This is a good, basic stretching tape. Ulrich Bien-Aime instructs, while three people demonstrate beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of the stretch.

The dvd has 7 chapters: introduction, basic stretching facts, health tips, 2 slower instructional sessions matched with 2 faster stretching sections that repeat the same material as the instructional sessions, just at a faster pace. Each stretching section has 15 stretches; the first session focuses on lower body and the second 15 on upper body. The non-exercise portions are well presented and easily skipped for later workouts.

To start, one should follow the instructional sections. The stretches are held about 20-30 seconds, with lots of good form pointers, for a total session of around 10 minutes. The two faster stretching sections repeat the same stretches as the instructional sections but without all of the form pointers. Stretches are held 10-15 seconds each for a total of about 7 minutes per session. These sessions are designed to give a basic routine someone would do morning and evening, for example. The stretches hit most muscles, and Ulrich is good about explaining what is being stretched and where you should feel it.

The stretches will be familiar to most; there is nothing revolutionary about them. The sequencing is good, and the stretches evenly balanced between body sides. During the instructional sessions, Ulrich stands near the exercisers to instruct, with the exercisers on platforms, pretty much visible throughout the workout. During the faster sessions, the exercisers are presented in three distinct “windows” and are visible all the time, with the intermediate exerciser in the largest window. Instruction is voice-over; Ulrich is not on screen during these sessions.

Ulrich’s voice is pleasant, and he instructs in a calm, unhurried manner. The exercisers (2 women, 1 man) are varied with varied body types. They all wear sport tops with long pants. The music is upbeat instrumental – reasonably interesting but nothing to write home about. The camera work is very basic – no artsy shots – and mostly straight on. For most exercises, I am able to see clearly what the exercisers are doing and follow along. There are a points in the instructional section where Ulrich obscures one of the exercisers. I didn’t find this to be a problem, but some beginners might.

Overall, I liked the workout and the instructor’s style. I prefer stretches to be held longer, so while I enjoy the sequencing and instruction, I’m less likely to do this workout along with the dvd. For background on me, I enjoy Karen Voight’s Pure and Simple Stretch while others find it an insomnia cure. I dislike power yoga and love slow, precise hatha yoga. This workout would appeal to someone who wanted to basic stretching routine that moves at a moderate pace. With the two versions of each session, however, I think most people would find a pace that suits them.

Instructor Comments:
Ulrich is very pleasant with a calm instructional style and good voice. He presents the material well.

EileenS