5-Day Stretch consists of 5 different stretching
routines compiled from the original FIRM series. They
usually start with a standing stretch followed by a
sit-down/lie-down stretch, and range from 7 to 9 minutes.
I like to do these before or after a workout that doesn't
include its own stretches. It's also good to do when you
just need a quick pick-me-up.
The stretches on this
tape aren't as relaxing as other tapes like Karen
Voight's or Denise Austin's stretch tapes, mainly because
they're shorter, and you don't have time to really get
into it. But when you're looking for just some short
segments to start or end your workout, this is a good
choice.
Annie S.
3/19/97
This is a compilation of stretching routines from the
Firm's six original total-body workout tapes. Routines
average about 7-8 minutes, and include a floor segment
and a standing segment.
This is not a tape to use for
relaxation--e.g., if you've had a hard day at work and
want to get the kinks out. The segments are too short for
a thorough de-kinking. Furthermore, there's very little
attention paid to shoulders, back and neck (the areas
you're likely to be most tense after a hard day).
However, this is a good tape to whip out if you've
been running or working out and want to do a short
stretch to finish up so you won't be cramped up the next
day. Or sometimes I'll do a segment in the morning while
my daughter's eating her cereal, just to get my blood
circulating.
If you can find this cheap on sale, you might want to
pick it up; otherwise, I'd recommend investing in a more
thorough, longer stretching routine like Karen Voight's.
Penny Ward
This video has five stretch segments. The music is calming, and the stretches are attainable and feel great. Unlike some other athletic stretch routines, these are choreographed, so you almost feel like you're dancing. There are standing and floor stretches, and many segments end with a little energizing movement that makes you feel great. I often do one of these stretch segments after another aerobics video, because the Firm stretch makes me feel the way I want after a workout -- completely relaxed and energized. I'll NEVER sell or give away this video. It's an "A++".
The Firm instructors in this tape are all gorgeous Barbie-doll types, who are extremely flexible. They are motivating BECAUSE they're beautiful. They don't spout platitudes about "being proud of you" or "you're doing great"; instead, they make you feel like you're part of their beautiful-people class. After doing a Firm video, you FEEL beautiful, too!
Lilly Anderson
11/22/97
I use this tape for the same reasons that other reviewers use it--if I feel that I need a longer stretch before or especially after another workout. It's great for that, because each section will give you about 7 minutes of a combination of floor and standing stretches. I especially use it with tapes that don't include a thorough stretch, such as the Great Moves tapes. I also use it if I really want to stretch a little bit but I don't have time for a full-length yoga tape. It's also good if you are sore from a previous workout--it will help you work the kinks out!
Instructor comments: This tape is edited from the Classic Firms. The instructors are Susan Harris, Janet Jones-Gretzky, Sandahl Bergman, Kai Soremukin, LaReine Chabut and Jayne Poteet. They are all adequate. And flexible, too!
Kristin Aziz
1/14/99
This tape has five sections, each with about 10 minutes of stretch routines compiled from the classic Firm workouts. I usually use this one as an add on to tapes that I feel I didn't get a good enough stretch out of, or if I am feeling I need to stretch my lower body out after sitting at my desk all day. I don't find that there are enough upper body stretches in any of the sections, for my liking.
This tape is hard to come by as it is out of print now. I happened upon it on ebay a while back and like it just enough to keep it in my collection. I really enjoy shorter stretch tapes and this one fits the bill just fine.
All of the sections are from volume 1-6 of the classic firms. Each section features two different instructors and there is the usual "parts" girl to set you up for the sections. Themusic is terrible (as it is the same as the classics tapes) and it is certainly not a tape you would reach for to relax and unwind to.
If you can find this tape for really, really cheap - pick it up. It will provide you with 5 short stretch routines. If you can't find it cheap - forget about it. In my opinion it isn't worth taking the time to actively hunt for, unless you need it to complete your Firm collection!
Cori (ziggy2306)
February 24, 2004