Ann Smith: Stretching for Seniors-greater strength, flexibility, vitality, Easy-To-Follow, Painless, Step-By-Step, Relaxed, Over-50

Perhaps for seniors who used to be dancers, but not for those of us who cannot kneel on the floor without using our arms for support -- or who cannot get fluidly from standing upright to a kneeling position.The actual stretching portion of the video is ten minutes long, and half the time we can't see all of Ann's body as the camera man tries to be creative and shoot from different angles.I did add a star for the the 20 minute portion of the disc that explains HOW to do the poses and stretches correctly -- where in your body you should be feeling the pull and where your center of gravity should be; standard exercises vs the "dancer's version". If there was a way to combine this with the actual program, it would be so much better. In this portion, you can see her entire body with focus on the parts she is talking about.I'll go back to my ancient Richard Simmons VHS tape.

Thank you Ann Smith! Finally an exercise video for an overweight, non-model, couch potato, senior citizen like me. I can actually DO most of her stretching techniques, if my tummy doesn't get in the way :) So what? Move as far as you can. Her moves are slow and well-explained. The classical music in the background helps to relax and is conducive to make me feel as thin and graceful and Ann (well, in my mind's eye anyway). A lot can be done sitting on the floor. There is limited standing movement also.... unless you feel so-inclined to pirouette around your living room? Not me, though. Just perfect to get us "veggies" up and moving, get that blood pumping, get the heart circulating, just a tadbit. Just a good beginning.

The music is lovely, but some of the movements seem to be very risky, especially for seniors. I am a healthy, active senior who enjoys yoga, stretching and strength training, but after one time through this video, I threw the DVD in the trash. Two moves that can be particularly risky are stretching the head way back during head rolls, and bouncing during forward bends. There are many much better senior-oriented exercise videos available!

I have a rib cage injury, so stretching has been a big pain reliever for me. I love the soothing music and the graceful movements in this video. It may be named "Stretching for Seniors", but anyone who enjoys calming music, and who benefits from stretching, can benefit from this routine. As with any exercise, common sense has to be applied, so when any of the movements hurt, or just don't feel good, trust your body and know when to stop ... don't try to reach and/or bend as far as the instructor. When she does some of her side movements, I bend only to the point where it feels comfortable, then I stop. I know I'm never going to reach as high, or be as flexible as Ann, but I know I'm benefiting on my own level. I am very glad that I purchased this product and highly recommend it.

This is an excellent DVD for seniors to practice gentle stretching exercises. I read the reviews and I was puzzled by the vast differences in reactions. I recommend getting a copy from your local public library before purchasing this DVD. I am a classical musician and studied ballet. The exercises are set to Beethoven's piano concerto no. 1. They are enjoyable and relaxing to do. If you do not like classical music and do not like ballet, I would suggest you spend your money on another DVD.

Not sure if I received the right video - there were no instructions while doing the exercises - which was why I purchased this video. I have never study ballet and while the movements were beautiful and graceful, I spent more time watching to see what I was suppose to do. I really just wanted a video to walk me through stretching for someone in my age group. Nice video and I'm sure someone who knows the movements will enjoy - just not what I wanted.

Not what I expected. This video was for my mom who is 74 and not as agile as this lady. She can't get down on the floor and do some of the stretches. This lady looks like she's been a dancer her whole life and is in good shape. It should state that this is for more physically fit seniors. I found a better option in chair yoga for seniors.

Great stretch routine for us stiff seniors. Keep with it. Be patient with yourself and you will notice a difference. Now that im getting the hang of it, i sometimes put on my own music for the session.

recommend speaking to your doctor before starting any exercises; this video is good, but not for beginners. If you are not fit at all, I would start with something MORE basic. But if you are active and well this is a good purchase.

Not a clear video - stretching exercises are a bit too fast and not clear explanation fir seniors

Based on dancing, thought it was more basic exercise.

Not an instructional video, doesn't guide through the steps just shows her stretching.

Very poor quality and not very professionally done. Not happy with purchase.