Stretching: The Video (1986)

Genres - Health & Fitness  |   Sub-Genres - Toning & Strength Training, Yoga  |   Run Time - 60 min.  |   Countries - United States  |  
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Synopsis by Janiss Garza

Bob Anderson's 1980 book, Stretching, is a best-selling fitness classic that is still very valid today. In fact, it has taken nearly 20 years for the importance of stretching and flexibility to truly be acknowledged. But even though the drawings in Anderson's book clearly show how to do the stretches, nothing beats actually seeing a live human being demonstrating the moves (unless it's being directed through them in person). That's the purpose of Anderson's video. He carefully explains the purpose of stretch, and with two demonstrators (regular folk, not fitness fanatics) he shows a variety of stretches for each part of the body. Then he ends the tape with a 12-minute head-to-toe "everyday stretch." He emphasizes something important that people often forget -- stretching should feel good, and if it's painful, it's not being done correctly. This tape is valuable for stressing this alone. But there's quite a bit more. A good variety of stretches are shown, and all of them can be done at any time, in any order. Even though its primary purpose is instructional, those who choose to do the stretches along with the demonstrators are in for a relaxing treat -- especially anyone who has been working out a bit too hard, or has had a particularly stressful day. While Anderson can't possibly cover anywhere near as much in an hour-long video as he does in Stretching, it certainly makes a great foundation. This tape can either stand on its own or serve as an accompaniment to the book.

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Keywords

flexibility, relaxation, stress-relief, stretching, workout