Functional Fitness DVD's Reviewed by Neuromuscular Disease Editor

Feb. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- The Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews® DVD series, created by occupational therapist Suzanne Andrews, provides a series of videos aimed at increasing functional fitness for those experiencing a variety of health issues. For purposes of this review, her Functional Fitness Arthritis and Functional Fitness Pain Free Back and Neck DVDs were sampled.


Both DVDs contained two fitness programs, each with about 25 minutes of exercise. Each exercise was demonstrated at between two to four different exercise levels. Instructions and demonstrations were clear and easy to follow. Most exercises had both standing and seated versions demonstrated. Some exercises also had mat exercises shown as well.

On the Functional Fitness Arthritis DVD, the first program contained a head-to-toe series of stretches aimed at keeping the joints flexible. The second program used light weights to gently strengthen the muscles of the body. This video also included a 30-minute bonus segment of a question-and-answer show called Medical Matters: Arthritis, which featured Suzanne Andrews and other medical professionals and is available at:  

http://www.amazon.com/Functional-Fitness-Arthritis-Suzanne-Andrews/dp/B005PTYONA/ref=pd_sim_mov_1

The Functional Fitness Pain Free Back and Neck DVD contained two programs, the first focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises for the back. The second program showed a series of stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and shoulders. A bonus segment included a series of tips for reducing neck pain across a variety of common situations and is available at:

http://www.amazon.com/Functional-Fitness-Pain-Suzanne-Andrews/dp/B005PTYP2A/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1360420359&sr=1-1&keywords=Pain+free+back+and+neck

Each of the segments on these tapes require at minimum some degree of trunk stability, the ability to sit in a chair, and the ability to move the arms, legs, torso, neck and head. Because of the variety of adaptations shown, even individuals at a very beginning level of fitness will likely find exercises that they can accomplish.

These DVDs would be appropriate for individuals beginning an exercise program, those who are recovering from illness or injury, and individuals who have chronic health issues who require adaptations to exercise such as many individuals with neuromuscular disease. People at a more advanced level of physical fitness are likely to find that these videos do not provide adequate challenge, but may benefit from reviewing relevant DVDs to learn new exercises to add to their repertoire.

Independent review by Jori Reijonen, Ph.D. (http://www.bellaonline.com/about/NeuromuscularDiseases)
BellaOnline's Neuromuscular Diseases (http://www.bellaonline.com/site/NeuromuscularDiseases) Editor

For the full review visit

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art179586.asp