Lean Body/Stretch Routine

Gay Gasper
Year Released: 1994

Categories: Total Body Workouts


This is a great video if you would like to work on strength instead of endurance as the moves are done at a slower pace than most videos and there are only 15 reps for each exercise so you could go to near failure. There are two different exercises per body part, except for calves and wrists/forearm for which there is only one exercise each.

Gay starts with a short warm-up. She uses a step, but one of the other participants does it without a step.

Prior to each and every exercise, Gay demonstrates the move that will be done. This could be annoying after a while, but I think it's perfect for changing weights, or simply stretching between sets. (I also find it a good form reminder, IMHO even more advanced exercises need a quick form reminder from time to time). Gay uses an adjustable weight bench, but I just substitute my step and a chair. All exercises are performed with dumbells. There are also good breathing reminders throughout the whole workout.

The exercises work the legs (including calves), back, chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps, wrists and abs (there are no specific lower ab exercises though). This is followed by a very short stretch - but you do get a nice stretch tape in the 2 tape set.

The whole workout takes about 45 mins.

My overall impression is that this is a GREAT strength workout, and highly recommend it. However, it is recorded in EP mode, and the ab section is very short, which is a plus for me as I really don't like doing ab exercises.

Stretch Routine

I have only done this video once, so I will just give you my first impression.

It is a good overall stretch tape and Gay is very supportive (if you can't stretch all the way, don't worry, just do the best you can). From time to time she also points out where you should be feeling the stretch. There are reminders to keep breathing which is great for me as I tend to forget to breathe.

The only complaint I have is that the upper body doesn't get stretched completely - there are no bicep or tricep stretches from memory. (The few stretching tapes I do have all seem to neglect the upper body somewhat, IMO).

The whole workout takes about 18 minutes. Oh, there is no warm-up but this is an excellent tape to use after a workout.

Overall, if you can find this 2 tape set, buy it!

Anna

02/20/2001