If I didn't Have Neck Problems Before . . .

. . . I would certainly have them after doing the Sit Tight video by Richard Simmons!

What was he thinking? More specifically, how did the choreography by Anne Czarkowski pass muster with any medical expert? Perhaps it didn't - maybe these videos aren't observed by anyone in the medical field before release? Being a video for the handicapped I assumed it would be.

Anne is one of Richard's trainers in his gym, Slimmons. She's the tall blonde front and center in the first Sweatin' to the Oldies video, and has been with Richard since the opening of the gym, I believe. The Sweatin' videos, which even Richard has admitted lately while on the publicity tours, are still the fan favorite, even at 20 years of age. Perhaps that's because the woman who choreographed them, Dorain Grusman, made sure that the moves were easy enough for everyone of every fitness level to do, that they were repeated enough times that people could do them right instead of changing steps every 4 beats, like this, and many of the other newer (past 10 years) videos of Richard's. Heck, some of the steps changed in a 2-count!

And so fast! I always watch an exercise video before doing it, and this one made my head spin. 1-2-1-2-1-2-1-2 and stop, video's over. Huh? I'm still trying to figure out what the heck the move was 10 steps ago!

I realize a video for people in wheelchairs has to focus on upper body work, but do with a bit more slowly and safely, okay? People's necks were whipping around so fast I thought they would get whiplash! And the arm flailing! I thought I was in a revival meeting at times! I can't do those moves with my neuritis and osteoarthritis without harming my neck and back. I need this video to be slowed down to at least half the speed. His original video for the handicapped, Reach for Fitness, not only was do-able sitting or standing by people of any fitness level, but the moves were much slower and simpler to do. If my old tape didn't break I would still be doing that one on my achy days. This one can only be done on days I feel in tip-top shape.

Another $20 tossed into the garbage in the futile pursuit of fitness, another $20 in the pocket of the weight loss industry. I wonder what the return policy is like? When I returned the BlastOff set back to QVC a few years ago I got every penny back, as they had a no questions asked return policy. I hope Richard has one, too. Nope, "damaged or defective" merchandise and replacement product given. Oh, well.