Total Stretch DVD: Improve Range of Motion, Increase Functional Flexibility + Rejuvenate Your Entire Body with Jessica Smith

I own several stretch videos and thought I would never find another one that compared to my favorites, or teach me a new set of stretches, but this one has! Jessica has a lovely way of queuing and instruction that leads you through thorough interesting stretches. Background music (sound quality and volume) are PERFECT and scenery is soooo relaxing. I like the stretch category options. For those new to stretch, you cannot fail with this DVD. Jessica even shows you a basic (with chair, etc.) option, as needed, in a non-invasive alternative shot. I am happy with this purchase and will give it as a gift. A great way to begin a day. :)

I really like Jessica Smith - all the variety she offers in her DVDs and her laid-back pleasant personality as well. At 55 I find that I really need to work on flexibility much more than when I was young. Longer stretch sequences can get boring but this is never an issue with this DVD. The time flies and the setting is lovely. I like the mix of more traditional stretches with dynamic.A couple of minor compliants about this DVD. In the sitting stretches, Jessica misses on providing another option for those that are less flexible. This is really unusual for Jessica! In my case, I cannot stack my legs in a sitting position as she does in a couple of seated stretches - the modification is to keep the lower leg straight.Also, I found her cueing a bit off in Dynamic Stretch. In one case, you are in a low lunge and rotating your upper body from side to side. She has you rotating from front to back, and I assumed she meant rotating towards the front leg and then the back leg, but she is actually rotating the oposite of this and her reference is to the front or back of the room. In a couple of other instances I found I had to twist my head to the TV to know when to switch from one side to another.Still, even with these two small issues, this is a fanastic DVD and feels different from her other flexibility and stretch DVDs. I highly recommend it.

The stretch routines go at a comfortable pace allowing for a deep relaxing stretch. You can choose from three full body stretch routines. The routines are short 17 to 30 minutes.

I really like Total Stretch. There are 3 work-outs and I toggle between all three. Thank you!

After one or two plays, the DVD started skipping in one spot. Not enough to go through the hassle of an exchange but still annoying. However, the actual stretches are good and the instruction easy to follow. And I appreciate an instructor who wears comfortable clothes instead of skin-tight spandex!

This DVD includes three different routines. Session #1 Deep Stretch is 30 minutes in duration. It moves from head to toe stretching pretty much everything in a slow, deliberate manner. It's a great stretch, but one I am finding I use more as a rest day routine as I don't have the time to devote 30 minutes just for stretching on most days. Session #2 Dynamic Stretch, 33 minutes, is an active stretch that I especially like. It's stretching but with movement, not static. Lots of creative moves done with this one and at a perfect pace. Session #3 Total Stretch, 17 minutes, is a good pre or post workout stretch--or even a standalone on a day when there's not much time or if I've been doing some straining physical work and feel the need to "get the kinks out". All three are filmed in a lovely garden setting. This is a great addition to any DVD workout library!

Okay, I will admit it, I don’t like to stretch. I just like to do my rather intense workouts and then get on with my day. I also ordered this DVD because I needed something else to complete my order so that I would get free shipping. That being said, I am so, so glad I have this DVD! For the first time, I actually look forward to stretching.There are 3 workouts on this DVD and they are filmed outside, either beach side or in a beautiful botanic garden. I swear you could just sit and watch these routines and feel relaxed.SESSION 1 – Deep Stretch (30 minutes)As the name implies you will be moving slowly and breathing deeply as you stretch.SESSION 2 – Dynamic Stretch (33 minutes)This is an active stretch series and my favorite routine. I can live with stretching if it moves more quickly. I just loved all the arm circles that release my shoulders. I can see doing this routine as a warm up before my intense exercise.A few things to note about this routine. Jessica’s cuing isn’t quite as spot on as other workouts, so several times I had to stop the stretch so I could look up at the tv screen to see what I was supposed to be doing.Another thing to note is that sometimes Jessica breathes with moves the opposite of what my yoga teachers have taught me. I was always taught that you inhale when you are expanding your body, e.g. looking upwards and bringing your hands behind your back, and you exhale when you are contracting. Jessica cues the opposite which felt very awkward for me, so I just breathed the way I was taught. This is most noticeable with the cat/cow stretches.SESSION 3 – Total Stretch (17 minutes)This session is perfect for when you are short on time, but want to get in some stretching.If you want some stretching in your life, get this DVD!

The instruction and views are good. Stretches are basic and are easy for me. A few of them I have not seen/used before, and felt good.