I tried this video for the second time today (a loaner from my library - and very hard to get, Lee Holden spends more time visiting living rooms in my area than reposing on the shelf!). As a person with a bad back, I give it the Bad Back Seal of Approval.

In piggy backing on Beth (Toaster's) detailed review: I agree that this routine is appropriate for most anybody, and that the core work might be a bit difficult for new exercisers. However, there are very few reps of each core exercise so it could be an excellent springboard to more involved core work - or not, just enough to get your abs in better shape to support the spine. One caveat I have for anyone with bad wrists is that there are a couple of down dogs, and a short series of "wag the tail" performed with the hands on the floor. For that I was able to substitute the tripod fingertips method of hand placement just fine.

I particularly enjoy how the three routines progress: lying face up, a little bit of face down back strengthening, then some delicious seated stretching, culminating with a lovely standing segment. It seems to take you literally from down and out to up and ready to go! It would be nice if Lee offered a little more in the way of instruction, but then again, the laid back aura of this video is part of its charm. I noticed that Lee uses a folded blanket under the seat for the seated portion and highly recommend that for anyone with a tight lower back.

The gentle music is appropriate for the mood, the views tranquil, and Lee's voice loans itself well to the calming experience. Lee is also rather easy on the eyes (in some views his face reminds me of Paul Newman, which of course is not important for back health but it certainly brings a smile to the face).

Very nicely done in just under 45 minutes.

Instructor Comments:
Lee Holden was born to teach Qi Gong.

Pat58