Classical Stretch - The Esmonde Technique: ADVANCED Core Workout DVD – January 1, 2010

I love this video! I am a cancer survivor and as a result of the medications have terrible joint problems and pain with my knees, ankles, wrists, hips, back...sadly, pretty much everything. I am three years in remission and stopped taking Arimidex against my oncologist's orders 2.5 years into them just because the medication was tearing up my joints and causing so much muscle and joint pain. Unfortunately, the joint damage that was caused from the cancer meds is still preventing me from exercising like I always did before the cancer. This video is so easy on my joints and feels SO good on my muscles, yet I can still feel the benefit of the stretches and the strengthening of my muscles. This is exactly what I need right now. The only negative I can think of about the video is that initially, there is some (minimal) wind noise in the instructor's mic, but it becomes less noticeable as the video progresses. I often listen to the news and play the video on my computer so I can accomplish both at one time. Definitely recommend to those who need to build strength after a medical event in your life or if you a little older in years. I am going to buy this for my three sisters who are also cancer survivors and my parents. Again, LOVE THIS VIDEO!

It’s a great product

What I liked: This is a good, low impact exercise program. I like Miranda's teaching style - she explains things well. I feel energized and healthy after doing this program. It's a safe way of getting cardio without hurting your joints. There's also some very helpful exercises for balance and strengthening the ankles. It's a fun workout and I expect it will help improve my posture.What I didn't like: The production is low budget and seems dated. You can hear the wind blowing in the microphone. The music is pretty horrible too (like Soap Opera back ground music). I also didn't like the lack of chapters on the DVD, so you have to do the entire 55 minute class each time. Finally, the chair stretching sequence is very awkward. I have done yoga for many years and would prefer to just get on the mat and stretch. My chair kept moving around while I put my weight on it. Next time, I plan to spend more money by getting one of the newer DVDs with separate chapters so that I can just do the parts of the class I enjoy and will skip the stretching part.

So far, so good....I am a person who has worked out her whole life..weight training, running, yoga, classes, I've tried everything and have always kept in good shape..with the exception of the last few years..I needed something to start up my workout again and I just received this video after reading her book about reversing the aging process. The workout seems good. Seems to resemble yoga with more of a emphasis on stretching the spine and stretching in different (circular) directions. I liked the way I felt after the first workout. I didn't ache although the workout did seem strenuous. I'm going to continue...I'll let you know how it goes but I don't feel tired, I feel good... which is a good way to feel after a good workout. :)

As a devout Classical Stretch fan, I loved being able to order these for home use. Miranda's programs are televised in the wee early morning hours where I live and I sometimes sleep through them if I've been staying up late because of back pain. I can honestly state that after only a week of upper body stretching with this program, I can breathe easier as the stretches have loosened back adhesions that have been in my body since 2011. Miranda says some followers have even experienced an addition to their height that has been shortened by many back surgeries. I am fused from T-7 through S-1, and I can feel the difference already. My pain level is now manageable without narcotics and this is after 6 years of aqua PT to no avail. I have recommended it to all my former Physical Therapists for their review and possible use with their patients. It is keeping me in better spirits to feel better and I highly recommend any of her programs.

This tape is a classic: if you are lucky enough to get your hands on a copy, buy it... It is one of the most comprehensive, full body stretch CDS you will find: regardless of your age.

The audio has a few wind clips, a microphone with wind screen would have resolved this issue. It's the only one I've ever ordered over the years that I do consistently. Miranda is straight forward in her approach. She is easy to follow and when you have made it up to the tough parts she compliments your efforts by telling you what you will gain from your hard work and how much easier it will get with consistency, this always pulls me through, even though I've heard it over 40 times already. She is really knowledgeable and is a great representation of her work. I did it for seven days when I first got it then after that two- three times a week. I and other people have noticed a difference in my body along with the bouncy spring in my walk. For you older stiff folks wait until you find out about the Solis muscle and how it's been holding you back!!! She has a great remedy for it. I even discovered how to stretch it out on the stairs. I love this DVD!

This workout is a wonderful one. I have to say that it has helped my back, my shoulders, my arms, my hips, my legs.... Seriously. I am even walking faster now. My daughter had recommended it to me, as she loves Mirande Esmonde-White's techniques and other DVD's. my daughter had even loaned me her DVD. I have now purchased my own. I have to tell you, that I am a avid knitter and knitting pattern writer, so I spend a lot of time at a computer and a lot of time knitting. I was having upper back and arm freezing issues, and achiness in those areas. I noticed my flexibility start to return in the first week of using this DVD and I have continued to improve. I do agree that at times the directions are a bit hard to follow, but if you keep at it, you will catch on. So you know, I am over 60 years old. :)

This is a great DVD for stretching, but is sill lacking in some respects.1. The DVD attempts to have stretching exercises for the muscles and ligaments around all joints of the body, but Miranda leaves out stretches for an important joint called the SI joint.2. Miranda discusses the importance of stretching the psoas, and says that the psoas is a hip flexor, and a small muscle which can cause a lot of problems when it is tight. First, the psoas is not a small muscle and actually attaches to 22 (sometimes 24) structures in the body, most of them vertebral and vertebral disk connections. Defining the psoas as a hip flexor, as Miranda incorrectly does, incorrectly assumes that this muscle swings the hip bone forward around the axis of the hip, which it does not do. The psoas is more like a spinal mover or stablizer than it is a hip flexor or hip mover. Furthermore, the exercises given by Miranda are actually to stretch the iliacus muscle and other hip flexors, rather than to stretch the psoas. A separate stretching exercise is needed to stretch the psoas, which is to have one leg in front to the other leg, such as in doing a lunge, with the arm of the rear leg over the head, and then shift some body weight to the other leg, and twist the hips clockwise to the same side as the body weight was moved. The reason for stretching the psoas in this fashion is that the psoas attaches to the lumbar spine and the psoas pulls on the lumbar spine when the psoas becomes tight. The reason for the confusion between the function of the psoas and the Iliacus, is that back in the 1950's, John Basmajian, father of electromyograpys (EMG), incorrectly assumed that the psoas and the iliacus have a common function because they share a common attachment site on the thigh bone or femur. However, the psoas and iliacus have different functions.

Really good. Miranda talks slowly and carefully. Definitely felt it working!

It was quite a work out I am 81 and consider my self quite fit. So I would advise take the CD in parts. I am feeling wonderful. I will certainly be trying to take part in more of her work outs.

Absolutely Excellent customer service! There was an issue with the courier company, where the tracking report said the package was delivered, but I hadn't received it. I contacted the seller and told them of the situation, and within minutes, they responded and shipped out a new DVD by express method. The video arrived quickly with no delivery issues. The Esmonde Theory is true to it's word. I was suffering from sciatica in my leg, and the only treatment that worked was following the gentle stretches and exercises in this video. I quickly noticed a difference within the first week. My body already feels stronger, and my posture is much straighter. I am spreading the word to my friends and family this video is amazing with proven results. I am so happy there is no more pain in my leg, and I have my freedom back of playing with my children. - Julie.

I love the workout just not the format of the dvd. I break it into 2 sections so i wish it was 2 seperate dvd's. Also i cannot stop it or fast forward it so that part is a pain. But the actual exercises are great good workout but 55 minutes is a bit long for me . I prefer the 30 minute segments like my other dvd's from her.