Moving to Mozart with Ann Smith - Classic Exercise for an Ageless Body

Moving to Mozart with Ann Smith - Classic Exercise for an Ageless Body
Moving to Mozart? As fitness concepts go, it certainly sounds more appealing than, say, "Moshing to Metallica," and instructor Ann Smith's program succeeds admirably on its own terms. Herself a former dancer, Smith touts the physical health (including flexibility, range of motion, and breathing techniques) and long lives of dancers, and the two approximately 30-minute routines seen here draw liberally on dance moves such as plies, turns, and arm movements. Part 1, entitled "Relaxation, Alignment, Breathing, Flexibility," focuses on sitting and standing exercises, including various bends and side and forward stretches, while Part 2, "Better Stretching, Strengthening, Proportioning, Body Style" is a bit more dynamic. In neither case will Moving to Mozart supply the kind of hard-core, sweaty aerobic workout that many users look for in an exercise video. On the contrary, what you'll find is very much in tune, so to speak, with the timeless Mozart sonatas, arias, and concerti that accompany the routines--i.e., gentle, graceful movements designed for those who are out of shape, recovering from injuries or illness, or merely in the mood for something different. Smith's demonstrations and explanations of every series should prove more than adequate for anyone using this delightful program for the first time. --Sam Graham
Customer Review: positive feedback
Ann Smith speaks to the Baby Boomer generation or those of us who may have neglected our body over the years or even pushed too hard. Not wishing for any more jumping aerobic videos, I choose the Ann Smith one and am delighted with the music as well as the gentle stretches she demonstrates. Is it the best on the market? Perhaps not the best but a nice, gentle addition to keep me moving and exercising.
Customer Review: Ann Smith- Moving to Mozart
I read with dismay some of the other more negative reviews of this video and understand if you are used to moving mindlessly to fast, aerobic-inducing music, this may not be for you. But, in defense of Mrs. Smith's unique exercise video, this one time professional ballet dancer, now teacher of over 30 years, found that this video was gentle, yet thorough on the body, resulting with intelligent movement based on many years experience in the field. The accompanying music was wonderful, appropriate, and classic like the movement. I would say that is perfect for the aging baby boom generation, or younger people who need a gentle introduction to exercise. Whatever the buyer profile, I found it a welcome addition to my 20 some exercise videos.