Gentle Yoga Stretch: 2 Simple, Mindful 30-Minute Practices to Improve Stability, Mobility, Flexibility and Relaxation with Jessica Smith [DVD]

Wow – I love this DVD. I think Jessica excels at her gentle yoga DVDs and this one is really one of my favorites. The scenery is beautiful, the music is gentle, her voice is calming and soothing, and the occasional bird chirping is a pretty addition. The only equipment needed is a yoga mat and, optionally, a pillow or cushion. Jessica does a great job of offering variations throughout the sessions to accommodate different levels of flexibility.The first session, Flexibility and Relaxation, starts with some standing movements to increase flexibility and stretch, before moving to the ground first in a seated position, and then finally to lying on the front and then the back. As someone that isn’t super flexible, I found that she offered good options such as sitting on a pillow while cross legged, or small variations to the stretch to make it work regardless of your flexibility. She ends with a brief Savasana at the end, and if you just happen to open your eyes during this you will see more of the beautiful scenery. I felt well stretched and very rested and relaxed after completing this session.The second session, Stability and Mobility, includes more traditional yoga poses, but the feeling is still very gentle and calming. Jessica starts in standing with some gentle mobility movements to target the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, back, feet, knees, and hip. At around 7 minutes, she moves into chair pose held for a short while before alternating between chair and a mild standing extension. After that, she moves into a wide leg stance with the upper body at a 90 degree angle to the floor and arms moving from back by the hips to overhead. Next is a gentle yoga flow starting with crane, partial warrior 3, crescent pose, a flowing warrior 2, back to crescent and ending again with crane. The gentle yoga flow is repeated on the other side. The practice then moves into goddess pose followed by some gentle forward bend stretches. Just before 12 minutes, she moves into all fours into a flowing bird dog series and then to fire toes pose. (She offers many variations for fire toes pose and as I have a bit of plantar fasciitis in my right foot I really appreciate this foot stretch.) At 21 minutes, she moves to lying on the stomach to do some gentle quad stretches and low cobra, before moving into child pose. At 24 minutes you move into seated positon for gentle stretching. Around 28 minutes she moves on to the back for bridge pose to stretch out the front of the body followed by some gentle hip openers. A short Savasana starts at 33 minutes, initially as a guided relaxation and ending with just gentle music. As with the first practice, if you happen to open your eyes during Savasana, you will see more of the scenery.I like how Jessica targets the entire body with these sessions, even hitting the feet! Overall I like how Jessica’s Walk Strong and Walk On programs are so well rounded, with lots of variety. This DVD would make a welcome addition to either of her programs and is easily one of my favorites.

Both of the two practices on this DVD are gentle and really work on stretching out the body. They would make great rest day routines or provide one with a great stretch after a regular workout. Each 30 minute session includes both standing and floor postures. Session 1 Flexibility and Relaxation provides plenty of stretches that hit pretty much every part of the body at least a couple of times--even an often overlooked part the feet. There are plenty of unique stretches (ex. Half Frog Pose that really opens up the hips in a wonderfully relaxing way) as well as familiar poses combined in a unique way or with a bit of a different twist. Session 2 Stability and Mobility gently warms the body, building a little heat (but not sweat), so one can really maximize the benefits gained from each pose. Many unique moves (ex. half Happy Baby while stretching the inner thigh) and very different, flowing combinations (Crane, moving into forward leaning with leg behind, moving into Crescent, then Warrior 2--and back again, all while working the balance). This routine has more balance work than the first session, but also works every part of the body, again to include the feet. I really appreciate during Savasana in both routines she quietly lets the session fade, rather than saying Namaste which tends to disrupt my relaxation. Highly recommend this DVD if you are looking for a great stretch for your entire body that will leaving you feel calm and limber.

Has generally used moves I have in other yoga routines, along with a few new ones (to me). She provides a few different pointers than I've heard before. Good addition to my other workouts.

I enjoy this yoga dvd. The setting is nice, the voice is calm, and the stretches are inclusive from neck to feet. It’s a relatively short program that is easy to fit in a busy schedule. So far I’ve only used the stretching program but do enjoy it. My only negative is that sometimes I do get a little confused with the verbal instructions, which was my reason for 4 rather than 5 stars. The instructor uses terms like front or back rather than right and left. She also does not give very many cues for breathing. Overall, I’m happy with it. And the instructor does mention accommodations which I appreciate.

Since the other reviews are so in depth about what each session entails I will just say that the title says it all. This is a yoga stretch dvd. You are led through yoga inspired stretches and movements that gently relax your mind and body. Both of these sessions would be perfect for an active rest day or after a strength or cardio workout. I enjoy doing them in the later part of the day because they help me release tension in my body and allow me to relax. The background is very soothing and calming which helps my brain to relax. I really enjoy Jessica Smith’s yoga DVDs and I hope she continues to make them.

Was disappointed in the length of this tape.

It’s been a few years since I’ve done yoga to help with stress and anxiety. This video has helped with both in just 30 minutes. The stretches are not complex, so its good for all levels and ages. Jessica also gives some variations if you want to stretch more or less. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to get back into or start yoga, get stress relief, or just to start a new kind of work out at home. All you need is this video, a space cleared enough to lay on, and a towel or two.

I am 55 years old and have never tried yoga before. This DVD has 2 practices and I was able to follow both of them. She gives alternates for certain positions in case you are not able to move that way and talks very calmly. I am very pleased!