FIRST LOOK HOME ENTERTAINMENT Karen Voight Pure & Simple Stretch

This is the transferred-to-DVD version of Karen's classic Pure and Simple Stretch video and it shows in the less-than-smooth transitions between the stretching chapters. The costumes and hairstyles are dated, so if that sort of thing bothers you, stay away. Karen's pinky-lavender and bright blue ensemble is a good reminder of why the 80s haven't come back--yet. The cover design is the same as it always was. There are two stretching sections, one standing (10 minutes) and one on the floor (30 minutes). You can do them in one continuous 40 minute program or do them separately. The stretches flow smoothly from one to the next and are held a good, long time, much longer than in most stretching videos. Karen's very serious demeanor isn't everyone's cup of tea, but her cueing is excellent; after you've done the routine once or twice, you can do it without watching, just listening, and she gives tips for proper form right at the places where you need them. All you need to do the stretches is a mat (if you want one), and one or two folded towels for the floor stretches. There are two women and a man doing the stretches with her. Karen gives different levels of some of the stretches, encouraging you to do what is comfortable for you and stop when something pulls or hurts. Unlike in many videos/DVDs, the others are not demonstrating the different levels of stretching, with one doing beginner and one intermediate and so on; all three just stretch along with her, doing what seems comfortable for them. There is NO chit chat at all on this DVD; Karen is all business and the others never open their mouths. The music is New Age (if you like New Age, you will recongize some of the names)and is relaxing and unobtrusive; the set is plain. There are some extras on the DVD that are not on the video, but they aren't anything to write home about. The walking tips are nice but nothing special and the rest are just ads for Karen's other products. If you like yoga-style stretching, this will probably not be the DVD for you. This is an athletic-style stretch. But if you want a good, sound stretching video that will leave you feeling relaxed and energized at the same time, then this is a great choice. There's a reason that the video is considered a classic and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in a solid stretching program.

I've been using this stretch routine since it was on VHS, and I was thrilled that Amazon sells it in DVD format. You will need a yoga mat (or other surface to sit on), towel or yoga strap, and possibly a folded blanket to put under your tailbone during some seated positions, depending on how you feel. The stretches are safe, effective and no-nonsense - you won't have to sit through a bunch of New Age gobbledegook about chakras and chi, this is strictly for muscle/joint health and physical performance. Voight's instructions are great for ensuring you're doing the stretches safely and effectively, and she allows for different levels of flexibility, which is very important. Her presentation is a bit robotic, but the routine itself is so beneficial that you shouldn't be put off by that. Relaxing music is a plus. This is great if you want to relieve stress at the end of the day, work out the kinks from sitting at a desk, or thoroughly stretch your muscles after a workout. Even my husband likes it!

I would do Karen Voight's Pure and Simple Stretch every day if I could. In fact, I'm trying to find time to do it after every single one of my workouts while my muscles are warm. At first, you may be a little turned off by Karen's monotone voice and too serious mood (she has definitely improved her stage presence since this video's release in 1991). And you may also need to work to look past all the high-top sneakers, full-body unitards, pixie haircuts and the strange man in the back whose black-rimmed glasses and slicked-back hair make him look more than a little creepy. But you must look past it. There's a reason this video is still being sold 15 years after it was produced. This is a classic workout that will have you feeling truly relaxed and rejuvenated. Not a single muscle in your body is ignored. It took me a few times to finally feel what Karen means when she says to "breathe into the stretch", but once you feel it you know you're doing your body a huge favor. I've only been doing this for two weeks and have already noticed an improvement in how far I can take the stretches. I convinced my husband to try the 10-minute standing workout in order to ease some tension he carries in his neck, and he loves it too. This is one after-workout ritual that I really look forward to.

Love this stretch video, I have been using it when it was an VHS tape…easy modifications and always feel great afterwards. It’s not hard, I use it at least 3x’s a week.

I give this 4 stars because the menu function is faulty - you have the option of doing the full workout (40 mins) the standing stretch (10 mins) and the floor stretch (30 mins) but when I click on 'full workout' it stops after the standing section and goes back to the menu again! A minor glitch, but still annoying as I have to keep the remote handy. None of my other Karen Voight dvds do this, so it is their fault and not my player. I bought this as I find most workouts have only a few rushed minutes tacked onto the end for stretching and I need more. Karen is the only one that holds the stretch for the recommended 20-30 seconds and this is what you need to get results. As for the stretching, the standing part is ok, but the good stretches are in the floor section where she works all muscles from neck to calf - great hamstring, quad and inner thigh work. Yes she is a little deadpan in her delivery and the costumes and make-up are very 1980's but the workout is safe (no ballistic stretches) and effective. I don't look at the screen much when I'm stretching so it doesn't bother me - I like to concentrate on my breathing and close my eyes to help me relax into it. Great for those of us who want an athletic stretch and aren't keen on the mind/body focus of yoga. This is suitable for beginners to early intermediates, but if you want more of a challenge, try Stott Pilates Simple Stretches (not simple, more intermediate to advanced) as this is a more current dvd and beautifully produced - see my other reviews for details on this one.

The cover of this DVD looks very sophisticated and new, yet the material inside is very old. I looked inside and the copyright date is 1991, which is exactly how it looks. Very deceiving. However, the stretches covered by Karen are very good, even though for more active people it may be boring (but stretching is not for entertainment or fun, it's to help your body out). After going through the session (I have not stretched before), my body had a welcome warm feeling and it was the best feeling I've felt in a while. It's what my body has been waiting for. So if you are a semi- or regular exerciser, you need a DVD such as this to show you the proper techniques for lengthening and stretching your muscles so you can perform better.

This is my first experience with Ms. Voight, and I was pleasantly surprised. This video leaves you feeling very calm and euphoric, and the music is pleasant as well. There is 10 minutes of warm up followed by 30 minutes of full body stretching. I was most impressed with her descriptions of the stretches, which allowed me to concentrate on the movement instead of trying to watch what she was doing and compromising my form. I will purchase more of her videos based on this one. There is no equipment to buy - just a couple of towels. Great Job Karen!

My long-time favorite! I had it on the original videotape. Now I have the CD. It's a wonderful stretch. In my 60's, it's the way to go. Relaxing and effective. You feel great after doing it! Even if just doing the first standing section. Love it.