Kathy Smith's Relaxation System

Kathy Smith
Year Released: 2000

Categories: Yoga
- Audio Workout

This tape come with a 30 minute video tape and a 40 minute (two 20 minute workouts) audio. If you want to call the audio's workouts, they are actually more like meditation tapes. I haven't done the audio yet, so I'll just review the video.

This is a compilation of Kathy's yoga videos (Yoga Parts, you could say). I'm an intermediate exerciser, but flexibility is NOT my strong point, which is why I bought this.

The first 6 or 7 minutes is standing doing arm circles, neck stretches and forward bends and side bends. These all have modifications shown for beginners. Kathy always makes a point to remind you that its important that you feel comfortable, not in pain. Then you go down to the floor and do some cat stretches. Kathy carefully explains the exact technique and pelvic tilt you should be using. Then to an extended cat pose (with the leg extended, almost like a slow motion kick back when doing table work). Then some back extensions that were a lot more instructional than most tapes and more interesting as well. I could not do bow pose (grabbing the ankles with the hands at the same time while lying on your stomach) because I wasn't flexible enough, but there were cast members doing a modification on these as well.. I was happy to see modifications, because I'm not always good at guessing what the best modification should be and here Kathy answers my questions before I have to try to think of a way to modify. Then she does some hamstring stretches, twists, pelvic tilts, sitting foward bends (with a strap). Then there is a segment in which Kathy tells you to put your hands under your armpits to feel your breath as you breathe. All I could think of was Mary Katherine Gallager on Saturday Night Live, but it really didn't distract from my workout. Then she takes you though a lying down relaxation body awareness segment.

Over all, I love this video. It's a keeper. I give it a solid "A" for ALL fitness levels. Great for flexibility AND relaxation.

Instructor Comments:
Kathy delivers her usual great cuing, telling you when to breath in and out, using imagery to guide you through the relaxation segment and the stretches/poses.

Tammy

05/02/2000