Keeping Fit in Your 50s

There are three DVDs in this set: Flexibility; Strength; and Aerobics. All of the exercises are taught by exercise physiologist Robyn Stuhr, and model Cindy Joseph joins in and provides occasional commentary on the exercises, e.g. "This feels really good," or "I can really feel this stretch." Cindy also demonstrates a yoga routine near the end of the Flexibility DVD, although it is a bit hard to follow because there is little narration, just directions printed on the screen as the two women go through the routine. I couldn't help but notice that when I'm in the 'down dog' position, it's difficult to read the directions on the screen. Someday soon, I'll just have to memorize the yoga segment.I've been going through these DVDs for about a month now, one per morning, along with a couple of other exercise videos (a Pilates workout and a Tai Chi video) to round out the week, plus walking in the afternoon, and I've already begun to notice some improvements in my posture and flexibility. There are some deep bend knee exercises on the Strength and Aerobics DVDs that I can't do--when I was going through physical therapy for my knees, my therapist recommended against them--but Robyn Stuhr usually supplies an alternate exercise for those of us who have experienced problems with various joints. Keeping fit in my 50s is definitely different than it was in my twenties--no more jogging, for instance, and these DVDs take our changing bodies into account. Robyn even gives a brief introduction to Kegels during one of the strength routines.Each DVD begins with an introduction, body basics, workout tips, and a section on 'know your muscles' before it gets into the core routines. Once you've watched these sections a few times, you will probably want to skip directly to the core routines via the menu. Each DVD closes with some upbeat, feel-good advice from Lisa Callahan, M.D., author of "The Fitness Factor," and Lillie Shockney, R.N., author of "Breast Cancer Survivors' Club."Equipment needed: a stretchy Pilates body band; straight-backed chair; hand weights; and a thick book or step to stand on for two of the strength exercises. The exercises don't take up too much floor space, and I only have to move one easy chair out of the room in order to do all of the routines without banging into anything.The "Flexibility" DVD runs for 81 minutes, with about 65% of the time spent in exercise.The "Strength" DVD runs for 74 minutes, and the "Aerobics" DVD runs for 65 minutes with about the same percentage of exercise time versus the 'talking heads' segments.The background music is soothing, in contrast to the whumpa-whumpa stuff found on many exercise tapes. The one minor annoyance other than the silent yoga routine was the occasional tricky camera angle. It's sometimes hard enough to position myself correctly for a particular exercise without having the camera cocking sideways for a shot of the beautiful Cindy, who didn't even start modeling until she was forty-nine. More power to her, but this is not a modeling session, so next time, keep the camera steady. Then the rest of us can figure out what she's doing without having to mentally rotate her position through a couple of dimensions!

I borrowed these from the library, and liked them so much that I bought the set. I usually go to the gym five times a week. When I can't get out, I use these tapes. They are easy to follow, and are paced for older people. I really work up a sweat when I use them! My only complaint is with some of the camera work, when the camera focuses on a face instead of a footwork change. But it is not a big problem. I am over 60, and I think these tapes will suit me for many years.

I like the video, but coming from over seas, it does not work in either of my dvd players. I had hoped to use it on my big flat screen in the living room, but it only plays on my computer. I did enjoy the workouts, but the same introduction goes 12 minutes on each one before they start. It would be nice to have new information on each since they come in a set and you have already heard the info on the previous one you watched.

I will be 60 in about a month and haven't worked out regularly in several years. I think Keeping Fit in Your 50's is going to be just what I needed. I completed most of the Flexibility DVD today. Realized I need to purchase a good mat, as the floor is much too hard. The pace was perfect for me since I've been out of the routine of exercising for way too long. I'm looking forward to using all three DVDs. Glad I bought them.

The aerobics dvd is great it's easy to do and gentle. The strength training contains too much talking and instruction during the entire workout. It's information that should have been included in an introduction so you can't just pop it in and do your workout. I practiced all the moves then wrote them down on paper and just do them without the tape. You can fast forward through it but I found that annoying.

I initially got one of these DVD's from the library and liked it so much that I bought the whole set from Amazon. These are are not twenty-something's jumping around to heart-pumping aerobic music. These are mature women like us who are knowledgable about our bodies and how much we can and should be doing. The first morning I spent time with them doing the exercises I did not come away feeling beaten and sore - in fact, the next day I felt far more energy than I had in quite awhile. I could really see how they are so fit and felt some hope that maybe even I could like something like that one day! I really recommend that your buy and use these.

I really like the low impact moves. With back and neck injuries, I've got to be careful about floor exercises. I work up a sweat that makes the cardio workout worthwhile. And the exercises are easy to learn. Worth the money in my opinion. The only drawback is the repetition. The sets could be more varied. So if you're easily bored, this collection is not for you.

I am not too fond of the Aerobics DVD in this set due to the issues already addressed by other reviewers, but I do like both the Strength and Flexibility DVD's. Yes, the talk is annoying - but I think these are good for beginners starting a regular exercise program. When I grew tired of the twaddle, I turned off the sound.

i brought this for my wife for christmas and she loves it , its just the right excercise program for the over 50s .

Thought this would be good having reached the great age of 50, but it was rubbish. So boring, only watched part ot the aerobic section and decided to sent it back. Can't see how you could burn off any calories doing this video!

I like the DVDs very much. They give me the opportunity to do exercises at home. It's a useful exercise routine.I'd recommend to every woman who would like to do healthy exercises and keep them handy whenever they want to use them.

Delivery was as promised. I bought this box set as a gift and it was as promised. This is a good box set for low impact exercise

I am over 60 and the exercises and stretches are exactly what I need to keep an aging body moving. Instructions are clear and you don't need a lot of gear. The length of each workout is less than an hour.