Search - AM/PM Stretch for Health on DVD

3 Workouts to Improve Flexibility, Core Strength, & Posture

blueyed puella | CT, USA | 09/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Workout Description: 2 30-minute routines & 1 20-minute routine (DVD bonus only).

Workout Level: high beginner to mid-intermediate

Instructor: Madeleine Lewis (Certified instructor and personal trainer; Nike Elite Athlete; has designed and choreographed many fitness videos, including those by Kathy Smith) by voice-over. Madeleine's voice is clear and pleasant. She cues well, and the cues are well coordinated with the movement. However, she is not always very precise with her description of movements or naming of muscles.

Class: Madeleine only.

Music / Set: The instrumental music is pleasant. All workouts are filmed outdoors in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Equipment Needed: mat. Workouts can and should be done barefoot.

Caveats: Familiarity with stretching is helpful. Even though each stretch includes a warm-up, you will get the most out of these stretches if you do more of a cardio warm-up (such as marching in place) for a few minutes before starting.

Additional Comments: You do not need a lot of space to do this workout. You should be able to lie down with your arms and legs extended and be able to move your limbs around without hitting anything..

The A.M. stretch is good for not just the morning; you can also use it as a warm-up before other exercises. It includes some core (abdominal and lower back) work and posture awareness series in addition to the stretches, meaning it's more energizing than relaxing. The P.M. stretch is good for relaxing at any time. It includes a quick foot and lower leg massage and brief relaxation segment in addition to stretches. The Power Stretch has some yoga-inspired moves but isn't yoga, so if you want the benefits of yoga but don't like that discipline, this might be the thing for you. I've added it on to a strength training workout either as part of my warm up or cool down.

The DVD allows you to choose your workout, with or without music, or your chapter and has an interview with Madeleine about her background. The short booklet included breaks down of the A.M. and P.M. workouts and has a few helpful suggestions about how to use the routines."

My favorite stretching routine

YogaKat | Oregon United States | 07/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Wow!

Granny | 01/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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.

"

AM/PM Stretch

Granny | 03/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."