Classical Stretch is a unique exercise program by from Miranda Esmonde-White, creator of the Classical Stretch technique. Miranda's method (also called The Esmonde Technique) incorporates various forms of stretching, including isometric and PNF work, which, when performed regularly, will provide both both flexibility and toning benefits. In this video, Miranda focuses on unweighted work to strengthen and tone the upper body combined with some challenging abs work.

There is no really warm-up to this workout; rather, Miranda jumps right in with 13.5 minutes of standing arms work. The moves look deceptively easy--eg, arm circles, pushing your arms out, back, and down, etc.--but when performed all in a row with no rest, they are quite challenging and exhausting. After an initial tough arms segment, Miranda continues with some PNF stretches for the upper body, then moves onto more arms work, this time focusing mainly on the hands. She does some more traditional upper body stretches to finish the standing work. Next comes a 9-minute floor abdominals segment. Miranda incorporates mainly variations on traditional crunches, although she is constantly reminding you to keep your back pulled toward the floor and to shorter your abs muscles as you lift. She begins at a slow measured pace but then repeats the exercises using a faster count; this was a little hard to follow, as it was fast-paced and Miranda's cueing is sometimes poor. Finally, Miranda concludes the workout with a brief (2.5 minutes) series of seated stretches focused largely on the abdominals. The entire workout came in right around 25 minutes.

Classical Stretch definitely isn't for everyone, but I enjoy it as an occasional alternative to yoga or other stretching work. This program in particular was a very nice balanced blend of strength work and stretching, and I would recommended it to anyone who is interested in non-traditional toning for their upper body.

Instructor Comments:
Miranda is very talkative and has sort-of a cutesy manner; I can see why some would find her annoying, but I like her. Her cueing isn't great, although I'm generally able to follow along.

Beth C (aka toaster)