Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Confession: I LOVE Jessica Smith Workouts!! HOWEVER, I have NEVER been a huge fan of stretching/yoga style routines, EVER, regardless of trainer. Historically, most stretching-style routines I've found to be boring, monotonous, and they just simply plain put me to sleep. THIS DVD has broken my stereotype of this type of routine, and (seriously, with 110% honesty) may be my absolute NEW FAVORITE workout DVD. (Disclaimer, this is NOT a Yoga DVD) I'm an experimental fitness junkie, meaning I will try just about anything once, including just about every new program that comes out. I like to push my body, experiment with new methods and techniques, and discover new ways to bust thru my plateaus and get the results I want. In doing so, I often neglect the very foundations of health and wellness, and that includes stretching and taking time for me to RELAX. More often than not, stretching routines have been bland and boring, Trainers have been monotonous, backdrops uninspiring, and I ended up shutting the workout off and taking a nap before I was finished with the DVD. I'd feel frustrated, tired, and let down. So, like I mentioned earlier, I sort of had mixed emotions about this DVD from the start, UNTIL I tried it. This DVD is the opposite of every preconceived notion I've had about stretching workouts until now. It contains 3-routines, on a single disc, with hard shell case and artwork as featured in the description. The backdrops are a mix of tropical garden, to seaside, and they are GORGEOUS! They actually make me feel like I am waking up from the inside out, vs wanting to fall asleep. Birdsong and the natural beauty of the scenery set the perfect stage. There is light music in the background that only enhances the surroundings and atmosphere. You need no equipment for these workouts, just ample space, about the size of a yoga mat. There are three separate routines that vary from 17 minutes to about 30 minutes, depending on how much time you have. There is no timer, so all you have to focus on is tuning into your body, and your mind, and relaxing. The routines include Deep Stretch (30 minutes) Dynamic Stretch (33 minutes) and Total Stretch (17 minutes). Each routine, by itself, contains a complete stretching sequence, however the longer routines work more of the smaller muscle groups in addition to the larger ones. With Deep Stretch, the movements are more static, and held for a longer period of time, to help lengthen your muscles. With Dynamic Stretch, the stretches incorporate gentle movement, in and out of poses, which makes this routine a nice little combination of stretching PLUS strength, with a touch of very light cardio. This one was probably my most favorite. Total Stretch is a shorter, condensed version of the two, that is not as inclusive, but still gets the job done when you're short on time. These routines have been a major LIFE SAVER for me, as my routines lately have been more challenging, and the weights I've been using heavier, so my muscles have been sore. My body and mind practically CRAVE these stretch routines, and this DVD is the best one I've found to work me from head to toe, while still allowing my mind to relax and focus, without feeling like I need a nap or a huge cup of coffee to wake back up afterwards. I've said it before, and I will say it again, Jessica Smith has ALWAYS found a way, somehow, to target the components of health and wellness in a way that makes your body THANK YOU not hate you the next day. I am so glad I took the chance and tried this DVD because it is flawless from start to finish, and just what my body (and soul) need to be my happiest, and healthiest. If you are new to working out, have joint pain, stiffness, or lack flexibility, this DVD would be an excellent transition into Jessica's other workouts. You won't be disappointed with this one.