This Beachbody production presents a set of therapeutic exercises for five separate body areas: neck, low back, shoulders, knees, and core. Each body part segment begins with a couple of assessment tests to judge the extent of any limitations, followed by a set of therapeutic stretching and strengthening exercises. The goal of the sessions is to increase both mobility and muscular endurance.

The DVD is hosted by Debbie Siebers, who demonstrates the tests and the exercises, and Chad Waterbury, a neurophysiologist, who provides additional instruction and commentary (and also occasionally joins in the exercises). Debbie is familiar to most VFers from Slim In 6 and Slim Series, and is of course very fit. However, as she freely admits, she has suffered her share of pains and injuries over the years, and in fact she does not “pass” several of the assessment tests.

The DVD is filmed in a pleasant (if windy) outdoor setting. There is background music during the actual exercises which keeps a beat but is otherwise unobtrusive. Debbie and Chad instruct live. There is an on-screen bar graph which indicates how many exercises done and how many to go, and a countdown clock pops up for individual exercises that are timed. Many exercises are done on the floor, so you will probably want a mat. A few exercises also require a chair. One exercise in the shoulder section uses a resistance band or cord, and a stability ball is optional for another exercise in this set.

Each segment lasts between 15-20 minutes, and begins with assessment tests. These tests can really be eye-opening. For example, I’ve never suffered from serious neck or shoulder pain, yet I “flunked” the assessment tests due to tightness in these areas (no surprise after decades of computer work!). After the assessment tests, Debbie demonstrates the exercises. Chad offers additional commentary and occasionally joins in. Unfortunately there is no chapter point between the assessment tests and start of the routines. (Also, each segment is followed by Beachbody commercials for their other products.)

The individual sections are as follows. Chad and Debbie recommend doing a routine every other day for 30 days to begin seeing results.

Neck: Assessment tests are neck stretches forward and to each side. Exercises are chin tuck, neck flexion, neck extension, side neck flexion, and head tilt hold.

Shoulder: Assessment test is over/under hold (trying to touch fingers behind the back). Exercises are the Egyptian, chest lift, floor push, Y raise (using an optional stability ball), external rotation, T rotation, floor slide, and band pull (which uses a resistance band).

Knee: Assessment tests are hyper-extension and single leg lunge. Exercises are leg extension, partial squat, calf raise, knee push, leg curl, single leg balance, and quadriceps hold.

Low Back: Assessment test is a bent-over hold. Exercises are cat/camel, hip twist, bird dog, trunk twist, glute bridge, clam, good morning, and psoas hold.

Core: Assessment tests are front and side plank holds. Exercises are standing trunk twist, standing side bend, hand walkout, side trunk raise, and curl-up.

The exercises are gentle, yet you will definitely feel them working! Many moves were familiar, but others were completely new to me. I noticed that Debbie is careful to demonstrate safe transitions between floor and standing exercises.

Bottom line: I highly recommend this DVD! Of course, if you have suffered any serious injury, consult your health care provider first. But this program is an excellent resource for recovering after minor setbacks, for coping with a chronic condition, or strengthening weaker areas to help avoid future discomfort. The sections also make wonderful warm-ups for more intense workouts.

As far as I know, the only place to purchase this DVD is www.beachbody.com. However, it does occasionally turn up on the swaps (which is where I got my copy!).

Instructor Comments:
See above. Debbie and Chad are obviously knowledgeable about what they teach. They are personable enough in their presentation, although sometimes their on-screen chemistry is a bit stiff.

JustSandra