Perfect in Ten: Stretch, with Annette Fletcher - Stretching to maintain flexibility and mobility, Fitness essential for the aging or less mobile person

I know I need to stretch. My body tells me so from the aches in my neck and shoulders, to the pains in my hips, knees, and feet. Most stretches rely on yoga-type poses. I don't really like yoga. I just wanted good, basic athletic type stretches that I could work into, and not have to feel like a pretzel or have some mystical experience.This DVD was for me. The are five 10 minute segments, so you can do as little as 10 minutes, or more if needed:Upper Body, Back & Hips (my personal favorite all over stretch)Hips and legs (another good one for runners & walkers)Sedentary lifestyle (for those stuck behind a computer, or with neck and upper back issues)Sports Stretch (designed for golfers or racquet sports players. I like it since I have shoulder and carpal tunnel issues)Intense Stretch which is, you guessed it, based on yoga.Annette Fletcher cues well, encourages deep breathing, and "letting the stretch happen." She has a pleasant voice and is not annoying or screeching (Denise Austin). My flexibility has improved and so have the pains in my hips and knees. You don't think this is doing that much for you, until you stop doing it!I use this DVD after more strenuous workouts, after my 3 mile brisk walk, or when my neck and shoulders feel tight after a crappy day at work and I just need to unwind myself before I curl into a little ball of stress.I have given this DVD as gifts to others who also need a good basic stretch program. I highly recommend this DVD and instructor, especially if you are not a yogini.

I was expecting a bit more from this DVD, having just gotten used to the Ballet workout one I ordered not long ago. This DVD is VERY low intensity so good for ABSOLUTE beginners or older folk. I wasn't expecting it to be so easy (and I still consider myself a beginner).The positives are:Very achievable, gives basic feeling of stretch - easily accomplishableShe has a lovely voice and is very calm. I found it nice to be in her company.Nice setting, indoors but SIMPLE and no clutter. It helps to provide a serene feel. She's in a wooden floor studio with nothing but herself and a mat.Negatives:The division of the stretches into 10 minute lots is really not needed as they are so easy. This is evidenced by many people's reviews on here saying that they just did the whole DVD through.The hold time is TOO SHORT as is mentioned by others, but you can add in a few seconds and still keep up with her.Overall good, but I'd use it for a slow day. I'll use my other DVDs for days I have more oomph and save this for when I'm not very energetic or keen.

I mainly wanted this for the leg /hip stretches. I was a little disappointed because it required having a wall to use for one of the series and I just don't have wall space in a place where the tv is still visible. But I am guessing this isn't a common problem. The 10 minutes goes by so fast. Its a little hard the first time through since there is almost no time allowed for the transitions and figuring out what you are supposed to be doing, but that makes sense since it only has 10 minutes to get through everything, can't spend too much time explaining. I am sure the next couple times through will be much better.

I'm 47 year old man who bought this video a few years ago because I hike a lot and like to stretch afterwards. But, I'm a rookie at stretching, and am not known for my flexibility -- either mentally or physically. :) And, while this video was not able to (nor was it designed to) do anything about the former, it has been very helpful regarding the latter.I particularly like workouts 1 (upper body, back and hips), 2 (hips and legs), and 3 (sedentary lifestyle relief). I find workouts 4 (sports stretch) and 5 (intense stretch) to be a bit too much for me, but that's ok because I really like 1, 2, and 3.I often do at least 2 together (20 minutes total). And, I often find myself doing some of the basic stretches for neck, shoulders, and arms when I'm sitting at work too long. I agree sometimes you need to hold the stretches longer than she does in the video, but I can easily pause it or redo them after when the need arises.So, I think this includes 3 sessions that would work well for everyone, especially beginners. Plus, it includes 2 more advanced routines for folks who want something a little more difficult. In sum, it was exactly what I wanted... not too long, something I was actually willing and able to do, and effective.

It's not good as a workout. I feel like this DVD functions more to give you ideas of how to stretch throughout the day rather than as an actual workout. The seated stretch section could be useful for the elderly. I did like some of the stretches but I thought it was going to be a workout and it wasn't. The instructor just doesn't get much in for each ten minute segment and each section is so specialized that I thought it was kind of all over the place. I was looking forward to this one but I was disappointed.