miranda Esmonde-White's other Classical Stretch programs and thought I might like the two programs on this DVD for a bit of variety. Also, my upper back and shoulders tend to get tight, so I was hoping that these two workouts would be helpful to me.
The first program, Back Pain Relief, is 25 minutes long. Miranda begins the workout on the floor with some gentle stretches which are designed to provide immediate relief for those suffering from back pain. The floorwork includes moves such as cat/cow stretch (arching the back), butterfly pose, and both seated and reclined twists. After 15 minutes on the floor, Miranda has you get a sturdy chair and do some additional twisted seated in the chair as well as some leg extensions to release the back. The remainder of the back workout uses the chair as a barre for standing hip stretches to loosen the hips and hamstrings and further release the back.
The Stress Release program is just a bit longer at about 26 minutes, although Miranda suggests that you can break this workout down into 5-minute chunks (ie, individual songs) if you are short on time). The first 15 minutes of this program are also performed on the floor and incorporate many of the same stretches as in Back Pain Relief. However, the focus here is more on the mid and upper back and gently stretching and lengthening this area. The final 11 minutes of this program is performed in a standing position. Here Miranda states that she is doing more PNF work, or contracting and then releasing the muscles in order to relax them. I found this segment of the workout to be more similar to the other Classical Stretch DVDs that I have tried.
In general, I found both of these workouts to be more gentle than most of the other Classical Stretch DVDs that I've tried, including the Full Body Workout and the 30 Minute Express Workouts. In fact, Miranda states here that the Back Pain program is designed for those in pain, but once the pain has passed, she recommends that you move on to use her 1-hour workout. Therefore, if you are NOT in pain, you may find these workouts too gentle or too easy, but if you are, they may be ideal for treating your condition. One final note: if you have never tried any of Miranda's workouts before, you should be aware that she has a unique personality which rubs some people the wrong way, as she is extremely chatty. I like her, but not everyone does.
Instructor Comments:
As I said above, I like Miranda, but not everyone does. I find her kind of cute and endearing, whereas others find her annoying, especially her frequent comments about her makeup artist, Schmink. She does mirror-cue, which is nice, but on the other hand, she sometimes talks rather than cues new moves, so you just have to try and follow along with what she's doing.
Beth C (aka toaster)
09/07/2008
When I previewed this stretch workout I wasn't all that impressed. I did not like the instructor's voice and she really does not cue well. However, I have done this when my back is bothering me and it really did feel like it helped. I did not keep this workout because I feel like I know what stretches I need to do now when my back is bothering me, and reaching for this is something I probably won't do anymore, just because I didn't really warm up to the instructor.
There is a bonus stress relief program on the dvd. My feelings on that workout are pretty much the same as the back pain workout. A good stretching routine that felt good, but I didn't care for the instructor. She isn't bad, just a little different.
Lisa C
08/24/2004
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Post by Karla on Dec 21, 2023 22:17:06 GMT
Ageless Mobility
Scott Sonnon
Year Released: 2007
Ageless Mobility (DVD)
Instructor: Scott Sonnon
Reviewer: Beth T. Cholette, Ph.D.
Upon first look, one might guess that Ageless Mobility is designed for seniors—or so it might seem based on generally older crowd pictured on the cover. In contrast to this, however, “Coach” Scott Sonnon explains during his introduction that athletes of all ages, even teenagers, often find premature aging of their joints due to exercise. Given this, the Ageless Mobility program is designed to restore fluid to the joints as a means both to maintain full range of motion and to foster pain-free performance. Sonnon further states that it is important to follow the specific sequence and breathing patterns presented in his 80-minute program, which he recommends that you do at least once per week (or preferably daily). For this workout, Sonnon is alone in a large, empty studio room with no music, and he does not mirror-cue.
The Ageless Mobility program begins with a 3 ½ minute warm-up for the neck and upper body. As he does many times throughout the workout, Sonnon has you breath in, completely filling out the lungs and then continuing to take in more air as it escapes. The exhale is performed in the same manner, breathing out fully and then continuing to expel the breath until the lungs and diaphragm area are completely empty. Sonnon continues the neck work with some basic stretches that you’ve probably seen elsewhere, including neck rolls, but he focuses in particular on lateral flexion of the neck. Continuing with the upper body work, Sonnon performs some unique shoulder rolls and stretches the lats and torso as well; the complete upper body portion comes in at a total of 20 minutes. The next 8 minutes focus on the hips: again, Sonnon performs lateral as well as front/back flexion and circles. He finishes the hip work by stretching the buttocks towards the back of the room at a 45۫ angle. The final standing segment consists of what Sonnon calls “big bends,” or standing stretches to the front, back, and sides; the backbends in particular are quite challenging. Sonnon ends this work with full spinal rolls.
At this point (40 minutes into the workout), Sonnon moves to the floor, and the stretches begin to take on a more yoga-ish feel. Sonnon begins this floorwork in child’s pose, moving into a child-cat-cobra flow to stretch the spine. Lying in a prone position, he then performs a very nice spinal twist before moving into a short corpse (relaxation) pose which includes counted breaths. The following segment consists of about 7 minutes of reclined hip-opening work, ending with a seated twist. At 65 minutes into the workout, Sonnon slowly transitions back to standing for 5 minutes of one-legged balance work. After spending 2 minutes shaking out the body—Sonnon calls this “vibrations”—the practice ends with a nice long (8 minutes) final corpse pose, during which Sonnon again instructs you to focus on the breath as well as cues you to relax your body from head to toe.
This DVD also contains two bonus programs, a Tennis Warm-up and a Golf Warm-Up. The Tennis practice is 10 minutes long, and Sonnon states that it is designed to compensate for shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger tightness; he also stresses the importance of performing the exercises in the sequence presented, moving from shoulders to fingers. In the 8-minute Golf Warm-Up, there is a similar focus on moving from the shoulders down to the fingers, but the movements are bigger here, and there is a greater emphasis on the wrists. In each of these practices, Sonnon encourages you to work on both arms, but he demonstrates the work using one-arm only (holding your racket or club is optional).
The main drawback to this workout is the length. Few people are likely to be willing to dedicate 80 minutes per day to stretching (80 minutes per week might be more reasonable). However, despite Sonnon’s insistence that you must do the exercises in the sequence presented, I do think that it is possible to break this workout into shorter segments. For example, the first 40 minutes of all-standing work would make an excellent, non-traditional stretching program. This segment was actually my favorite part of the workout; I found the stretches somewhat similar to the PNF stretching style presented in the Classical Stretch series, although the exercises here were certainly distinctive. The second half of Ageless Mobility could also serve as a stand-alone floorwork practice if you are willing to use your remote to fast-forward (there are no chapter breakdowns for this workout).
Overall, I found this to be a unique, worthwhile stretching program. I would recommend this DVD mainly to those who already engage in an ongoing fitness program, as the workout is designed chiefly to restore mobility that can become restricted through regular exercise.
Instructor Comments:
Scott is pretty dry and no-nonsense; I didn't mind this. I do wish he had provided mirror-cueing, however, as this would've made the unique exercises much easier to follow.
Beth C (aka toaster)
03/18/2008
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Post by Karla on Dec 21, 2023 22:18:05 GMT
Bendy Body
Kristina Nekyia
Year Released: 2014
I am a yoga instructor, and my yoga practice has certainly made me more flexible over time, but I am NOT someone with much pre-existing natural flexibility. I am always looking for alternative methods of stretching that will enhance my yoga practice.
I had tried a previous DVD by instructor Kristina Nekyia that I liked, Shoulder School, although as the title of that DVD would suggest, it specifically addressed the shoulders. I have had Bendy Body on my wish list for some time, and I finally purchased it. In her introduction, Nekyia talks about how this DVD goes through three different types of flexibility: 1) passive stretching, 2) resistance stretching through contracting and releasing (also called PNF by others), and 3) active stretching via using your own antagonist muscles. She states that the third method is the main focus of the DVD.
The DVD Main Menu includes the following segments: Play Bendy Body - Introduction - Stretching the Legs and Hips - Releasing the Lower Back - Opening the Shoulders - Backbends. Kristina is alone teaching via voiceover for all segments. I have described each of these segments (and given approximate times in parentheses) below.
STRETCHING THE LEGS AND HIPS (41.5 minutes)
As I moved through this segment, I was surprised that it went on for so long! In terms of the exercises, that was fine, as Neykia includes some great moves here, but this initial chapter comprises over half the workout, so I wish it had been broken up into smaller chapters. Neykia begins with reclined hamstring work using a strap. These moves will be familiar from both athletic stretching and yoga, but she adds many little twists such as pulses, contract/release, and internal/external rotation. Next comes a variation on Figure 4 stretch with the top leg in the air, taking this leg through a series of dynamic movements. Continuing on the back, Nekyia performs various lying straddle stretches. Seated calf work is follows. Neykia then moves to a kneeling position for a very thorough and unique series of hip stretches, addressing the external hip and hip flexor. She starts with work designed to address the external rotators and help move towards middle splits, then moves towards rear leg lifts, focusing on what she calls the "downstairs butt" to release the hip flexors. From a seated mermaid position, she works on the hips/quads, and then she finishes with more hip flexor work in a kneeling lunge position. At the end of this segment, my entire hip and pelvic area felt WORKED.
RELEASING THE LOWER BACK (6 minutes)
This was a nice segment that I would have loved to be a bit longer. Here Nekyia is seated in a butterfly position, and she adds forward bending and twisting to this position to release the low back.
OPENING THE SHOULDERS (12 minutes)
My right (dominant) shoulder tends to get particularly tight, and the work here felt good! Nekyia starts standing with some neck stretches. She then works to attain range of motion in the shoulders in ALL directions. At the end of this segment, she uses a strap with the arms over head, continuing to stretch the shoulders while also getting in a side oblique stretch.
BACKBENDS (8 minutes)
This segment also begins standing. Nekyia works on opening the upper back, eventually moving towards a back extension in cobra pose. The finally work in this section is done kneeling (similar to camel pose in yoga) and working on the upper backbend in this position; this is supposed to be a preparation for a standing drop-back.
Overall, I really liked this DVD! It gave me exactly what I wanted--i.e., an effective, thorough, intense full-body stretching program that would enhance my yoga practice and other activities. My only (small) complaint is that the first section is not broken up into smaller chapters, as I know I personally would use the shorter segments more often. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this DVD.
Instructor Comments:
I like Kristina a lot. Although she is super-flexible herself, she manages to be down-to-earth--even a bit goofy--and not at all intimidating. I do think her personality would shine through a bit more if she were teaching live rather than voiceover.
Beth C (aka toaster)
12/04/2017
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Post by Karla on Dec 22, 2023 17:05:58 GMT
Body Bar Express Innovative Stretch
Clare Dunphy
Year Released: 2000
I wish I had read the VF reviews before I bought this one! There is nothing relaxing about this "stretch". I like the idea of using a body bar for stretching. But she goes way too fast. I had to stop halfway through because I didn't want to hurt myself. I think this would be big trouble for someone with back problems. Especially if you don't have a strong core.
And, as stated by other reviewers, some of the positions are tough on the wrists. I guess "innovative" means no form pointers and no modifications.
Instructor Comments:
She has a dry, straightforward manner.
Alta
07/03/2002
This is a 30 minute tape using the mini-BodyBar. (A dumbbell would not work, and a regular BodyBar would be too heavy. A broom handle might work as a substitute.) I agree with the title that it is innovative, and it does involve stretching.
It does have some serious negatives, though. Several of the movements are not at all safe; she does a move where literally all of your body weight is on one bent wrist and you are sideways---ouch! I feel the ache in my wrists still. Luckily she forgot to do the move on the other side! There is a stretch where the front leg is bent inward while the opposite leg is stretched straight out back. This one is not safe for the knees. You must have amazing dancer-like flexibility to have this one be effective and not potentially dangerous.
What I did like was some of the music; I think some of it was the same as in one of the Karen Voight Body Reform tapes; very mellow guitar music. I liked some of the stretches with the Bar, but sometimes found the weight of it distracting. She incorporates moves that require good core strength and flexibility. This is definitely not a beginner tape. My husband did the tape with me and was saying stuff like, "These people are dancers! Her leg is inches from her face!"
It's an okay tape, but there are better stretch tapes out there.
Abbe
04/08/2001
This tape is 30 minutes long and is a blend of yoga, dance and Pilates-based stretches. You definitely don't need a two-foot weighted bar for this workout (I had my brother saw me a two-foot wooden dowel from an old broomstick), but I recommend some sort of short pole/dowel because it will help you get more into the workout and help with proper body positioning.
The stretches are not held in one position for a long time like Millennium Stretch or Dynamic Stretch. Instead, the movements flow one into another.
The stretches are interesting and I enjoy this workout. The speed did help warm up my muscles and make them more limber although I would like to have seen the movements held a bit longer as the workout has a bit of a rushed feel about it.
The tape said that it is for all levels, but I would not recommend this tape for beginners as some of the moves require a good amount of flexibility and range of motion. Clare Dunphy says to modify any exercises you find difficult, but neither Clare nor her background exercisers show any modifications.
Typical CIA set with nice music selections.
Sharon H.
09/12/2000
There is nothing really wrong with this tape, I suppose, but it didn't excite me. I think I was expecting to much cleverness, and I was disappointed to realize that almost all of the exercises were things I could have figured out on my own if I fiddled with the bar long enough. I also don't see the mini body bar being useful enough for weight work, being light and small; so it's your call whether you want to shell out for more toys just for one tape, or whether you or someone you know are clever enough to make one. The tape was ok. A lot of the work was standard stretches simply holding on to the bar (and many of them could have been done just as well without it). The stretch they show in the collage catalogue was pretty good. But overall, this tape struck me as a lot of the same, and not nearly as "innovative" as they might have us think. But of course, you would not have bought it if it was called "adequate stretch," would you?
Joanna
09/11/2000
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