The Lebed Method

Hi, Marin,

I've been using the Lebed video for the past two years and have found it very helpful. Just last week I got their DVD and have used it a couple of times. It's divided into seven sections:

Opening the lymphatics - stretches and motions to increase lymph flow in the proper order, so the main lymph trunk is stimulated first, then the neck area and groin, etc.

Leg stretches

Standing exercises

Arm stretches

Balance

Upper torso streatches

Dance routine

The first time through the DVD I thought it wasn't a very vigorous routine, but then I realized it can be as vigorous as you make it. So it's appropriate for women just recovering from surgery as well as those of us who want to maintain and increase flexibility, bone strength, and general well-being. It's all in how much you give it. Because I want more exercise, I use weights with the arm exercises and I jog and bounce to the music throughout, but you can also do the entire routine sitting down and receive some benefit - even the balance part.

Sherry Lebed is a nut, but a delightful one. The DVD came with a bottle of bubble soap (to encourage the initial deep-breathing exercises!) and a small, colorful blow-up beach ball, for resistence exercises later in the routine (but you can do the whole thing without either of these props.) She and her group demonstrate all the exercises and they're genuinely having a great time, so it's a fun DVD to work with. The music is good, the mood is definitely upbeat and can-do, the women (and one man, too) are charming. What's not to like?!

To health!

Binney