Muscle & Grace Stretching

Margaret Richard
Year Released: 1996

Categories: Athletic Stretch


This is a 30 minute video, that can also be divided into six 5 minute segments. I personally wouldn't recommend that, because not all body parts are done, in the 5 minute segments. If you do the whole tape, in its entirety, you'll get a great stretch & feel relaxed. The video is filmed outside in Acapulco, Mexico. The view is pretty, except that often with the floor stretching, you can't see past the shrubery. One section is filmed inside, but the other 5 are outside. The music is a light jazz, with some piano, too.

The first and last sections are focused on the upper body & neck. The rest are focused on the lower body & back. The back section feels good, like after doing yoga, but without the posture holding & balance focusing. I think yoga feels better, for my back, but this is good for when I'm too tired for yoga. The neck has only side stretches, but it is still pretty good. There are a couple versions of hamstring stretches, but only one quad stretch. The calves are stretched, too. Many other basic stretches are done, and a few have rythmic arm flowing moves inbetween. Not too many, or I wouldn't have liked it! All In all, a good overall stretch tape in 30 minutes.

The only complaint I have, is that a few times, Margaret would move to the other side to do the same stretch, and not say so. Most of the time her cues are there, but others you can't get into the proper stretch position, if you have to keep your head turned at the TV, to see when she'll change. If you can estimate how long she holds them, then you'll do fine. Everything seemed to be very even.

If you can get the tape on the exchange, like I did, I'd recommend it. But for $30, not including Body Electric's $6 shipping costs, I'd suggest Kathy Smith's Instant Workout's stretch segment, or Jane Fonda's Low Impact & Stress Release's stretching segment, instead. I'd still rate it an A-.

Lorrie Gigler

10/22/2000