Customer Reviews

Science of Fitness W/Tamille W

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This video is only good if all that you want is a 5 minute stretching routine for before/after working out. It only targets the major muscles. The standing, sitting, & floor routines are all repetitions of stretching the same muscles, just in different ways. And it really is for beginners only; most of the stretches are extremely basic. I would not recommend it if you are looking for a TOTAL stretch for your whole body.

If you are looking for a relaxing stretch program for your entire body, then instead of this DVD, I recommend "AM/PM Stretch" by Gaiam with Madeline Lewis. Madeline Lewis gives better instructions about proper form, and she helps you target your breathing better. Plus, the mood on "AM/PM Stretch" is much more soothing.

Both DVD's are suitable for beginners. If you can afford both, then the two DVD's actually work well together - I use the "AM/PM Stretch" when I want to stretch my entire body and feel relaxed, and I use this Tamilee Webb DVD when I'm preparing to do aerobic exercise. I bought both DVD's at the same time, and while I don't hate this one, it just isn't nearly as thorough as the "AM/PM Stretch". Even for the stretches that the two DVD's have in common, the "AM/PM Stretch" gives more thorough directions on how to properly do each of them.

Only get this Tamilee Webb DVD if you don't know any of the major body stretches AND only if all that you need is something very quick so that you can go work-out.

This dvd has lots of explanation for the novice stretcher but not too much for someone more experienced. Overall a good buy.

I do this DVD everyday after my cardio workout and I love it. The Total Body Stretch section is basic stretches (some I didn't know of and some everyone knows) put in 3 fluid variations (standing, sitting, floor) my favorites are the standing and floor. The Biginners Stretch for Flexibility section is 30min stretching that is a little more hard than the 3 10min Total Body Stretches, so I would suggest doing the 10min ones for a week or two and then doing the 30min one for variation. I don't like Yoga and this DVD is a wonderful alternative. Stretching is an important part of any workout just as Cardio and Strength Training are.

Voice: Pleasant and Relaxing
Setting: Natural
Level: Beginner
Music: Hardly noticeable

If you are already very flexible, you might be disappointed because this video
is really for those who have just entered the realm of stretching.

If you are looking for a relaxing escape that has a nice flow and is artistically appealing, this might be for you.

Peace and Relaxation.

I have always had to work hard to do even simple stretches. After I injured my lower back in martial arts doing the repetitive kicking motions, stretching not only became challenging, but it was also painful. Physical therapy and traction didn't help. Spinal steroid injections for pain management didn't help. I tried "beginning" yoga and Pilates, but they were too difficult. I was ready to give up when I found this DVD with Tamilee. After only one session, I felt great! You can do 10-minute segments or combine them for a 30-minute session, which is what I would recommend for days you haven't done much exercise. Tamilee is a down-to-earth instructor and shows you how to gradually and safely build your range of motion. She also builds confidence in this no-pressure routine.

I considered myself a "beginning stretcher" until I saw this DVD and realized that it is best for people with very little to no flexibility. If you already run regularly or are still somewhat young, you probably won't benefit much from the range of exercises this DVD provides. The stretches hit the major muscle groups at the most obvious and popular angles: quadriceps and hamstrings in the legs, one or two hip stretches, and the triceps are really the only effective ones, but the stretches Tamilee shows you are not "creative". The DVD moves too slowly between stretches, and too rapidly during the stretches, not allowing the viewer more than a few seconds in each stretch. It implements very similar flexing exercises in all the three sections: standing, the floor, and the chair, so you don't get much variety. I definitely felt very relaxed and stretched out after the video, but I don't think I need to watch it more than the first time to learn the stretches and do them on my own with equal excitement and efficiency at the gym. There are no new exercises in the video that you haven't done before.

BUT, all that aside, if you are just looking for a slow, methodical guide through a few stretching exercises to do after a long day or as a study break, or after coming back home from the gym, and you don't mind the limited number of muscles being stretched but want to hit all the major groups, then this is a great video with a beautiful white sand, ocean background.

Summary: Buy it if you hate stretching with a passion and refuse to do it by yourself after your workout, or if you no longer have the sprightly, youthful feel in your muscles. Otherwise, not really worth the 17 bucks.

Overall, the DVD is good for learning the basics. I gave this production 4 stars because I found the routine short (barely 30 min.) and not too challenging.

Usually I get bored watching the same videos after a few times. But this one is absolutely my favorite. The traditional stretching exercises have mostly been focused on leg stretching but in this program there are lots of new stretching techiniques targeting shoulder,arm, hip areas specifically. As I recently experienced severe neck and shoulder pain, these are tremendously beneficial to me. I used to only know stretching could only be done on the floor or with a ballet bar but now I learned from this program that we can stretch effectively while sitting and standing!! I especially love the beautiful scenery and music in this DVD: The first section was performed on the beach with a magnificent ocean view, the second section was done in a so peaceful garden full of luscious green with that new age kind of music! Total tranquility!!! It makes me feel like taking a mini vacation doing the stretching. I do get bored or disinterested if the background of program or outfits are not appealing. I can't wait for the intermediate and advanced levels or other variations to come out. It could be a bit too easy for some people but this is for beginners. And on the days that I am too tired or just don't feel like, this low impact relaxing program is just what I need. Tamilee, please make more with such superior quality!! Thank you so much for this fabulous DVD!!

This really is great--I felt wonderful after completing the stretches. It's MUCH better than the Ann Smith series.

Tamilee Webb's Total Stretch for Beginners is one of the best exercise DVDs or videos that I have ever purchased. I love it, and here's why:

The first section, titled Total Body Stretch for Beginners, consists of three 10-minute stretches. You can do all three or just do one.

The first stretch is called the standing stretch. This is for those of you who don't like to have to get down on the floor for exercising. You do all the stretching from a standing position. It also helps develop balance.

The second stretch is called the sitting stretch. You do the whole thing while sitting on a chair. This one requires a sturdy chair that won't tip over when you sit towards one side or the other. This one is for anyone who doesn't want to get down on the floor for exercising, but might not have enough balance to do the standing stretch.

The third stretch is called the floor stretch--and as the name implies, you do it while sitting on the floor. This is my personal favorite since it requires no balance so I get the best possible stretch.

Any one of these three stretches is complete on its own, but if you feel a need for a longer stretch, you can do all three.

The second section of the DVD is titled Beginners Stretch for Flexibility. It consists of one 30-minute stretch that includes a short relaxation exercise at the end. This one is a bit more challenging, but you feel SO good at the end. Try the other stretches first, and work up to this one.

On a daily basis, I do the floor stretch (10 minutes) after my cardio workout. This provides me with the best stretch. Every once in a while, I'll do the standing stretch instead of the floor stretch. Sometimes only once a week and sometimes more, I do the 30-minute stretch. I especially love to do the 30-minute stretch if I've had an especially stressful day or if I want to get really relaxed. :-)

The best part of these stretches is that I can do them. They are not all super-easy, but all are doable--even for someone just starting out like me. :-) Tamilee Webb is a wonderful instructor. She is encouraging and has a very soothing voice, but without being overly enthusiastic the way that many exercise instructors are. This is one exercise DVD you'll actually use.