In 2004, I got into stretching workouts as a way of relaxing myself and dealing with really tight muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders. Since starting this, I have seen some real flexibility gains and have loosened up my neck and shoulder area. In putting together a combination of tapes, I have several athletic stretch tapes/DVDs and several yoga workouts that are mostly stretch oriented. The workouts I reach for most often are Tamilee’s 10-minute stretches and Slim & Limber (just under 15 minutes) as add-ons after my regular workouts.

I am what I would refer to as a “non yoga” person as I use a few yoga tapes, but, still, mostly for stretching. In the past few months, however, I have begun experimenting a little with some longer workouts that are less totally stretch oriented. Someone sent me this tape because they thought I might like it, but weren’t sure. I’ve now done it several times and can’t quite nail down exactly what I think.

For me, it is a fairly long yoga workout. I skip the intro part on the breathing and the first few salutations. I have major hand/wrist issues, so in the subsequent salutations where they move through downward dogs into the cobra, I substitute the child’s pose. However, the rest of the workout I pretty much do as is. The instruction is excellent and she gives very precise directions that are so easy to follow. I did find it off-putting that she gives the formal name of the move first, because I would think, “Huh?” and look at the screen. However, I have learned that she will follow with an explanation of what she wants me to do, so I just wait now. At the end of this tape, I feel really relaxed and stretched out, but like I have accomplished something. The ending relaxation is long and sometimes I do it and sometimes I don’t. I am learning to plan my time better so I fit it in.

I think I will end up keeping this workout and doing it when I take the time to do a yoga workout and when I want more than “just a stretch”. I’ll have to see if I do it regularly over the long term.

Instructor Comments:
They are extremely competent and capable. The instruction is very good.

Laura S.