Customer Reviews

Karen Voight - Pure & Simple Stretch [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The biggest problem I always had with all the stretch tapes I tried before is that none of them let you stretch long enough to get real benefit of stretching. Everbody seemed so busy to move onto the next position. It sometimes made me even wonder if those advanced exercisers really could stretch muscles in 3 seconds. But I COULD stretch and feel it with this tape. Every stretch is about 20-30 seconds long and this makes you feel really refreshed after done as well as you can learn which part of your body is better or worse. The other thing I love about this tape is that it is very easy to do. Karen doesn't frustrate me with unattainable range of motion or positions. Her cueing is excellent, her comments on how you should visualize or feel when doing certain stretches are very very helpful. I hope she will make another tape like this soon.

Have been looking for videos on stretching. When I found this one I gave it a chance. Found it very relaxing. Helped me realize just how stiff I had become. Have been going to doctors about pain in my back and feet. The pain I was experiencing was from some form of numbness. This video has a shown me that my problem lied in how stiff I had become from sitting in a chair all day at work and then at home. The only draw back is that there is not a more advanced tape once I have mastered this one, and I do want to progress. 39 year old male.

I am overweight, middle-aged, and out of shape. I was seriously injured in an automobile accident. After ten years of little improvement from standard therapies, I started doing this tape. Results were very quick. After two or three years, I have noticed considerable improvements in all sorts of areas, not just the back/neck problems I started using it for. My balance has improved, and twisted ankles are a thing of the past. This tape is the best I have found of any kind, any where. Soothing music, good timing, good instruction, high production values -- Karen Voight has my heartfelt thanks.

I am a 55 year old female with osteoarthritis. I use this tape after I've completed my aerobic workout when my body temperature is up. Karen starts with 5 minutes of standing dynamic stretches and then the remainder of the tape consists of 20-30 second static stretches on the floor. The neck stretches are exceptionally thorough and have relieved the stiffness in that area of my body. The music is soothing as is Karen's voice; my only complaint is that she doesn't smile during the entire video. I use the video 3 times a week and am experiencing much more flexability. I highly recommend it.

I've been using this video every night before bed for about three weeks. The first time I tried it, I felt as if my shoulders had dropped about a foot from the release of tension. I have never been a naturally flexible person, so I have been surprised and pleased at how much of a difference I can see already, plus I am always nice and relaxed when I ooze off to bed.

The video is very direct; the camera positions rarely change and the stretches are always shown very clearly. Karen explains anything that might not be visible; after you've done the video once or twice, you can do it without watching, just by following her cues.

Karen is a serious, straightforward instructor; her cueing is excellent, which is important to me, as you can really hurt yourself just doing stretches if you don't do them correctly. Her voice is quiet and rather flat throughout, which suits me fine for a stretch video; I want to relax and focus on myself. If you like bubbly types, this is probably not the video for you. There are long sections of near-silence, with just the music playing softly. When Karen does speak, she is direct and on point, offering either a new instruction or some pertinent advice.

The stretches themselves are rather basic, but they are choreographed very well. One stretch flows into another easily as she hits all the major muscle groups. The stretches are held for a full 10-20 seconds, sometimes more, which often isn't the case with stretching videos. One thing I really appreciate is that Karen and the others in the video are still when they hold the stretches. I have another stretch video that shall remain nameless in which the instructor twitches constantly as she demonstrates moves--she will hold her leg in a stretch and say to relax the foot, but her own toes are twitching, for example. It makes me very nervous. Karen is always smooth and controlled, which makes me try to be smooth and controlled, too.

This one is a definitely a keeper for me; if she comes out with a followup, I'll buy that one, too.

I have eight of Karen's inspiring workouts. These have been collected over the years. Lately she is getting more into Yoga and total body workouts which I prefer. Working on a computer can wear you out physically because you are bending forward and using your shoulder muscles so much of the time. Using Pure and Simple Stretch is one of the ways I unwind at the end of a day. I hope Karen will be making more stretch videos in the future.

~The Rebecca Review

I found this tape to be what it advertised -- unlike some tapes. The stretches are described straightforwardly and flow easily into the next one. Voight's cueing is above average; for many of the moves I don't have to look at the screen. There are a few where she gives extends the basic move into one more advanced for people (not me!) whose flexibility is good. I especially like the lack of chit-chat and joking that get so tiresome by the 10th time you do a tape. I only gave it 4 stars because I wished it was much longer. I would happily pay another $9.95 for a "part-2" tape.

I've been doing this tape for a year or two. It is 40 minutes of stretching and not a single moment is wasted. Karen flows smoothly from one movement to another and her cueing couldn't be better. The stretches are safe yet very affective. I highly recommend this one.

I've been a Karen Voight fan for a number of years. She really knows what she's doing, explains her moves well & this video is no different. I find that especially on a stressful/tense day that this tape really calms me down. It is also rejuvinating so would be great in the morning. A good way to stretch muscles before/after/or in between workouts. You can still feel an increase in circulation during this excercise. Good for all ages & fitness levels.

First stretching video I have liked to do in along time. This video really makes you feel good after you do it. Not all the stretches and twist you can't do. This one you can do. recommend to anyone.