Review by Library Journal Review
Joining the ranks of the popular "Sit and Be Fit" exercise programs are five DVDs for specific conditions: balance and fall prevention, diabetes, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease. All are designed for seniors as well as the special populations indicated. The common basic structure includes a warm-up, a few minutes of circulation movements, and leg strengthening and stretching. The exercises are designed to be executed while seated, although the leg moves can also be done standing. Some use simple props like a small ball or a resistance band. Additionally, there are exercises specific to the particular condition, i.e., the Parkinson's workout has facial exercises, and the osteoporosis routine uses resistance bands to help build bone. What makes these tapes exceptional is registered nurse Mary Ann Wilson. Along with having an upbeat, down-to-earth attitude, she has created routines that are quick and effective, with gentle movements that are not the same old boring workouts and are perfect for the intended audience. The brief interview with a medical expert on each specific condition is a welcome addition. Part of the "Wellness Through the AgesR with Vivien" series, Chair Exercises for Seniors and Exercises for Active Seniors include familiar routines. Recreational therapist Vivien Hoyt leads a group of seniors through a well-rounded workout in a lovely outdoor setting. The exercises include well-known toning moves that incorporate light hand weights for the upper body, as well as yoga, stretching, breathing, and relaxation routines. Here, too, the moves are slow and gentle and provide a sound overall workout for seniors or those with limited mobility. The Seasons of Fitness presents Sue West's "melange" workout-a blend of dance stretches, Pilates, and yoga-set in the spectacular surroundings of the American West. Divided into four 15-minute segments, one for each season, the DVD targets people at the intermediate level, and the routines are challenging enough to be inappropriate for chairbound seniors. While the moves are gentle and slow, the program is heavy on Pilates strengthening and stretching, which tend to be more demanding, and better suited to intermediate-level practitioners. All of these programs are well worth their affordable prices. The stand out is the "Sit and Be Fit" series, which should be part of any core collection for seniors or those with limited mobility. The others are fine for larger collections that want to offer variety to their users.-Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Lib., Univ. at Buffalo (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.