“FIVE STARS! WONDERFUL IN EVERY WAY. Just what I needed. As the video title states, this video contains 10 min stretch breaks. Unlike those on some other videos, they really are 10 minutes (not 5 min warmup plus 10 min workout plus 5 min cool down, and not 10 minutes plus introductory babbling) so they are easier to fit into every morning. It helps me safely loosen and awaken joints and muscles for the day. Being able to run the workouts either in ‘with instruction’ format or ‘without instruction’ format is awesome.* It is the ‘without instruction’ version of the workout that takes 10 minutes. You’ll need longer to watch the version with instruction, but you’ll only need to watch that once or perhaps as a refresher. The music is perfect – both the timing and the volume. The talking during the ‘without instruction’ version is just enough to remind you at key points to breathe or go bigger or relax or whatever is needed at the time. No cardio but that wasn’t what I was looking for. I haven’t done all the workout sequences yet but based upon the standing sequence I can tell you that 1) it is something I’ll actually do – since I have actually been doing it, 2) I feel better for having done it, and 3) in addition to being good for my joints and muscles it is also mentally calming, centering, and awakening at the same time. The other day, I even did some of the moves during a work break and found that to be a helpful mental and physical reset. This video is definitely not just for dancers or those that are in great shape – although I would imagine they too could benefit from it.”

—M T September 22, 2017

*Workout mode available only on hard copy DVDs; not streaming.

“As an older adult ballet beginner, I have searched diligently for helpful as well as enjoyable instruction. One of the DVDs I have from Finis Jhung is The Ten Minute Stretch Break. The instructions are very clear and precise, the music is beautiful, the dancer illustrating the stretches does a wonderful job and she looks very happy to be doing them. It is not often that an instructional DVD can be so accurate in knowledge of how the body works as well as showing movements full of grace and beauty and having absolutely lovely music in the background. Stretching has never been so enjoyable as well as beneficial. Thanks Finis!”

— R. Walker

“FIVE STARS! Finis Jhung is a master at explaining the art of movement, and the stretches in this DVD are divine. If you are looking to develop your ballet technique, this video is a must.

—Amazon Customer

“FIVE STARS! Great stretches. I love this DVD especially when I miss my classes. Finis is so clear with his instructions. You learn so much and you can see the difference in your performance. It is a great resource for dancers.

—Shirley Hardie

“5 out of 5 stars
“A game changer!”

—Melissa Schaschwary, Amazon Customer

“I did this DVD last night and it was a real treat after a long day at work. It gave me an opportunity to stretch, relax and become mindful of any aches and stiffness. I like how Finis takes his time to breathe through each exercise and allows the viewer to move within their own range of motion. I especially loved the seated series because I really felt the rotation of the spine plus I can do these at my desk in the office when no one is watching.”

Sooji Pak

“As with many Finis Jhung DVDs, what the title suggests is different than and/or more than I initially imagined. So it was with this one. I quickly let go of all the images I had of grunting and groaning through grueling stretching programs. It would be impossible to injure oneself with these rhythmic dance-like movements presented in three sections: Standing, Seated, and On the Floor. Choreographed to original music, they encourage the mind to slow down along with the movement, which also can only be good for the soul! Finis Jhung emphasizes not force but the use of the body’s weight to do the stretching. ‘Gentle,’ ‘meditative,’ ‘balletic aesthetic,’ ‘tranquil,’ he reminds. These stretches can be evening slow-downs or morning wake-ups or mid-day breaks, or sedentary antidotes or mind/body ‘hellos.’ They help my body’s awareness of the space around it—kind of like making everyday movements dance-like. (I also seem to be less likely to ram a little toe into the leg of my coffee table!) And the interview with Melissa Elstein, the demonstrator, is super interesting.”

— Marie Paquette Nesson

“Anyone studying ballet or using it to get in shape should own Finis Jhung videos. They are, bar none, the finest instructional videos on ballet I have ever found. I marvel at this man’s knowledge and gift of teaching every time I do one of his classes. Learn the right techniques through clear simple instruction that will make all the difference in your dancing. Not just limited to young students, these are also great for anyone older who would like to reacquaint themselves after classes in their youth, or who have always had a yen to try ballet. Also, anyone doing other workout programs such as weights or Pilates will especially benefit from these stretching classes. I use the Ten Minute Stretch along with kettlebell and Pilates workouts to keep muscles long and lean and prevent injury. I also have his Meditative Stretching and recommend it highly.”

— Amazon Customer

“Five Stars [out of five]. I would give this DVD a hundred stars if I could!

“This DVD truly belongs in every home. I own other stretch DVDs but this is my ‘desert island’ DVD that I take with me when I travel and that I turn to for unfailing relief of physical aches and pains and mental stress. Finis Jhung is acknowledged as an unsurpassed ballet expert, teacher and coach; and one of the many wonderful things about this program is that he, who works with some of the finest dancers of our times, shows such understanding of the challenges faced by those of us who are less physically gifted. This program is very gentle and entirely safe yet it provides a superb, thorough stretch regimen for the entire body. I have done it on my own and also along with my mother (in her eighties) and due to Mr. Jhung’s careful, patient, detailed instruction, both of us were able to ‘customize’ the stretches to the level appropriate for our abilities. The exquisite demonstration by Melissa Elstein provides beautiful inspiration as well as an example of flawless form for those who are following, and the lovely, sensitively nuanced music adds both to the aesthetic experience and gently guides one into following the right rhythm and pace.

“I should add that although I obviously write from the perspective of someone who is not an accomplished dancer/athlete, this DVD would be just as valuable for people at the peak of physical ability as it is for the rest of us. Indeed, people who regularly push themselves in vigorous activity/performance might have special need of this DVD’s soothing, meditative aspects. Whether one’s daily life involves demanding physical exertion or ‘stiffening’ sedentary desk work, this stretch program provides an immersion in beauty, grace, and flowing, harmonious movement that is comforting and cheering as well as physically beneficial. Absolutely brilliant and irreplaceable!”

— Amazon Customer

“I’m an adult who has returned to taking ballet classes after taking 7 years of lessons as a teenager. Finis Jhung has taught me so much about ballet basics, proper stretching technique, and how to move my body to ensure proper placement and execution. There are several things that set his instructional DVDs apart from others. First of all, Finis carefully explains steps and how they should be executed. He provides clear directions and guidance so that you are well prepared to execute a step or a stretch correctly. This is a great video for people who need to take a stretch break. I will use this DVD whenever I’ve had a long day at work or have sat for long periods of time. I will also use this DVD after a ballet class so that I can properly stretch my body. I’m thrilled with my purchase and will definitely buy DVDs from Finis again. I add to my Finis Jhung DVD collection whenever possible.”

—Bethanne Black on Amazon

“All of Finis Jhung’s videos are great and very functional. This DVD is both a warmup and a stretch class all in one. All the exercises are relaxing and there is a practical purpose to every movement. The movements are slower than usual, thereby giving the body the full benefits of flexibility and increased circulation which makes it very good for older people. I’m 82 and this is just great for me.”

—Patricia M. on Amazon

“This DVD truly belongs in every home. I own other stretch DVDs but this is my “desert island” DVD that I take with me when I travel and that I turn to for unfailing relief of physical aches and pains and mental stress. Finis Jhung is acknowledged as an unsurpassed ballet expert, teacher, and coach, and one of the many wonderful things about this program is that he, who has worked with some of the finest dancers of our times, shows such understanding of the challenges faced by those of us who are less physically gifted. This program is very gentle and entirely safe yet it provides a superb, thorough stretch regimen for the entire body. I have done it on my own as well as with my mother (in her eighties) and due to Mr. Jhung’s careful, patient, detailed instruction, both of us were able to “customize” the stretches to the level appropriate for our abilities. The exquisite demonstration by Melissa Elstein provides beautiful inspiration as well as an example of flawless form for those who are following, and the lovely, sensitively nuanced music adds to the aesthetic experience and gently guides one into following the right rhythm and pace. I should add that although I obviously write from the perspective of someone who is not an accomplished dancer/athlete, this DVD would be just as valuable for people at the peak of physical ability as it is for the rest of us. Indeed, people who regularly push themselves in vigorous activity/performance might have special need of this DVD’s soothing, meditative aspects. Whether one’s daily life involves demanding physical exertion or “stiffening” sedentary deskwork, this stretch program provides an immersion in beauty, grace, and flowing, harmonious movement that is comforting and cheering as well as physically beneficial. Absolutely brilliant and irreplaceable!”

—Laura Fasick, Moorehead, MN

“I received ‘The Ten-Minute Stretch Break’ in the mail yesterday and in the afternoon at home did all the stretches. What a fabulous DVD and such fun to do!”

—Caroline Walton, Timmonsville, SC

“The Ten-Minute Stretch Break DVD is taught by Finis Jhung, a nationally respected Master Ballet Instructor in New York City. It includes 14 well-choreographed exercises accompanied by beautiful music. Remarkably, the DVD does not presuppose any knowledge of ballet or being a ballet dancer. The techniques utilized are well within the ability of the average user or even children to improve fitness.

“Finis’s well-thought-out stretching exercises are gentle and relaxing. These exercises emphasize improved flexibility of the neck, axial spine, and major joints of the extremities. All that is required is a daily ten-minute block of time to complete one of four optional routines in front of a television. The exercises are performed either from the (1) seated, (2) standing, or (3) on the floor positions. For physical and mental stress relief, even office personnel should be able to perform these low intensity exercises at their workstation. Finis’ exercises are especially advantageous in that there is negligible physical impact. His stretching routines are configured to address inflexibility caused by aging. The short exercise program is a convenient substitute when a lengthy physical workout is impracticable. Over the last five years, I have worked intensively with Finis’ outstanding classical ballet teaching DVDs. I remain favorably impressed with his logical approach in developing special practice and exercise routines for everyone. The Ten-Minute Stretch Break DVD is no exception. It is tailored to meet the needs of those interested in maintaining an appreciable level of general fitness. An old adage is true with respect to exercise. ‘Use it or lose it!’”

— Jeffrey S. Putter, M.D., Escondido, CA USA

“It was like having you there in person instructing. Each time I began to wonder if I was doing the exercise correctly you gave a direction. The exercises are gentle but powerful. Bravo! This morning I woke up pain free after doing the exercises. Many thanks!”

— L. Tree Marr, Madison, WI