Customer Reviews

Jane Fonda's Stress Reduction Program [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Let's face it - we're not all fitness nuts. I'm sure I'm not the only one who groans out loud at the thought of 45 minutes or more of my day dedicated to WORKING OUT! And I'm also sure I'm not the only one who does not have a consuming drive for artfully sculpted buns and thighs and six-pack abs - just a desire to be attractively healthy.

That's why I love this video so much. In a brief 20 minutes it gets my pulse going and works my lower body. Lots of side-to-side moves focus on inner and outer thigh muscles, which is great. The music is upbeat but relaxing, although some might find it dated (and I have no idea what genre I'd put it in - sort of R&B I guess...?). The moves are smooth and not too hard to learn. There are alternate methods which can increase or decrease your intensity, although there would definitely be an upper limit to the effectiveness of the moves. Jane is refreshingly low-key (I have some Kathy Smith tapes as well and, although I respect her expertise, my GAWD does that woman get annoying!) - the cueing is decent and Jane emphasizes correct form (and demonstrates it as well). The models (besides being tastefully color-coordinated!) are of varying levels of age and physical fitness (although none are patently UNfit), and include a token male. While they're a bit annoying from time to time, for the most part they're quite tolerable.

At the end of the aerobic section, you'll enter a brief stretching program, which is gentle but comprehensively thorough, and enjoyable. The only part of the tape that I never use is the relaxation segment at the end. I'm too impatient to relax THAT much!

I use this video in combination with basic strength training three times a week using dumbbells (based on Kathy Smith's 10-Week Fitness Makeover workbook) to provide a complete basic fitness program that works for me - meaning it doesn't take too much time from my more beloved pursuits of reading, stitching, or playing Diablo II.

The bottom line is, if you are not a hard-bodied gym rat or a habitual jogger, this tape will get you moving just long enough to get some benefit, particularly if you do it every day and/or in combination with other activities like walking, cycling, or dancing.

I've owned and used this tape since it first came out in 1989. I've worn it out and am currently buying a replacement copy. I have many other exercise videos, but this is my favorite. The choreography is fun if you enjoy dancing to a light Latin/Bossa Nova and Cha Cha beat. The stretches are yoga based and extensive. This is one of those tapes where I always feel BETTER (relaxed, yet energized) after I have completed the routine. The music is soothing, the moves are smooth, the class is dressed in relaxing pastels, the instructions are clear, and the stretches are wonderful. It's an all around "Feel Good" way to exercise.

I have quite a few exercise tapes of Jane's as well as others, and out of them all, this is the tape that is really perfect for anybody. Especially beginners, people who haven't exercised in a while, and even the elderly. It is very easy to follow, easy on the joints, and for those who are a bit more experienced there is the choice of high intensity moves within the aerobic section that you can choose to do. The stretching segment is wonderful...very in depth, unlike a lot of excercise tapes that only give you a rudimentary 5 minutes at the end. This is a wonderful full body stretch that lasts 20 minutes, and makes you feel wonderful after. The stress reduction segment at the end I don't do very often. Not because it doesn't work..it works too well, and afterwards I just feel like sleeping instead of doing the work I know I must/should do.

I lent my tape - which I have used for 10 years - to a friend. She loves it and rather than ask for it back, I am ordering another. This is a great workout when you do not have a lot of time but want to get your heart rate up a bit or you have not been able to exercise for a while (sick, lazy) and need a slow start. A wonderful starter video if you are just beginning to exercise!

This is a really good workout if you want light aeorbics and to really relax afterwards with the stretches and the relxation after is even better. This video is great for anyone-beginner or for the seasoned workout enthusiast that wants just enough aerobics to burn fat and to totally relax afterwards.

I'm a fitness video - and aerobics - fan, and this is one of my favorites. If I could only have 5 fitness videos, this would definitely be one I would choose. It's a great light day workout, and really helps with stress reduction. Jane Fonda leads a (co-ed) class in this fitness workout. The first segment is low impact aerobics, with easy to follow choreography and soothing music (sort of an R&B/New Age blend). Then there is a stretching segment, followed by a guided relaxation segment. Fonda gives clear instruction, has a soothing voice, and a low-key approach here. This is a GREAT video, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!

The 20 minute aerobic exercise portion of this tape is easy to follow and enjoyable to do. The 20 minute stretch routine is perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. I've had this tape for years and I love it.

I LOVE this video. The aerobics are easy to follow and fun!! It gets your heart rate up, but isn't exhausting. Then you get a WONDERFUL stretching segment that's almost over with too soon! (great for improving flexibility and helping to prevent injuries) Lastly, there's the relaxation part, which releases tension, and it really works well!!! I felt so peaceful and calm, but yet energetic for the remainder of my day. Jane is an expert. Part of what makes her so great is she makes sure you are doing her exercises with correct form. Everytime I use any of her videos its like having a personal trainer right there with me. Jane is the fitness queen!!!

I've enjoyed most of Jane's tapes, and this one is excellent for beginners (or advanced exercisers who need to do a lighter or short workout on a given day). The moves are easy to do, and at only 20 minutes, the aerobic portion of the tape won't wear you out. The stretches are pretty good, though I found a few of the positions a little difficult to get into.

This video contains the best short stretching routine that I've found in exercise videos, and I've tried a number of them. There are better, longer stretching routines, but she gets your whole body stretched out really well in only 17 minutes. The aerobics part is very short...only 11 minutes aerobic and 21 minutes in duration. It's great for beginners and good for anyone to use before weight training or stretching to get you good and warmed up. I'm not a fan of progressive relaxation (where you tense your muscles to get them to relax). So, I never use the final segment of the tape. Overall, I'd say that the stretch routine alone is worth the price of the video.