1996 VHS • Fit & Flexible 60 FPS

About

Fit and Flexible is an instructional mat exercise video presented by Elizabeth Larkin, identified as a dance medicine specialist in the Center for Sports Medicine at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco. The program is based on a system of 20 exercises derived from the Pilates method as developed by Joseph Pilates over 70 years prior, modified to align with current principles of sports and dance medicine. Larkin references Philip Friedman and Gail Eisen's book The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning throughout and uses the exercise names from that publication. No equipment is required beyond an exercise mat; a folded towel or elevated mat is recommended for those with limited hip mobility in seated positions.

The video opens with an extended orientation covering abdominal anatomy including the rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, transverse abdominis, and pyramidalis; breathing technique coordinated with ribcage expansion and pelvic floor engagement; and principles of concave abdominal contraction in supine, seated, and standing positions. Larkin then guides viewers through all 20 named exercises in sequence: the Hundred, Roll Up, Rollover, Single Leg Circles, Rolling, Single Leg Stretch, Double Leg Stretch, Spine Stretch, Open Leg Rocker, Spine Twist, Swan, Saw, Single Leg Kick, Double Leg Kick, Neck Pull, Side Kick, Swimming, Leg Pull Front, Leg Pull, and Seal. Each exercise is introduced with a description of its purpose, demonstrated in multiple variations from beginner to advanced, and accompanied by detailed verbal instruction on breathing, alignment, and muscle engagement. Larkin closes with an encouragement to value precision and smooth movement over range of motion or repetition count.

Human-made No record of this work says a model made it. What this means.

Archive

Internet Archive, in The VHS Vault

Licence or status

The Internet Archive states none for this item.

Credit

The Vista Group®

Language

English

Subtitles

English (automatic)

Who can watch

The archive gives no rating. Invisible Network shows it to Teens profiles and older, judged from its collection and subjects. How films are placed