This workout provides three, 20 minute yoga inspired stretching sessions. It is accessible to all levels, from novices to advanced yogi's wishing for a sequence within which to really deepen their personal practice.

Mimi instructs the workout alone. She chose to do the instruction in voiceover which I felt was perfect for this type of stretching. The music offered a "new age" melody which was relaxing and soothing. The set was pure white and Mimi wore an all white outfit and performed the workout on a white shaggy rug. I thought it was visually appealling and created a sense of calmness.

You can choose to do any of the sequences from the Main Menu. The offerings are as follows: Full Program, Back Stretches, Hips & Legs, Neck & Shoulders and Bonus Super Stretch. My favorite part of the program is that throughout each pose Mimi holds each position for 1-2 minutes. This really opens up tight muscles and allows a deep relaxation to naturally occur. Mimi also ends each segment with a brief relaxation pose (she does encourage the participant to stay as long as they feel is necessary however).

Back Stretches: This practice begins with a gentle stretch while lying down with hands clasped overhead and then moves into a reclined knee to chest pose. Mimi then moves onto her stomach to perform some modified cobra sequences followed by some childs pose stretches. Next you'll move into the cat/cow. Mimi then takes you into a wonderful seated twist and then you'll move back to the floor for bridge. Still on your back, you'll conclude this session with some gentle knee to chest rocking motions and then finish with a reclined twist.

Hips & Legs: You'll start with a reclined cobbler pose (you are lying on your back with feet together, knees falling open) and focus on your breathing. Mimi then performs a gentle knee to chest stretch and further explores the hamstring of that same leg by crossing the ankle over the opposite thigh and gently pulling the working leg towards the chest. Next you'll leave the ankle crossed over the thigh and perform a twist to feel a nice stretch in the outer hip area. (perform all stretches to opposite leg) Now you'll grab a strap and perform some assisted stretches that will lengthen the hamstrings. Mimi demonstrates several stretches with the strap, each hitting different areas of the leg (you'll also feel it in the inner/outer thigh). Once the strap session is complete, you'll come to a seated position and perform a seated forward bend which is the last exercise in this sequence.

Neck & Shoulders: The first pose uses a rolled up towel for support under the neck while lying on your back. Next, removing the towel, you'll roll one arm under your back to stretch the shoulder. Mimi then performs a side lying twist. Next you'll pull both knees to chest and circle them then come to your hands and knees. Thread the needle stretch is next which opens up the shoulder and upper back. Childs pose follows. Next, sitting on knees, you'll cross one arm over the other into Eagles arms. Lying back to the floor you'll rotate your shoulders forward and back and then end with savasana.

Bonus Super Stretch: This segment offers more challenging poses so, as Mimi suggests, you may want to warmup with any of the previous sequences or even perform some type of cardio warmup to ensure your muscles are warm and receptive. Mimi begins with boat pose. Reclining hero pose is next and it is intense! (work up to this one if you have too!) The next move is down dog and then a seated forward bend. A reclined eagle legs twist follows. This segment also ends with a longer relaxation segment. (FYI-this segment was done without music, if you prefer you can use your own)

Instructor Comments:
Mimi mirror cues which is helpful since it is not always wise to "strain" yourself trying to view the television to see what the instructor is doing. This was a review copy. Check out Mimi's website-www.mimisolaire.com She offers up clips on this and her other 2 workouts.

DeniseR