The Stretch and Joint Mobility Therapy program covers 3 areas of stretch and flexibility practice: Joint mobility exercises Dynamic stretch and Traditional stretch. Joint Mobility Therapy is the pursuit of joint heal... more »th through movement. Age and a sedentary lifestyle cause our joints to grow stiffer. Our range of motion shrinks, and as a result of our inactivity our muscles lose strength and tone. This process may be slow and imperceptible, but unless we take preventative measures, joint and muscle deterioration will make mobility more and more difficult. That is why it is important to know and use the correct therapeutic stretches and joint mobility exercises that can stave off and even reverse joint stiffness and chronic muscle weakness. What causes joint stiffness? Our bones are linked together with connective tissue called joint cartilage. Cartilage does not contain blood vessels. It stays healthy and supple when lubricated with synovial fluid, and the only thing that can increase synovial fluid is the pumping action generated by movement. As we become older and less mobile our joint cartilage starts to degrade. Annette Fletcher's Joint Mobility program offers gentle therapeutic stretches that will reduce joint stiffness and ease you into the habit of fitness movement - even if you are currently completely inactive. With regular use these refreshing and relaxing exercises will maintain the health of your joints. Even if you are a physically fit and active person, chances are you are not deliberately exercising every joint in your body - so you too will benefit from this program: It works your joints from head to toe, starting with the head and neck area and going down the body: Rib cage, arms and hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet - helping you to identify areas of potential stiffness and actively prevent deterioration and loss of range of motion. The second section of Stretch and Joint Mobility Therapy offers Dynamic Stretch. These are larger movements performed at a faster pace. They will increase your body temperature and elevate your heart rate. These exercises are designed to help you increase the muscle control, flexibility and range of motion needed for sports and outdoors activities, dance, travel or any other elements of an active lifestyle. The last section of Annette's program consists of traditional stretches, gentle exercises designed to elongate your muscles by stretching them to their fullest length. Good for your muscles, and a great stress reliever too! New York City's Annette Fletcher is the Queen of Stretch! Don't miss Annette's other DVDs: Perfect in 10: Stretch and Perfect in 10: Pilates, both from World Dance New York.« less
Good stretch exercises but the music could have been better.
Movie Reviews
Great Full Body Stretches!
L. Bono | Santa Cruz, CA | 10/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am so happy Annette Fletcher came out with a new stretch DVD. I like her style because she is easy to listen to, calm, and explains all moves in good detail. This new DVD has three sections. A joint mobility routine that lasts about 20 minutes. This routine will get your joints moving and it feels great. Next is a full body stretch routine that is 20 minutes long with bigger stretch moves. This stretch routine will get your heart pumping a little and really warmed up for the day or for the next workout you move into. The last section is a quick 15 minute light stretch routine. I like all three routines together for a full workout or you can view them separate as a quick stretch to start your day. I often combine Annette's 20 minute bigger stretch routine with a weight lifting DVD - what a great combination! What I like about this DVD is the combination of static stretches and full body movement. The music isn't annoying, Annette is very pleasant, great flow, and the speed is medium pace. Nothing is too difficult, but it's not boring either. In my opinion, this is a really great stretch DVD. I am so happy to have it in my collection and I look forward to these routines each morning! One thing to note: I also have the AM/PM Stretch for Health DVD that I also like very much, but it's a little easier and less of a workout than this DVD. If you are looking to go beyond easy stretches, and desire more of a workout, then go with this Stretch and Joint Mobility Therapy DVD."
A gift to your joints!
Seir | USA | 10/29/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Annette Fletcher defines her new program, " Stretch and Joint Mobility Therapy," as active pursuit of joint health thru movement, (important especially as we age), stimulating synovial fluid to keep joints lubricated and less stiff. Annette Fletcher's previous programs are great as a prelim to dance with excellent results in warm up, strength and flexibility. "The Perfect in Ten Stretch", is perfect for mini work outs when time does not allow for more.
Stretch and Joint Mobility Therapy is perhaps the most priceless dvd I have yet to receive. The investment in my personal health has no measure especially throughout life's' stages. As a dancer I must be ready to execute movement properly. Recently I suffered an injury at home, yet upon completion of my physical therapy, this program has been an aide in helping my body heal and regain range of motion as I strive to return to normal dance life.
Since this program is open level, it is ideal so you may pace yourself by choosing from any of the three sections designed specifically for your needs. Begin slowly and work up to your comfort level, use your judgement . Here is an assortment of yoga, pilates and simple stretches to help lengthen muscles and keep your joints happy.
The first section is great for anyone beginning with intense focus to the joints. These stretches are so relaxing and soothing to tired achy muscles of the shoulders and back. Isolated ribcage and hip rotations, knees and ankles, these all get a workout in circular movements to allow the synovial fluid to lubricate and soothe the joints. The hip swing is an awesome stretch in this section.
Dynamics stretches follow and the speed and range increase. If you are active in sports or dance, you will be at ease in this section. These begin slowly and develop larger range gradually. The side lunges were my favorite in this segment. Balance, strength and flexibility are also a focus. Spinal twists progress into abdominal strengthening exercises.
Static stretches are next and rich and beneficial for the hamstrings, hip flexors. Also seated stretches for the lower back are so helpful if you lead a sedentary lifestyle and sit in front of a computer most of the day.Each section is approximately 15- 20 minutes in length.
In the vast ocean of self help videos out there, this is definitely one that you can trust. It is prepared by a professional dancer and Pilates instructor. Her teaching method is clear and to the point without being overly lengthy. Best yet, your joints will thank you in the years to come.
"
Makes moving more fluid.
Wendi Hansen | 11/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This stretch tape is well done. If you stay with it and do all of the segments regularly there is a noticeable difference in your range of motion. Our bodies are made to move so we get stiff when we don't stretch and move each day. The tape makes me feel loose and more fluid. I notice a difference in my ability to move and get out of bed each morning also.
WH"
Worth every penny!
Creed | Palm Springs, CA | 02/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am close to 60 but I love this DVD as much as the other reviewers. Although, I am not able to do all the exercises, I do fairly well albeit with some modifications.
As one ages, flexibility becomes a problem and although I have about a dozen yoga or stretching tapes, most of them just sit and gather dust.
As other reviews have stated, there are three different programs on this DVD: Joint Mobility, Dynamic Stretching and Static Stretching. Let me also add that this is very unlike Yoga and more like the exercises you did in high school. Well,at least like the ones I did in high school.
Whether you are 20 or 60, you should be able to find something here that you like.
Let me plug another DVD that I use quite often: Pilates Complete for Inflexible People by Maggie Rhoades. It is really geared for a person with limited mobility"
For Experts
Amilee | Deep South | 05/16/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The first section for joints was great. Abut half the stretches were on a level for Olympic Gymnasts though. The cover on the dvd says it's even for folks who have been totally inactive. No way. She looked like a pretzel at times. It's a great dvd for dancers, gymnasts, etc., but if you're older and wanting a stretch routine to get better mobility, this is probably not the one for you to start with."