About myself: I'm an intermediate to low advanced exerciser. I exercise 6 days a week along to Cathe, Jari, Margaret Richard, Ellen and Fusion/Barre workouts.

Once in a blue moon I do experience low back pain. Recently I've had a herniated disc. So to stay active during this time of recovery I've switched to lower intensity workouts. I feel that moving is beneficial but it has to be with appropriate workouts. In my quest to find appropriate "low back friendly" exercises I ran into this gem.


This DVD is designed with six easy to use segments. The exercises stretch and strengthen the back muscles as well as alleviate back pain caused by muscular tension. The DVD is very user friendly and the segments can be used as add-ons or are great for the time crunched.

Exercisers: Peggy, a man and a woman.

The setting is a large room with wood floors and walls and decorated glass doors with a stairwell that is visible. The room is very warm and calming.

There is no music on this workout because Peggy feels it will distract from your breathing and focus on the postures. Surprisingly this didn't bother me or have a dread factor.

Props used: Peggy had one of the exercisers use a chair. Straps, a small pillow for the neck and a mat were used.

You don't need much room to do these exercises. The size of your yoga mat is enough. To do the restorative exercises you either need a wall to extend your legs up or you can use a chair to rest your legs.

Contents:

Introduction 6:54 minutes

Part 1: Restorative Poses 8:04 minutes

Part 2: On The Back (Leg & Back Stretches) 24:49 minutes

Part 3: On The Side (Half Bow Pose/On Hands and Knees, Leg & Back Stretches) 13:08 minutes

Part 4: On The Belly (Locust & Cobra Pose Variations) 10:07 minutes

Part 5: Hamstring Stretches (Back Of Thigh) 12:33 minutes

Part 6: Three Part Breath Exercise 8:21 minutes

Part 7: Guided Relaxation 11:11 minutes

More About Peggy Cappy 28:03 minutes

I also picked up:

Peggy Cappy's "Back Care Deep Relaxation For The Rest Of Your Life" CD audio.

This is a Back Care Guided Relaxation audio CD.

Contents:

1. Introduction 0:44

2. Guidelines For Listening 1:14 minutes

3. Guided Relaxation 20:41 minutes

I found that stress reduction makes my back muscles relax and in turn I feel pain free. This spoken audio has relaxed my body, refreshed my spirit and rested my racing mind. It is great to listen to in the evening right before bed.

I found both of these purchases to have been extremely helpful to me in this time of back pain. Since doing these programs regularly I feel better that I am doing something when normally I wouldn't be able to do anything. That in itself makes me feel more positive. So I will keep these for those times when my low back pain acts up. Much like others keep light workouts around for when they are sick or recovering from something.

Instructor Comments:
Peggy has a very calm demeanor. She speaks softly and calmly. She instructs with care and attention to form.

Cuddly Critter