Yoga Stretch for Beginners and Beyond DVD

I've been desperately in need of the ideal stretching routine to complement my other workouts and this DVD fit the bill perfectly. This DVD has two seperate workouts or "practices" if you will, that both lengthen, strengthen and tone the body, and do so gently. No wacky binding moves, hand-stands, or pretzel twists necessary. Perfect for Yoga beginners, or advanced exercisers such as myself, who are looking to lengthen without pain and discomfort. Both workouts are filmed outdoors in a gorgeous setting complete with sunshine, next to a sparkling pool, and swaying trees. The music is soothing and on cue featuring soothing, gentle classical tunes, as well as relaxing, calypso-style guitar. You don't have to be a "yogi" to do this DVD. Like another reviewer mentioned, there is no chanting or sanskit, which can often invoke negativity in regards to the term "yoga". AM Yoga is your more "typical" yoga practice, with standing, and floor exercises done on a mat. Jessica shows beginner, as well as more intermediate to advanced moves for all the poses. Familiar poses in this workout include warrior, reverse warrior, childs pose, downward facing dog, bird-dog, cow-cat and several others, done in a flowing sequence that is soothing, yet tones and lengthens the muscles. This practice closes with a quiet, meditation. PM Yoga is more of a stretching routine, and requires a mat, a small pillow (not necessary on carpet or a thicker yoga mat) and a towel or yoga strap to help stretch and lengthen your muscles. (alternatively, I used a flat resistance band for the same effect). This routine is great for use after a touch, vigourous workout, when you need a little more stretching. There is also a relaxing, quiet meditation at the end of this routine that is very refreshing. Both routines are great, and can be used seperately, or in complement to other workout programs or routines you may be doing. This DVD is designed for "beginners and beyond" , but perfectly met me needs as a more advanced exercisor. I am anxious to use it reguarly throughout my fitness journey, and beyond. Read more

I'm new to working out with Jessica Smith, but I just ordered both this Yoga Stretch DVD and her Walk On DVD since I've read wonderful things about her on the Video Fitness forums (where people post about at-home exercise DVDs). This Yoga Stretch DVD is fantastic! The main menu includes a short Introduction video from Jessica that explains the two workouts, and then the options of selecting either the Energizing Flow (designed for the morning/daytime) practice or the Relaxing Flow (designed for the evenings) practice. Each one comes in at just about thirty minutes long. In the Intro segment, Jessica recommends that you alternate between the two sequences. To do the practices, you'll want a yoga mat, and, for the Relaxing Flow, a towel or yoga strap and a pillow. The two sequences are filmed outdoors next to a pool, and it is just Jessica in each workout with some light instrumental music in the background. I love her personality, and how she guides you through each practice. Her cueing is excellent (which is particularly important on a yoga DVD when you can't always see the DVD), and both Flows are a nice combo of yoga and stretching. In each one, she includes some traditional yoga poses like Warrior 1 and 2, but also mixes in some gentle leg lifts and other stretches. The P.M. workout also includes a lot more stretching of the hamstrings and more hip openers (using the towel or yoga strap), which always feels so nice at the end of the day. These are also great for many levels. I consider myself to be an intermediate-level yoga practioner, and could see this being perfect for anyone from beginners who don't want something too taxing to more advanced yogis who want a gentler practice. I can see why everyone loves Jessica, and will definitely be buying more of her DVDs! Read more

Very easy for beginners and she offers challenges as you progress. I am an older person and completely new to Yoga and it was nice to have some options for lower levels and when I advance I hope I can hold the poses like she does. Great workout for seniors! Read more

With a full-time sitting and typing job my hips and wrists are really tight at the end of my day and I've incorporated yoga or stretching DVDs into my routine for about the past 2-3 years. This DVD has really helped to counter balance some the issues with my hips, lower back and posture. The instructor is very pleasant and I enjoy the way she explains each movement and breaks it down so someone with my lack of flexibility can still get into the movement. It has been my experience that so many other instructors online and with DVDs are helpful but they don't really provide modifications for those with less mobility/flexibility. This DVD fit the bill for me. I notice I tend to reach for it 2-3 times per week over all my other DVDs. Since I strength train 3-4 days per week, with the PM yoga stretch, I can really feel my muscles stretch and sometimes alleviate the DOMS or lactic acid which has built up in my muscles. I have enjoyed it so much over the past weeks that I purchased for a friend. I also enjoy the AM energizing practice. It really wakes up the muscles and truly energizes the mind and body. Read more

I had trouble following some of the moves. Hard to watch the screen to see what to do while in some positions. I couldn't physically perform some of the moves. Parts of it were too fast, including the breathing! I'd recommend the Yoga and Tai Chi videos by Scott Cole. He goes slow enough to learn the moves and makes it very easy to follow. Read more