Leanne Grose - Leanne's Chair Workout [DVD]

I bought this as I was looking for something a bit lower impact, and I was curious to try a seated workout.I actually ended up standing up after the disco section, as I have lower back problems and I found it was more comfortable than remaining seated.This DVD has several sections, which are nice and short - so if you've got a short attention span (or if you don't like a particular section), you're not stuck with it for ages:- warm-up:- disco: nice moves, good fun- combat: really good fun, I liked this section a lot.- resistance: can be done with bands if you have them, or using two water bottles (or a couple of tins of beans) as weights. There are four versions being demonstrated (two seated, two standing), which is really great.- conditioning: this is the laying-down section (mostly Lydia and Leanne), its based on pilates. for a bed or a mat. I haven't tried this yet, as I have lower back problems and I usually stay away from anything pilates. But I might try some of it, once I'm more accustomed.- (self)-massage: can be done with 'prickly' balls, tennis balls (or golf balls if you like smaller, firmer pressure). I used a pair of tennis balls which I have taped together as a 'peanut' for neck massages. It worked fine. There's one bit that requires a partner to use the balls to massage your back. Depending on your mobility, you can just substitute a foam roller, a theracane or just use the balls laying down.- chi breathing: a nice warm-down.Highly recommended for all ages, able-bodied or otherwise. All the presenters / trainers were lovely,[I CONSIDERED GIVING A 4-STAR REVIEW FOR THE BELOW, BUT DECIDED IT WOULD BE CHURLISH]My only quibble is that there is absolutely no guidance on technique, to ensure that you maintain the proper form.In particular, there wasn't any instruction on using the resistance bands properly, in terms of ensuring your wrists are in the neutral position (which I learned from Susie Hathaway's "Resistance bands for osteoporosis prevention" DVD).Apart from that, its brilliant. Thanks very much and well done to Leanne, Lydia, Amanda & Angie.

In fairness I have only gone through the workout once, but it looks great fun. Due to health conditions I find it hard doing 'normal' exercises and can't stand for long periods. This is great because you can sit to do the exercise but you also have the option to stand.It's good that Leanne is a young woman as when I have looked for sit down exercises in the past, it usually brings up workout aimed at the older generation. It's about time a DVD was brought out for those younger less able people.

Leanne has lost the lower half of her left leg so is dependent on a wheelchair for much of her time. She demonstrates all the workouts from this position.The workouts themselves are well-designed and fun and suitable for pretty much any level of mobility.I bought this DVD as a learning aid as I am studying exercise for elderly folks many of whom are chair-bound. I got some good ideas and tips ... particularly about remaining happy and upbeat!

Following an illness I now have limited mobility I use crutches around the house and a wheelchair for longer distances. Prior to my illness I walked everywhere so I was fairly fit. I have gained a lot of weight because of the medication I'm on, so I have been looking for some form of exercise that didn't require me trying to balance, do steps etc. Found this by chance and it had very positive feedback. I've been doing it a week and it is easy to follow. There are 6 sections:warm up, disco, combat, resistance using bands, massage and chi breathing. All of which you can dip into to suit your own needs. Only wish I'd found it sooner.My only negative comment it says you can buy the bands and prickly balls from Leannes web page but they aren't available yet, but you can get them from Amazon

I have struggled to exercise for several years. I have a fused ankle and standing for more than a few minutes is painful and walking is limited. I really enjoyed this DVD and was able to complete it no problem. I wasn't out of breath during the programme of exercises but felt really chilled once I had completed it. Will be alternating this DVD with another I purchased to improve my fitness levels.

For a very low price this DVD gives a really good and varied workout. The DVD is divided into about half a dozen sections with different exercises and relaxations drawing from aerobics, yoga, pilates and tai chi. I could do all of the sections but one sat in my wheelchair. The exception was the yoga section which you need to do lying down - fine if you have a DVD player in your bedroom. This said the beauty of this DVD is that you can pick and choose which sections you do and missing any out does not affect your participation in the others. For me, Leanne's approach of "it is not what you can't do but what you can do that is important" and "live each day to the full" were particularly helpful. My limb movement can be a bit jerky at times but this has not interfered with me getting a real sense of satisfaction from these exercises. All too often I have concluded that exercise routines are not designed for my body or alternatively I have felt they have been just too tame, Leanne's have avoided both of these problems. On this basis I would fully recommend this for young in outlook wheelchair users who want a relatively active workout with music with a good beat.

I'm a 66 year old great grandma suffering from end-stage kidney failure, but wanting to stay as fit as possible (you never know, I might get a kidney transplant!) This workout DVD is perfect for anyone who is challenged healthwise - if Leanne can do it so can you! Not the usual 'oldies' keepfit - it is by a 25 year old! You can do as many sections as you like, and I intend to do it standing up when I get fitter (there is an able bodied trainer you can follow as well). Finishes with a super 'sitting tai chi' and breathing session. Altogether inspirational.