Jessica Sherwood
The setting is in what appears to be a dance studio. The music is all classical ballet. The dvd is chaptered so you can go to any of the sections at any time, based on your needs or time constraints. Here are the chapters:
Isolations: Beginning with exercises to warm up the neck, you'll start to prepare for deeper stretches. Jessica moves progressively through the body (neck, shoulders, ribs, hips, etc) to actively warm up the participant.
Standing Stretch: The stretches are very active in this section. (you'll keep moving which will continue to warm you up and burn calories) Jessica includes some great lower body stretches that will actually help develop tone in the muscles while increasing mobility/flexibility.
Seated Stretch: Starting with butterfly, you'll stretch the inner thigh. Deep forward bends and twists are included. Lots of poses to release the hips, hamstrings, quads and inner thigh areas.
Abdominal Exercises: This segment utilizes pilates and traditional strength training exercises to tone the core.
Cat Stretch: This chapter is very brief. Here, Jessica performs a cat stretch to release the back area before moving into the 2nd abdominal set.
Abdominals Continued: Again, combining the two disciplines, you'll begin with crunch variations. This segment gets progressively harder as you go along.
Reclining Stretch A & B: (you can actually go to either A or B chapters) All done supine on your back, you'll work deeply into your hips, back, inner thighs--all the areas are worked including down to the ankles and feet. These 2 sections are a great way to end the practice.
Split Preparation: This section helps to open & lengthen the hips to prepare for a full split. (pigeon pose & hip flexor exercises are included) This session is the hardest but overtime will allow you to go deeper into your split.
With a definite ballet flavor, you'll experience a fusion of multiple disciplines in Ballet Boot Camp Stretch. (pilates, contemporary dance, traditional strength training, etc) The practice is enjoyable for all participants and no prior ballet dance experience is required. (anyone can follow along and attain the benefits) You'll tone and lengthen your muscles (no bulk, just a dancers lean look), become more limber and increase joint mobility.
Instructor comments:
Jessica provides great instruction and form cues. Check out her website at www.balletbootcamp.com
Denise R
5-19-2007
