Classical Stretch - The Esmonde Technique: Cardio Stretch

I'm 56 years old and just ran my first marathon 3 months ago. As I continued to run post-marathon, my hips and legs started hurting so bad that it was no longer fun to run. I bought this DVD and began doing only the stretch workout (not the cardio) six days a week, 20 minutes at a time right before bed. Every time I could feel my hips getting incrementally more flexible. Then after 2 weeks there was a substantial leap in pain reduction and flexibility. This stretching workout is deceptively easy - it doesn't seem like it could possibly make a difference. But for me anyway, it has brought the fun back into running. Priceless.

Miranda has the most unique and EFFECTIVE flexibility-building workout out there even though they bill it as a slim-down workout (it does that too, though). After purchasing about 30 other workouts I always come back to the Esmonde Technique. I've done her workout for 10 years and it has nearly cured my achy back & neck. The only better one is her daughter's re-do of this original workout. I was not happy when I couldn't get the original workout and voiced it especially when I had to pay nearly double what I paid for the original. Reluctantly I bought her daughter's and it is even better. That said I think (this one) Miranda's original is easier. Both are cheaper from their own websites [...]

I chose this type of exercise for several different reasons. I am a baby boomer. I have flexibility issues that daily exercise helps with, especially all over body exercise. Miranda appeals to me as Jane Fonda did when I was younger with her grace and feminism. My body responds to her technique by unlocking, as she calls it. I am a much happier person when I am comfortable getting around and able to do whatever I have to do in a given day. The cardio is a challenge but I learn it one action at a time and practice it. Before too long I can do the whole thing.

love this dvd

I started stretching with Ms. Esmonde in my living room on a daily basis. It is a great way to get started in the morning. Anyone can do these stretches and the more you do them the better you become. Don't get the VHS, it is old and you won't like it. Get the CD with three different workouts.Now I no longer workout at home. It's lonely. Now I go to the yoga studio, but this is how I first got myself up in the morning.

I love the Esmonde Technique, but didn't want to invest in the full DVD set as I'm not really much of a workout girl. These are very good and are just the right length for me for a before-work, morning stretch.

I've seen parts of several episodes of Classical Stretch on PBS and was hoping to have a permanent version at hand to turn to on occasion. This was not at all what I was hoping for: the cardio part of it is very low key and uninteresting, and the stretch part of it seems more a commercial for the resort where it was filmed or a treatise on how former ballerinas love golf. I kid you not. The cueing and instructions were vague, and almost every third sentence spoken mentioned how such and such a move was soooo good for golfers. Another exercise video destined for the charity bag or yard sale pile.

I love everything Miranda Esmonde White does. The exercises have been just the right thing for me; the spinal stretches, the leg work, the hip looseners. I feel at least ten years younger and much more energetic.