Not only was this my first stability ball video, but also it was my first non-yoga video devoted entirely to stretching. I found it to be a good basic introduction to ball workouts as well as an excellent stretching program.

Lisa starts in a standing position, holding the ball overhead and doing some simple full body stretches to warm up. She then moves to a seated position on the ball for a variety of shoulder and hip openers; this entire first section lasted about 12 minutes. Next comes a 10-minute segment with more of a focus on back work, first kneeling with the ball in front of you (there are some additional shoulder openers in this section as well) and then lying to incorporate some hamstring work.

At this point, Lisa asks you to lie relaxed in a prone position--similar to savasana in yoga--and leads you through a guided relaxation which ends with a period of silence. This 3-minute segment would have been much nicer to have at the end of the routine; it seemed a little odd coming in the middle like it did, as there are another 8 minutes of stretching following it. After the relaxation, you lie over the ball for some additional back work and then move back to a seated position, repeating some of the stretches from the beginning.

Overall, I felt that this was a very good stretching program. Although the majority of the stretches included will be familiar to experienced exercisers, the ball provided a nice addition and facilitated many of the movements. I particularly liked that time went by very quickly; overall, it was a nice, relaxing way to spend 33 minutes. This video is appropriate for both new and seasoned stability ball users as well as exercisers at any level.

Instructor Comments:
Lisa was pleasant, with a nice voice and soft Australian accent. Her instruction was simple and clear. She works out with three background exercisers--one of whom occasionally shows modifications--in a sunny poolside setting.

Beth C (aka toaster)