"A few months ago I decided to get some stretch videos after enjoying the rare stretch workout shown on FitTV. I sit at a computer most of the day and needed something to help with my flexibility and muscle stiffness. Of the four DVDs I bought, this was by far the best.
LeMay has a very soothing voice and encouraging demeanor. Her instructions are easy to follow and most of the stretches are simple, although I do recommend watching the video once before trying it, just so you know what to expect. The music is a nice background instrumental and the graphics are basically LeMay on a mat that appears to be gently floating on the clouds with words occasionally floating past.
The workout starts with a centering stretch for a few minutes. Then it goes to the full stretch workout, which is followed by a seated (on the floor) stretch and then a final centering. If you do the entire thing it's about 28 minutes long, but you can also choose chapters and just do centering, full, or seated. There's a bonus stretch tacked onto the end of the DVD which is only about 3 minutes long.
One of my concerns was how this workout would be for someone like me who is considerably overweight. I discovered I could do almost all of the stretches within the first 3 times of viewing, although one stretch does involve kneeling on your knees, and that's the only stretch I had problems with.
A couple of random things: You will need a lot of floor space for some of the floor stretches. Also, you'll want to do this at least a couple times a week to get the most benefit from it.
I can't recommend this DVD highly enough. I also recommend catching LeMay's episode of "All Star Workouts" on FitTV. It's a different kind of workout but it's also very good, and we could always use more good stretch workouts."
Sweet & Sensual Stretch
Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 02/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michelle LeMay's beautiful healing stretching routine brings new meaning to a "movement meditation." Her warm Norah Jones/Rachael Ray type personality radiates on screen as her soft voice leads you through a series of stretches designed to release all your tension as you float away on clouds. Yes, clouds. There are clouds and a magic carpet. As the carpet floats in a calm sky of fluffy clouds, Michelle LeMay returns you to the world of peace.
Where other instructors teach you to stretch and then hold the stretch, Michelle LeMay rocks and nourishes the body. You move from side to side in some of the leg stretches and I enjoyed the spinal rolls, bird of paradise and careful pacing. Her cueing is more like guidance and her energy is subtle and healing. If you have been looking for a 30-minute stretch routine, I can recommend this highly.
~The Rebecca Review
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Peace is only 30 minutes away...
MC | 03/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love that in just 30 minutes, I can be incredibly calm and peaceful. The stretches are awesome and have helped me heal some old injuries in a very gentle way. My body looks and feels 10 years younger!"
I just love this stretch/spirit DVD
Michelle Garringer | Overland Park KS | 04/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"its very relaxing and yet you stretch and pay attention to your inner self. i started this dvd upset over one of mundane usets of a normal day yet right away all that tension just melted away..
I like Michelle as an instructor. shes very enthusiastic yet calming. i'm looking very much forward to repeating this experience."
Not for those who want a real stretching workout
Denise | Los Angeles | 02/21/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"The routine is not actually 30 minutes. After a long introduction, the "exercise" starts with 2 minutes of standing and breathing and ends with 2 minutes of sitting and breathing. The 20 minutes in between covers maybe 8 types of stretches. That's it. The pacing is EXTREMELY SLOW. If you are a senior citizen or are recovering from an injury, I can see how this pacing would be helpful. Or if you want meditation as part of your routine. I wanted to get a stretching work-out, not a nap. And really, if you do want 20 minutes of slow stretches - is that worth $12.99?"