Ann Smith: Inhale, Exhale, Stretch & Move, Slow motion, therapeutic, weight bearing, aerobic, isometric exercise for arthritis, depression, fibromyalgia, lung disease, and many others

*Has subtitles for the hearing impaired.Nutshell: Highly recommended for those returning to exercise, wishing to gain mobility, or in need of an energy boost.I had to scale back on my senior pilates class since the overhead moves left me fatigued and recovery time was having a negative impact on the rest of my life/activities. However I've found Ann Smith's Slow Motion Therapeutic Exercise to be uplifting and invigorating. Ann says you will see changes in three weeks of every day use, and will discover parts of your body that you never knew you could use before. I'm looking forward to gaining more mobility and strength (and grace), but meanwhile I'm absolutely thrilled to be doing an activity that makes me feel so good and energetic!! Read on for the full review…First off, this program is designed to be therapeutic. Ann goes into some detail about building strength through isometric control (so you aren't just waving your arms around, you are 'pushing' or 'pulling' against an invisible force), as well as proper breathing technique.The entire sequence is quite flowing and dance-like in appearance and is set to a beautiful piece of music by Chopin. It is a little over 10 minutes in length, and the commentary can be toggled on or off. It is shown once from the front (viewing Ann head-on), and again from behind (see Chapter breakdown below).I would, like a previous reviewer, recommend first watching the entire DVD. Then start by following along with Chapter 4 (Ann from behind), and then proceed to Chapter 2. It is only in Chapter 2 that I can see all of what Ann is doing with her legs, and this is the one that I like the best for regular usage.Breakdown of Chapters:1. Exercise for Healing - Brief talk by Dr. Malinda Bell, on the benefits of movement and the unique attributes of dance training and of Ann's system.2. Exercise for Watching - (10.7 minutes) demonstration and explanation of Ann's system: a slow-motion dance-like series of movements set to music [can be viewed without commentary, and this is the one I prefer to follow along with]3. Exercise Instruction - 6 minute talk by Ann Smith, focusing on key concepts for getting the most out of this exercise practice.4. Exercise Participation - (10.3 minutes) view is of Ann from behind while doing the same program as in Chapter 2. Here she instructs you on the isometric engagement of muscles and has some cuing. [can be viewed without commentary]Cons: since Ann is wearing a flowing calf-length dress, it is not always easy to tell the leg or foot positioning when viewed from behind (especially at those times the camera is not showing her lower legs).I would also have liked some cuing on breath while actually performing the movement, at least during the learning phase. (it took me awhile to incorporate the ideas from her talk into actual practice; cuing would have been nice)At the very end of the DVD, after the credits, you'll discover that the DVD is dedicated to her husband, L. Roger Smith 8/27/26-1/27/05. "A percentage of the proceeds of this DVD will be donated to Pulmonary Fibrosis Research to fund research for a cure."

I had to give up yoga quite a while back because of vertigo problems, and I had been looking for a gentle, stretching exercise video to take it's place. This DVD was just what I was looking for! After just one ten minute session of stretching to the soothing classical music, I feel calm and relaxed. I sometimes do it the second time just because it makes me feel so good. Like others have said, it would be easier to follow the exercises if the instructor was shown head-to-toe throughout the entire workout. However, I rotate chapters two and four for my workouts because seeing the same workout at different angles helps me understand the moves better.

I suffer from Fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, I wanted to find a workout that will get me moving but not being too harsh on my body. Why workout with a Chronic Illness if you will be in bed for three days. This workout is perfect for those that suffer from any Chronic Illness. If you ballet, mozart, if not, you will truly enjoy it!! Its all about using your core and 10 minutes out of your day! I bought a few for gifts and this is my second one. My DVD player ruined it!! I slipped the last year but now I am back! Buy it!! You won't regret it!!

I am one of these people who would rather eat bugs than exercise. I HATE it. If you are over 50 and have led a reasonably inactive life of late...this is for you. I LOVE this video because it is very low impact, mostly stretching, non-threatening in anyway...you can jump out of bed, turn it on and spend 10 minutes stretching and toning. It's a no-brainer. You don't even have to change clothes, put on sneakers...nothing...just push the DVD player button and in 10 minutes you are relaxed, feel like you've worked out and are ready to jump in the shower. No more excuses that you can't find the time. Even if you are half crippled...you can do this. If you are 90 - you can do this. It has actually spurred me on to jump on the treadmill a couple of times a week. I am 63 years old, have arthritis and fibromyalgia and I feel better than I have in a long time. It is worth every penny I spent on it both for physical well-being as well as my emotional well-being.

Do this! Take a chance on changing your life!I've been doing this 6 days on 1 day off for the past 12 weeks and I can't believe how much I've improved. I do this 1st thing in the morning to help loosen my body, it truly has helped with daily aches & pains. I've never had a flare up of pain from doing this dvd. I've noticed Improvement in my daily pain level, range off motion and strength. My husband who doesn't suffer from chronic pain has found this dvd helpful with range of motion as well.I couldn't be more happy with the results of this dvd!

Could not install the video on my computer without purchasing a new program to run it. As I mistakenly ordered a used product, I am not comfortable that it has not been tampered with and will not be using the video. Very disappointed.

Lovely instructor and very gentle moves. I wish there were just a bit more voice over instruction on what to do though, because its hard to watch and do the moves the same time. This is good to get you loosened up in the AM. Not a workout, so don't expect to work up a sweat.

Ann Smith is wonderful; calmly explaining every move and reasons why to move in such a way. With her chosen music of Chopan, every muscle and joint melts.

Love this do it every day. A good continuous stretch.

great exercises do them every day

Un modèle extraordinaire pour les femmes d'un certain âge.