Rating: 
Summary: Basic Yoga Workout For Dummies
Review: I have other VCR yoga tape that I have used. This is the first DVD yoga instructional video that I have bought. I am a beginner in the practice of yoga and the way that Sara presents this material makes it very easy to follow. I have been using this DVD every day since I bought the disk. Because this is a DVD I am able to go the part of instruction that I want to review immediately. That is a nice time saving convenience. I use my laptop computer to watch the video so that I can do the exercise and not have to twist around to see the video. It is also convenient to use when I travel. Sara does a wonderful job explaining the poses, showing beginners alternatives to do so that they can still do the exercises and get the benefits of the exercises. I find this video very comfortable to use and would recommend it to anyone that is thinking about beginning yoga. For those of you interested in the spiritual side of yoga there is not much of that presented on this video.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for Beginners!
Review: I recently began exercising regularly to lose weight and get fit. I was curious about yoga for a while, but never got around to trying it. I purchased the Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies thinking this would be perfect for me, because I had never done Yoga and was totally clueless as to where to start. Sara Ivanhoe is a great instructor. She starts off slowly and shows you how to do each move. She takes time to set up each pose correctly so that you get the most out of each one. Although the video is basically for beginners, there are also modifications you can work up to. I have to say, after using the video for about a month I feel more flexible and strong. I wasn't planning on using this video to lose weight, but I think it has helped me achieve my goal of becoming more flexible, which has been beneficial to my exercise routine. The reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is because after a few weeks I started fast forwarding the first part of the video where she explains breathing and how to set up each pose. Other than that, I think its a great start for beginners, and those who have never done Yoga in their life. I can't wait until I am able to work up to Sara's next Yoga video
Rating:
Summary: GREAT INTRODUCTION TO YOGA--START NOW!
Review: I have never really done yoga, or so I thought until I viewed this tape. Being active all of my life has kept me flexible and so I was surprised to know that I had been practicing "yoga" without knowing it. A few of the poses were new to me but mostly they are common sense stretches. OR SO I THOUGHT. Now I know, thanks to Sara, stretching isn't yoga. Yoga is an art that unites the body and mind. It combines poses with focus and breathing which result in a feeling of calm AWARENESS. Sara has the gift--a very pleasant, friendly, poised and positive instructor that is the perfect example of the way yoga will make you feel: calm, relaxed, focused, balanced, positive and strong.Here are the "daily dozen" of which each should be held through six breaths:
1 Cat pose*
2 Mountain pose*
3 Standing Forward Bend
4 Lunge
5 Tree*
6 Standing Side Stretch Pose*
7 Downward Facing Dog*
8 Cobra*
9 Child's pose
10 Seated Spinal Twist*
11 Seated Forward Bend*
12 Final Relaxation pose
(* a favorite pose of mine/ feels great) Sara says, "THIS IS YOUR PRIVATE TIME. SO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ALLOWS YOU TO FOCUS AND REALLY ENJOY YOUR PRACTICE." That being said, I recommend using this tape until you are happy with your results (yoga is not competitive) and then muting it and do your moves to your favorite dreamy, inspiring music. As you advance, get another book or video, or incorporate your favorite moves from different tapes (I really love Tai Chi) and go through your own poses. BOTTOM LINE: This is a terrific yoga introduction of poses concentrating on the proper alignment, breathing, and focus for the beginner to advanced athlete. However, if you already have yoga experience you might want to try a more advanced tape or class.
Rating:
Summary: Curious About The Yoga Hype? This is a Perfect Way to Learn
Review: I know many who still don't want to buy into the "Dummies" series! They are Dummies for not taking advantage of these great resources. This is an excellent tape/DVD, especially if you are new to fitness or are a returning 40-something as I am. Oh yes, I'm also a guy. I've found yoga (and deep stretching) to be a perfect compliment to a pick-up game of basketball, an hour of karate practice, or a cardio kickboxing aerobics session. The relaxed tone of this DVD is also a nice way to gently unwind after a stressful day at work or with the kids. If you are sore for a week after you work out, or jog, or play weekend sports, chances are you're not stretching as much as you should, especially afterwards. This DVD/tape will show you that basic yoga is an excellent way to gently stretch your muscles, reduce stress, and relax. The deep breathing that is key to yoga and is well described by the workout instructor "Sara Ivanhoe" also helps you to think more clearly and creatively. Despite the yoga postures on the DVD seeming relatively simple, I monitor my pulse during this workout and am routinely up around 110-115, and work up a nice glow of a sweat. I really believe that yoga combined with other types of exercise is a way to keep your mind and body in synch. I searched for a tape/DVD to replicate my experience of doing yoga in our local health club, and found this one to be the best and easiest to follow. At the low price, it's also a great buy for the traveler who might be carrying a laptop with a DVD player. Oh yeah...if you embarrass easily, contrary to the image of yoga that I once had in my head, you don't have to tuck your legs up over the top of your head or otherwise contort your body in weird ways. The basic yoga "postures" demonstrated by Sara feel natural, and actually look pretty cool (even with a guy doing them).
Rating:
Summary: A gentle and thorough introduction to Yoga
Review: After being frustrated by Patricia Walden's "Yoga Practice for Beginners," I was concerned that I just couldn't do yoga. I felt confused and ungrounded. I bought Sara Ivanhoe's "Yoga for Dummies" and was gratified to find it a clear and friendly introduction to yoga practice. I found Sara to be an appealing and gentle instructor. She started out by covering breathing, something notably absent from Walden's tape. As Sara described the details of each pose, I felt confident that I was doing them as correctly as possible. She shows modified versions of postures using a split screen, something I appreciated. While I felt challenged in the workout, I didn't feel overwhelmed. I experienced each pose at a deeper level than I had with the previous tape. This was a great place for me to start. While the IDG standard icons (tip, myth, etc.) and their accompanying sound effects were a bit annoying, I felt I could block them out and focus on Sara's instruction. I know that I will probably move on to other yoga videos in the future, so I'm okay with having extra details on this tape. I do wish the relaxation post was held longer (I liked Patricia Walden's version) but Sara's execution fits with the pace of the rest of the tape. If you're new to yoga and unsure of your flexibility, I recommend you start here.
Rating:
Summary: A gentle and thorough introduction to Yoga
Review: After being frustrated by Patricia Walden's "Yoga Practice for Beginners," I was concerned that I just couldn't do yoga. I felt confused and ungrounded. I bought Sara Ivanhoe's "Yoga for Dummies" and was gratified to find it a clear and friendly introduction to yoga practice. I found Sara to be an appealing and gentle instructor. She started out by covering breathing, something notably absent from Walden's tape. As Sara described the details of each pose, I felt confident that I was doing them as correctly as possible. She shows modified versions of postures using a split screen, something I appreciated. While I felt challenged in the workout, I didn't feel overwhelmed. I experienced each pose at a deeper level than I had with the previous tape. This was a great place for me to start. While the IDG standard icons (tip, myth, etc.) and their accompanying sound effects were a bit annoying, I felt I could block them out and focus on Sara's instruction. I know that I will probably move on to other yoga videos in the future, so I'm okay with having extra details on this tape. I do wish the relaxation post was held longer (I liked Patricia Walden's version) but Sara's execution fits with the pace of the rest of the tape. If you're new to yoga and unsure of your flexibility, I recommend you start here.
Rating:
Summary: Good introduction to yoga
Review: Twelve basic yoga postures are presented here in non-intimidating language. Ivanhoe calmly goes over the fundamentals of each posture as well as the importance of breathing. Anyone who thinks that they need to be initiated into a secret philosophical organization before they can do their first yoga posture will be relieved by this video. Throughout, a narrator makes points about common misconceptions, "Bewares" (or common mistakes) and helpful tips and tricks. The big downside to this tape is that it takes quite some time to get through the twelve postures (just a little over 45 minutes). While most absolute beginners would do well to spend that much time listening to all of the tips on alignment and breathing, slightly more advanced beginners (e.g., they've read a book or even gone to a class) may not derive as much benefit. Even the brand new beginner will probably outgrow this tape sooner rather than later. Having said that, Ivanhoe is a very good instructor on this video, balancing calm and humor. Again, no one will be intimidated by her approach.
Rating:
Summary: Deeply Relaxing Daily Dozen
Review: "Yoga is a marathon, not a sprint; slow and safe persistence gives you the best results. The main thing is to have fun and keep your sense of humor. Enjoy and you're more likely to stick to it." ~Sarah Ivanhoe You may be pleasantly surprised to see Sarah Ivanhoe as the yoga Instructor in this video. She is a certified yoga instructor who presents exercise in a caring, cute way. I love her teaching style because it is nurturing and she never makes me feel rushed. If you have read any of the "Dummies" books you will recognize the quirky little icons. This video is a bit like a book because pages turn and there are little icons that appear with additional information. The bong, bang, zip of the little icons appearing on the screen do get your attention but might not amuse everyone. I was actually not overly enthusiastic about that situation at first, but my mind seemed to start to ignore the zing, zang, zip of the little icons. Jargon Alerts, Myth Buster Icon, Remember Icon and Alerts appear more at the start of the workout than at the end. The modification sections appear in a split-screen format and can be helpful for beginners. The slower pace and extended time for poses present possibilities for beginners. If you are new to Yoga, this might be a great place to start. Intermediate and Advanced users may enjoy the extended time for deeper stretching. Each pose is held for six breaths, but even more time is given due to the explanations. Each yoga instructor has a unique perspective and you pick up new tricks and tips when exercising with a good variety of instructors. Sarah presents a non-intimidating program and explains yoga in easy-to-understand language. Sarah teaches you twelve poses/exercises: 1. Cat Pose
2. Mountain Pose
3. Standing Forward Bend
4. Lunge
5. Tree
6. Standing Side Stretch Pose
7. Downward Facing Dog
8. Cobra
9. Child's Pose
10. Seated Spinal Twist
11. Seated Forward Bend
12. Final Relaxation Pose You may want to use a yoga mat, strap, chair, pillow during various poses. Sarah gives you as much time as you need to complete and partially master each pose. It takes years to master some poses and after a few years you will be amazed at your progress. The reason yoga never gets boring is because there is so much to learn about each pose. Since Yoga is not a religion and it is not competitive, it is really perfect for everyone. Not only will yoga give you inner peace, you will find that the exercise help you develop your inner strength all while your body starts to look younger and definitely more toned. You might notice increased blood flow and a relaxed state that lasts for hours and hours. Also Quite Relaxing: Crunch Candlelight Yoga - Candles, sweeping curtains and Sarah is the instructor. Karen Voight YogaSculpt - Modern and healing Hemalaya Behl's Yoga For Urban Living Series - Authentic and deeply relaxing. I love them all. alimacgraw Yogamind&body - My first experience with yoga, it is yoga in a desert, which is an exotic, authentic and healing workout. Definitely must be done in the dark with candles. Yoga Zone Intermediate Flexibility and Stress release - one of my all-time favorites for stretching and I learn so much from this video, each and every time. OM Yoga - For the more curious who want to learn all the original names for the poses. This is not a video workout and you use flash cards. Perfect for anyone who is advanced or intermediate and wants a system that is highly portable. ~TheRebeccaReview.com
Rating:
Summary: Great beginner tape
Review: This was my first yoga tape, and my introduction to yoga. I loved it, and still use it occasionlly, though I've moved onto a more challenging workout. The instructor is fantastic, and the other videos I own are hers as well. She is very easy to follow (a little slow once you learn the workout), and very pleasant. I began to see changes almost immediately in my flexibility, figure and stress level.
Rating:
Summary: Good for getting started with Yoga
Review: I purchased this DVD to try and understand what all the Yoga hype was about. I found the instructions easy to follow, a little slow at times, but overall presented very well. For anyone with back injuries, this is a great way to relax your muscles and mind.
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