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FitnessProsBooks.com - Classical Stretch - The Esmonde Technique: Full Body Workout Volume 1 / Athletes Intense Stretch
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List Price: $21.98
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Your Save: $ 21.98 ( 100% )
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Manufacturer: Classical Stretch
Starring: Miranda Esmonde-White
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0741027188295
Format: Color
Label: Classical Stretch
Manufacturer: Classical Stretch
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Classical Stretch
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2003-08-12
Running Time: 110
Studio: Classical Stretch
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: More Great Stretching!!
Comment: I have been stretching with Classical Stretch on PBS for approximately 4 years. The stretches are great. Her videos do have too much talking, but her stretching exercises are truly helpful. I would not be using her DVD's as weight loss tools, but they help keep you from getting as stiff when you begin that middle age thing. There is not enough cardio to burn any fat, but for those of you who don't ever exercise, Classic Stretch is better than no exercise at all. I personally like the second set of exercises on this DVD better than the full body, mainly for the deeper stretching. It's worth the purchase if you like this type of exercising/stretching. You can learn to tune out the annoying chit chat. Perhaps if you cannot get past the chit chat you might need some other type of video, like something that requires deep breathing and relaxation!!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Two great Classical Stretch workouts on one DVD
Comment: This DVD offers two Classical Stretch programs from creator and instructor Miranda Esmonde-White. In her introduction to the first workout, Miranda explains that the Classical Stretch method incorporates various forms of stretching, including isometric and PNF work, which, when performed regularly, will provide both both flexibility and toning benefits.
The first workout is Full Body Stretch Volume 1. Miranda leads this workout against a beautiful ocean's edge setting at a Jamaican resort. She explains that she won't waste much time teaching the moves, as she expects you to learn the sequences through repeated use of the workout. She starts with a 5-minute active warm-up which includes plenty of big arm movements, heel kicks, knee ups, and the like. She then continues with several minutes of full body, Tai Chi-inspired moves which begin the process of stretching the entire the body. Following this, Miranda moves into her unique arm work. These simple, unweighted movements will exhaust your arm muscles, from your hands to your shoulders--the short (5 minutes) sequence feels like much longer! Miranda again leads you through a series of gentle flowing motions before starting with the plie work for the legs. This section is only about 4 minutes long, and I found it to be a bit less intensive than similar sequences on Miranda's other videos. Following the plie work, however, Miranda grabs a chair and continues to work the lower body with an additional 12 minutes of barre work; I definitely felt this in my outer hips.
After about 33 minutes, Miranda transitions to the floor. Here she begins with 3 minutes of seated stretching work, utilizing cobbler's pose and twisting movements. Next comes 4 minutes of fast-paced crunches, and then you'll roll to either side for some additional outer hip or "saddlebag" work. Miranda concludes the workout with a final series of seated stretches, again including forward bends and twists plus adding neck stretches, bringing in the entire workout time at about 52 minutes.
The second workout is Athletes Intense Stretch. The Classical Stretch web site lists this as a 35-minute video. In actuality, it contains a main 27-minute workout portion and then what Miranda describes as an "Extra 15 Minutes" which is actually about 17 minutes, bringing the total workout time in at 44 minutes. The workout is filmed poolside in what appears to be Miranda's actual backyard. The main part of the routine begins with 10 minutes of standing work, the first 5 minutes of which focus on fairly grueling arms work and then the remaining 5 minutes on more gentle full- and lower-body stretching. Next comes 9 minutes of floorwork focused mainly on stretching the hips from both a seated and a lying position. Finally, the main workout concludes with 8 minutes of "barre" work (Miranda uses a rail) to stretch the hips and glutes. The extra 15-minute segment is designed to provide particularly deep stretching for the hip, hamstring, and glutes; there is no music during this segment. These stretches are performed entirely in a seated position. Miranda repeats some of the same exercises from the main workout, but she goes into the moves more deeply here.
Classical Stretch is a unique exercise technique that is definitely not for everyone. Some people might not like Esmonde-White's unique style; she is quite chatty throughout the entire workout, talking about everything from her daughter to her makeup. Still, I find Classical Stretch to be a good way for me to keep active on my lighter workout days as well as to provide much-needed flexibility training in a way that is fun and enjoyable. Therefore, if you are open to trying something a little different and/or have liked Miranda's other videos, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these two great workouts.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Classical Stretch full body workout
Comment: This is a great workout. My muscles feel much better after doing this video.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Esmonde Technique really works!
Comment: I discovered Classical Stretch with Miranda Esmonde White last year on PBS. Classical Stretch was already in its 4th season. Why had I not heard of it or Miranda before? I was intriqued as the exercises seemed like simple stretches, however, your muscles feel the results of the workout for days. I looked her up on Amazon immediately and found her original videos under "new and used". I bougt the Full Body Workout, Abs and Back, and Stress Release. The moves look easy but, they require concentration. If you stick with it you will be
pleasantly surprised. I have more flexibility and strength now than I have had in years. I'm only sorry that her DVDs are so difficult to find. She has a new technique called "Essentrics" which involves stretching but, is specifically aimed at slimming and losing weight. This is only available through her web site. What is so great about her technique is that you will develop long lean muscles instead of bulky ones.
Customer Rating:
Summary: This Workout Is for Everybody
Comment: I read somewhere that Classical Stretch workouts are for old ladies. That turned me off right away. As a weight trainer and runner, I hardly qualified.
Fast forward several years later, when I was reading post after post on my fitness forum of athletic women who were finding spectacular relief for aching muscles, back pain, neck and shoulder tension through Classical Stretch. The raves forced me to reconsider. I purchased this Classical Stretch workout and can happily report that it's now one of my favorite tools for relieving muscle tension. I tend to have neck and shoulder issues, as well as tight hamstrings. Nothing horrible compared to those who struggle with chronic aches and pains, but just creaky enough to remind me that I'm in my 40's. Classical Stretch ("CS") brings immediate relief to occasional aches through a wide variety of ballet, tai chi-like movements, and stretches. I don't like pilates and I definitely am not into ballet, but I do enjoy CS movements. I think it works better for me than many of my yoga DVDS (excluding ViniYoga, which is wonderful, too). My very favorite CS workout is the athletic stretch segment on this DVD, but, to date, I have not experienced a CS workout I do not enjoy and find some benefit from. (Incidentally, Miranda Esmonde has since released more updated DVDs, which are not available on Amazon. I highly recommend those, too. Go to her website for those.)
If you are looking for a serene workout, this is not it. It's calming, yes, and Miranda has a lovely personality, but keep in mind that she talks throughout her workouts. The classical music plays softly in the background, but it's mostly Miranda giving instruction.I don't mind it at all, but I bought this workout strictly with the hopes of deriving some sort of therapeutic relief, not peace and relaxation -- although I do feel relaxed afterward. Another nice thing is that I never have any "dread" factor about doing one of these workouts, either, the way I do with some of my Cathe Friedrich workouts! It's nice to do one of these workouts after a weight training session.
This DVD is a very decent production, but I prefer the more recent Classical Stretch productions which are filmed on the Mexican Riviera. They make me want to vacation there! However, the * workout * on this DVD is one of her finest! I wouldn't be without it. It gets the kinks out.
The instructor was a former ballerina who struggled with back pain for years. She came up with this method to address that pain. She now consults with Olympic teams and assists professional athletes with increasing their flexibility. So this is not some flaky exercise routine some obscure instructor has put together. This is a very scientific and deliberate approach to healing by a master who has had amazing success and many testimonials. It's not at all unusual to read that people fire their chiropractors after doing Classical Stretch workouts three times a week.
Thumbs up.
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