INSTRUCTOR: Karen Voight
DURATION: 40 Minutes
EQUIPMENT: Optional towel or yoga strap to use with some of the leg stretches
LEVEL: Basic
TYPE: Stretch
MUSIC: Pleasant, jazzy type
IMPACT: Low
CHOREOGRAPHY: Basic

This is a total body stretch routine by fitness veteran Karen Voight. She is like a chiseled statue; so in shape! Inspiring :) Accompanying her are two woman and one guy. The DVD is broken up into two practices - sitting poses and standing poses. You can also do the whole routine for a lovely 40 minute stretch.

What I like about this DVD is that the stretches FEEL like stretches - no yoga or pilates stuff thrown in, although you can tell many stretches get their influence from yoga and pilates. Karen carefully cues each stretch and offers different modifications for those that are less limber. Each body part is hit thoroughly. Karen's teaching method is low key, and I like that she doesn't include any unnecessary banter while one is trying to stretch. Each stretch is held about 20-30 seconds to increase flexibility.

Some of the stretches: runners lunges, hands up the back, sitting cross legged on the floor and stretching out to either leg, laying down on the back with leg in the air and pulling leg toward you with a strap, neck stretches, and various others. Some moves were quite unique, others more traditional. All very relaxing. I did this stretch routine after Cathe's Muscle Endurance, and I felt more loosened up afterwards.

PROS: Karen is calm, soothing, and serious. However, her demeanor matched the workout perfectly! I love the jazzy, new-agey music. Each stretch really helped me relax after a tough strength training session.

CONS: Not really cons, but just things I noticed - No warm up, so if you're doing this DVD by itself you will need to add your own. However, it is suggested in the beginning of the DVD that you this program should be followed after walking, strength training, or cycling workout. Also, the set is dated. Production quality IS top notch, but it's obvious that this DVD was made sometime in the 90's. The leotards with the belts are a dead giveaway LOL! However, I thought it added to the workout's charm. A couple of times the camera would shake when transitioning from one flow to the next. Last con: some people thought that Karen was too serious or monotone with this workout. I avoided this workout for a long time because of this. However, upon viewing, I strongly disagreed. I thought Karen was just fine for the type of workout that it was. But if you like cheerleader types this workout may not be for you.

All in all, I think the cons were very minor, and the pros far outweighed anything bad that could be said about this DVD as a whole.

Instructor Comments:
Karen is serious, but I don't find it dead or monotone. I think it's perfect for this workout.

bubbles76