Hi Fellow Barre Fans!
I thought you’d like to know that since I am so in love with Essentrics, I broke down and bought Classical Stretch Season 8 – Age Defying Series….and I LOVE it!
Much to my surprise, the Classical Stretch workouts have been HARDER for me than my Essentrics DVDs. I have been sore all week from doing just 4 workouts – one each day. I dare to say that I think I like it more than Essentrics in some ways.
The Classical Stretch workouts were created by Miranda Esmonde-White, and originally aired on PBS, though I have never seen them on TV. They are the same as the Essentrics workouts, however, it seems that Classical Stretch is a bit more intense.
Miranda is more vocal than her daughter Sahra (Sahra is the instructor in Essentrics DVDs), which might bother you…but it doesn’t bother me. She’s quite funny at times. Sahra is more quiet and seems a bit shy in front of the camera – which is exactly how I would be if I were her! But Sahra has her own deliberate, soft-spoken way that I really appreciate too too. It’s nice to get to know them both :).
The workouts are kind of informal – so if you are a stickler for counting and doing the same amount of reps on one side of the body as you do on the other, these workouts might bug you. I used to be bothered by that until I started doing these workouts. The beauty of Classical Stretch and Essentrics is that you don’t have to worry about that so much.
Miranda explains how to do the moves throughout the workout, but she doesn’t necessarily stop moving to explain a move or set up…so you just have to listen and keep moving. I actually prefer workouts like this because when I get good at it, I hate stopping for explanations. I like to keep it moving!
I will say that I do think it would be helpful to have some prior practice with Classical Stretch/Essentrics workouts before jumping into this set….but not totally necessary.
In fact, I originally bought this DVD set for my mom, but I have quickly realized that it may be a bit much for her since she has no experience with Classical Stretch or Essentrics, and doesn’t work out much. From the reviews I have read, Season 4 seems to be the best for beginners, since it is slower with more instruction and pointers.
The workouts are 25 minutes each, but man, does she work you and STRETCH you out!
The workouts are very fluid and move quickly – which I really like since it gets my heart rate up. I can see how it would be easy to lose weight with these workouts alone.
So here’s what I’m gonna do. Because it took me awhile to get on the Classical Stretch bandwagon, I am going to write a case study that will cover the details of each workout on the Season 8 DVD set I purchased – so you can see and hear what they’re all about – and more importantly the results I am getting.
I think these workouts are absolutely incredible for so many reasons, and not enough women know about them. I get very excited about these workouts :)!
There are a whopping 30 episodes in this DVD set… So awesome if you get bored like me.
The biggest advantage to having 30 workout episodes is obviously that you will have LOTS of variety, yet still the same type of workout. Lots of the segments contain the same signature moves and others that overlap. So you can change it up pretty often without worrying that you aren’t allowing your body to adapt.
Up first workout on the Season 8 DVD is entitled Stretch All 600 Muscles – I know, it doesn’t sound very exciting, but I can assure you it will be great! I’ll be back with that very soon, so stay tuned, and be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already so you don’t miss a post!
Hi Tawny
I’m so happy to find a fellow Classical Stretch/Essentrics fan! I absolutely love this workout. Been using it for the last few months although I have been lax with it lately due to a very full schedule. I used to take ballet classes for years in my 20s and I miss them so much (too expensive now, and I never went back after baby) but this program fills the void of all the things I loved about my classes. I enjoy the Bar Method as well! I am 5’3″ too and have come to realize that good posture not only makes me look better but also makes me feel better. These programs help me get “in tune” with my body and truly make me happy…so much more so than traditional cardio/strength. If I could just get my daily sugar fix under control :). Love your website, please keep it up!
Hello Vanessa!
Thanks for visiting the blog, so glad you like it :D! I am a FIRM believer in the power of good posture – I agree. Good posture is the secret to getting the long, lean physique so many of us “shorties” would like ;). I have always wished I was taller, but ever since I found this workout I no longer feel that way.
Hi I am confused about what you think is the most effective workout series, I’m 5’3 as well and I’m getting over a frozen shoulder, I have been doing ballet beautiful floor workouts for awhile, however my quads never muscled up which is not a great look , so I’m looking for something else, Cathy Friedrich turbo barre dvd is good, but its a killer, my arm is still sore, and I cant do that workout often it hurts too much. then I read your review about classical stretch season 8, you didn’t say why you chose that particular season, so I don’t know what is awesome about that season, and you say it might be more difficult ,then essentrics. I haven’t tried any of them and I am interested in the more difficult work, like you I want to see results yesterday : ) their dvd’s are kind of expensive so if a person could just buy 1 or 2 what are the most effective ,would be good to know, how many of their dvd’s have you used? could you write another more current review on which dvd’s to purchase to get in good strength shape, or wont these build strength? and does it take months to see good results? its nice you review these workouts, but I am not seeing if this is your holy grail, for staying in shape, while your body is healing up, which is what im looking to do, sorry this is so long, take care
Hi Deb!
I’m sorry if I have confused you, it’s just that there are so many great workouts it’s hard to say which one is “the best”. However, the Classical Stretch/Essentrics workouts are my Holy Grail right now, since they work SO WELL at slenderizing and lengthening. In fact, just today I fit into a straight skirt that has been too tight around my quads in the past. I tried it on just for the fun of it and couldn’t believe it slipped on so easily. These are the ones I do 90% of the time, and they keep me in good shape with nice muscle tone. I chose Classical Stretch Season 8 because from reviews I read it seemed it was especially effective at slenderizing and lengthening, while also stretching out the muscles for a therapeutic effect. Season 8 also has a workout called “Lose a Pants Size” that works wonders!
I know they are expensive workouts, but they are SO worth it. There is truly nothing like them. If you could only afford one Essentrics workout, I would definitely go with the Arms, Abs, and Waist Toner/Legs, Butt, and Thigh Thinner which is two workouts in one. If you can get two, and increasing muscle tone is your desire, then I would add the Essentrics Body Sculpting Series. If overall fat loss is more of an issue for you, then add the Class of 2012. The Essentrics workouts work best when they are done EXCLUSIVELY 4-5 times per week for 4-6 weeks. Results can typically be felt after the first workout and seen within the first 6 workouts I would say. I will keep in mind your requests for my next posts. Hope this helps!
you are a treasure!!!!! I’m so happy for you that you have found a way to feel better and stay in shape, that’s Awesome, I will be happy to take your advice, I am 5.3 as well but much older I am 48, and last week I started working out again , I usually end up taking like 4 month breaks in the winter, why I don’t know. ballet beautiful sculpt and burn , I was super sore the next day so I waited and used cathe friedrich turbo barre oh my gosh huge mistake, I think I pulled my quad muscle a little . now I have to heal this up, so you can see I am a little to too gung ho for my own good : ) I think I will buy one of the essentrics to get me going, thank you for your super reply. Have a wonderful Day, Deb
Yeah, you’ve gotta be careful and listen to your body…something I have had to learn over the years. I actually really love the fact that my workouts are easy and non-stressful on the mind and body. I look forward to my workouts everyday. It may seem odd, but sometimes you need to relax your body in order to lose weight, since most of us are totally stressed out. I’m glad I could help you decide what to get. Let me know if you need any more help!
Hi tawny I just received and previewed the essentrics body sculpting DVD, wow That is a super beautiful location, I am thinking I will use one of those workouts with a 30 minute ballet beautiful floor workout or a couple of segments from ballet beautiful cardio dvd, so my question is, the 2012 class workout does it have a cardio element at all to that dvd? and does the arms,abs,waist toner dvd is it cardio at all? are either one of these 2 dvd’s more difficult or more advanced than the other? I hope she might make another one in Jamaica so pretty. I would like to buy one more, but I do think a little higher heart rate would be good to alternate with the body sculpting, since you own these I was hoping you could give me your opinion, I really really love the essentrics work, I was wondering what is it about the arms abs and waist toner dvd That makes it your current favorite? thank you for your reply, and your time. take care, Deb
Hi Deb!
Isn’t it beautiful? That’s one of the reasons I love that DVD-it’s so relaxing, and I like the music too! The Classical Stretch Season 8 is also filmed in Jamaica 🙂
There’s something I have noticed about these workouts since my last post, and it’s funny you are asking me this now…are you reading my mind? 😉
It turns out that the Classical Stretch workouts are faster paced, which is what gives them a light cardio effect and I believe it’s what makes them so magical in their ability to produce results. The the arms abs and waist toner dvd, although it is EXCELLENT for toning, does not give this cardio effect I like so much. The Class of 2012 is better, but I noticed that the Essentrics Workout: Strength & Stretch in Motion with Sahra Esmonde-White is faster paced just like Classical Stretch, which makes it a good cheaper option than Classical Stretch. The 25 minute full body workout in this set always gets me a light sweat and a bit winded when I do it-just like Classical Stretch.
hi tawny I finally found a super short video clip of arms, abs, waist essentric dvd, is this filmed with about 12 other people around sahra in a big darkish room, ? if so is It hard to see what her form is? the camera looks far away? still trying to decide which dvd of hers to get next, I don’t have enough funding right now to purchase the stretch and strength one , though I think it is rated as an advanced workout, boy I wish someone would upload a 5 minute segment from the arms,abs and waist dvd on youtube . anyway could you let me know if the dark lighted clip is the arms,abs and waist one? thank you , Deb
sorry about the last question, I figured it out,
Take care,
deb
Hi Deb,
I know you said you figured it out… but to answer your question, no, that doesn’t sound like the Arms Abs and Waist DVD.
A friend of mine told me about Classical Stretch about 6 months ago and I sort of forgot about it. As 2015 went on I developed chronic pain in the shoulders and arms due to poor posture and constant sitting at a computer. I tried some sample clips on YOUTUBE and thought it was okay, but I didn’t stick with it. I also stopped working out completely. By November and December my pain was fierce and I needed ibuprofen every day to take the edge off. I borrowed Classical Stretch (the original? DVD) from the library and after the first workout I felt much better. It was truly strange and wonderful. I then got season 10 for Christmas and I’ve been doing them daily since Dec 23rd and I have no more pain! So I am committed to doing C.S. daily and f testing claims of weight loss and or “losing a pant size.” I like that Miranda talks through the workout. It’s just the two of us having a one way conversation, LOL. I appreciate it when she tells me the reasons why we are doing what we are doing.
That’s amazing Lolly! I feel so stiff if I skip a workout. Essentrics and Classical Stretch have been so good for my back and hip pain.
Hi, I stumbled on your website looking for strategies to lose the last 10lbs of baby weight I’m carrying around. I’ve done yoga for years but unfortunately since I had my baby my SI joints are way too loose and I keep injuring myself when I do yoga. I also have adrenal fatigue and I read a post you made about the importance of not activating your sympathetic nervous system when exercising and it made so much sense to me!! I then read your review of Eccentrics/Classical stretch and it sounded so appealing, I went right to their website to buy some DVDs and then I saw that they have an Eccentrics TV option that costs $14.95/month and you get access to most of the seasons of Classical Stretch and most of the Eccentrics DVDs. I think it’s a really economical way to try it out and see if you like it. I’ve only done it for 2 days but I’m in love. The rotational movements feel so good to my body!! I’m pretty sore today but I’m really looking forward to my workout. I really appreciate your reviews because it makes it easier to go through all the options that are on Eccentrics TV. I was wondering if you have any advice about losing my last 10lbs? I had my baby 4 months ago and I’m breastfeeding and I was thinking the breastfeeding may be affecting my hormones and telling my body to keep the extra weight. Is there anyway to get around this without stopping nursing my baby? I eat very similarly to you, no grains, no dairy, adequate protein, healthy fats. I’d appreciate any advice you have!
Hi Elissa!
Thank you so much for your kind words, and I am so glad the blog is helping you!
I would most definitely recommend walking a few times a week 20-30 minutes at a time. It doesn’t need to be a power walk either… just a nice steady pace. The breastfeeding should help you lose weight plus it’s so good for the baby, so keep it up. In some cases though, the stubborn weight has to do with thyroid issues too, which I can assume you have because you have adrenal fatigue (thyroid and adrenal function go hand in hand). Have you had your thyroid checked?
Yes, I had it checked a few months ago and my thyroid is low. I changed the way I’m eating several months ago and I’m eating much more healthy fats now. I essentially ate almost no fat for years thinking I was being healthy and my doctor thinks this is a big contributor to my hormonal imbalance. My doctor didn’t prescribe any thyroid medication because she’s hoping my body will recover and start making more hormones on its own since my diet is so much improved now. I suppose my inability to lose the last of my baby weight is a sign my thyroid isn’t working right yet? I’ll definitely add some walking in to my routine and see if that makes a difference. Thanks!!
Yeah, your thyroid could be giving you a bit of trouble. Definitely try the walking, it may help despite any thyroid issues. Also, you may want to consider adding a multivitamin in order to ensure your thyroid is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. Let me know how it goes!
Thanks so much! I will!!
Hi. I was about to give it a try with season8 when I read that it may be fast paced. I am not too sure about going fast. Has anyone found samples that is from s8 so I can view how “fast” it is. Who knows, maybe I will feel comfortable with that and keep up.
Also, has anyone tried season7 ? The description said that it has both the fast (slender/tone/wt loss/ strengthen) AND slow ( stretch/release/flexibility) exercises. The cover implies half and half distribution. Again, if there are samples that is from s7 would be appreciated.
It is quite expensive so I want to be as informed as possible. Also, I did try the Core Workout ($19.00) which was a DVD for PBS membership promotion. I found it in the library and liked the first hour but not the next. Overall , I do like it.
I wonder if the exercises, from different seasons, overlap because I saw a short clip on youtube (and it didn’t specify the season) where she was standing on grass with the ocean in the background and the exercise moves is ones I seen from the Core Workout. For this reason, I don’t want to buy more than one season …
Hi Lyn,
I may try and post an excerpt from season 8 since you asked. It is not “fast” at all. However, if you are new to Classical Stretch it can seem rushed. It also seems a little faster paced than Sahra’s Essentrics.
Also, Classical Stretch and Essentrics contain “trademark” exercises that do appear in all workouts. However, there is a difference in the sequencing which really challenges you in different ways.
Are you completely new to these workouts?
hey , i came across your website while searching for testimonials of essectrics / classical stretch.. being an avid fan myself i was hoping to get some tips to doing it correctly as i dont feel sore just great after the workout. You seem to have got great results with it.
Hi Mishie,
May I ask which workouts you are doing?
Hey tawny.. I thought i already replied but i guess something happened. Anyways , i do classical stretch season 8 and essentrics arms, abs, butt and thighs. I am just looking to reduce 2 inches of my thigh and a bit of love handle. Same old problem.
Her newest DVD, Essentrics Full Body Toning is VERY intense, and I highly recommend it for overall fat loss. I think this is the toughest DVD Sahra has made. I always break a sweat when I do it.