Stretch Exercise Expert Ann Smith Introduces New Video - DVD Celebrates Her 50-Year Teaching Career

Feb. 23, 2010 - PRLog -- Exercise trends come and go, but Ann Smith’s system of stretch exercise for men and women of all ages and exercise abilities keeps growing in popularity.

Ann’s latest production is a “Best of the Best” compilation of all her videos and is titled, “Music, Movement and Longevity:  The Exercise of Ann Smith.”  The new DVD begins with selected sections from her first video, “Stretching for Seniors” and features sections from her other popular videos.  The 60-minute DVD retails for $14.95 and is available from www.amazon.com, selected bookstores or from Art Age, 1-800-858-4998.

“I call it classic exercise for an ageless body,” said Ann who has lectured and instructed around the country and in Europe.  “Classical music sets the tone for this movement formula that consists of slow, continuous stretching that is easy, painless and energizing for men, women and children.  The end result when done daily is flexible strength for any age.”

She’s often critical of the exercise training perpetuated by gym jocks touting the latest and greatest workout craze.  “These have little relevance to the general population,” Ann observes.  

“Plain and simple, exercising is an instinctual response just like eating and sleeping.  When you’re hungry, you eat; when you’re tired, you sleep; and after periods of inactivity your body wants to move.”

She notes that children and animals get it.  They react naturally.  But with the complexities and pace of today’s lifestyles, the exercise instinct is easily repressed.

Since writing the first-ever book on Stretch Exercise in 1969, she has produced seven videos, selling over two million copies.   Now in her 80’s, this wife, mother and grandmother continues to teach, lecture and write about her exercise system based on classical dance training.   She is convinced her weight bearing exercises are the reason for her longevity, good health and strong, flexible body.

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About Ann Smith
If the name’s familiar, that’s because Ann’s “Rise and Shine” exercise DVD is one of the all time top selling exercise videos on amazon.com.

Ann Smith is an exercise maverick who has always espoused a different
approach to the conventions of health clubs, gyms and personal trainers
touting the latest fitness craze.

The octogenarian – who has been on Oprah, taught stretch exercise to the LA Rams and conducted a worldwide exercise call-in show on Voice of America - attributes her novel regimen to training as a classical dancer. She then adapted the basic stretch exercises of ballet and modern dance to the non-dancer’s body.

In short, Ann Smith is all about movement.
But more importantly these movements are the kind that everyone can do. Today her classes are full of older people, many of whom are discovering the benefits of basic stretch exercises that dancers have known for years.