Rating: 
Summary: Yoga without the "fluff"
Review: When I decided I wanted to start practicing yoga as a New Year's resolution, I picked up this video to start a program at home. I needed an easy-to-follow video which gave an effective workout and explained each pose clearly and thoroughly. I got what I wanted. Sara Ivanhoe takes you through each pose (there are 12) step-by-step and explains how to align your body and how to breathe. She makes learning yoga enriching and enjoyable. Sprinkled throughout the video are little graphics explaining yoga jargon and some of the yoga myths some people tend to believe. One of the things I love about this video is that it presents yoga as a physical activity which benefits the mind as well as the body. There is no mediation, no visualization, no trying to be one with the universe--just poses. I think many people are scared away by yoga because they believe they have to stand on their heads while chanting "Om" and trying to harmonize with the universe. While I respect those who do that, it's not for me and it's not for everybody. This video presents yoga in a very unintimidating way which will make it seem fun for everyone, no matter what your spiritual beliefs are. This video changed my life. I've been doing the workout for over four months now and I'm in better shape both mentally and physically. Some people will be surprised at just how much of a workout yoga is (even beginner's yoga). I was sore the first time I did it. And it really tones up your body. Most of all, it's a lot of fun and I look forward to doing it every day. It's the best money you'll ever spend.
Rating:
Summary: Wouldn't use any other tape.
Review: I have a form of arthrits and and I am still in my twenties. I find it difficult to do most types of exercises. This was so helpful to me. I have tried all type of workout and this was the only one that I could do and do more than one time. It is helpful to my joints and strengthes my muscles. And is so helpful in my efforts to relax. After trying this tape, I tried others. They were a waste. This is a wonderful tape and I reccomend it highly to anyone who would like to start a yoga practice.
Rating: 
Summary: Strictly for beginners!
Review: This video has two main portions. The first addresses 12 basic yoga positions, teaching proper technique and breathing. This is very basic, slow and easy. The second portion puts them together in more of a flowing sequence and provides a little bit of a workout, but this is still very easy and quite short, too! I am fairly new to yoga (have been doing it for only a few months with the help of 2 other yoga dvd's), and even I felt that it was way too easy and simplistic. I got bored within minutes. I think it's the kind better rented from the library to be able to see the different positions once or twice - I've gone through it one time and honestly doubt I'll use it ever again. One positive to this dvd is that if you are a beginner and feeling uncertain about your ability or even that you should bother trying yoga, Sara Ivanhoe is incredibly supportive of beginners, and she works very hard to make it clear that people of all levels are doing great just by trying. But this is something that you know now by reading this review, so skip this one and try another beginning yoga dvd. :)
Rating: 
Summary: Great Yoga workout
Review: Great introduction to Yoga. Not very intense but tries to give the viewer a sense of the feel of the postures. And lets face it, this particular Yogi makes for great eye candy. You'll see what I mean if you watch the workout. :)
Rating:
Summary: Great for beginners!
Review: I've been to several yoga classes, but after purchasing this DVD I finally learned how to do it RIGHT. I've used it for three weeks, and will probably move on to a more strenuous tape soon, but I think I will always use the daily dozen as a warmup, or as a light stretching exercise on days when I don't have time for a whole workout. Here's a tip -- once you've done it a few times, just pull up the menu of chapters on the screen to remember the order, and do them yourself -- it takes a lot less time that way, and if you need instruction for just one pose, you can select it.
Rating:
Summary: A very good start
Review: I have used both the DVD and the tape version of this and would recommend getting the DVD version over the tape. The advantage is immediate which is skipping the intro and getting straight to the practice. The DVD version has an extra intermediate 20 minute session using the 12 Basic postures in rapid order. I enjoyed the fact that she spent time on how to breathe before and during practice. So, the practice is real good trying to get you to breathe and move smoothly. The postures are held officially at 6 breaths but you will end up holding the posture longer due to her talking you into proper alignment. An example is if you are already set in the standing tree position before her talk through is done you will be standing there much longer than 6 breaths. I like this tape much more than other beginning yoga tapes because it focuses on proper posture/alignment in an easier manner. If you are an absolute beginner or if you have tried on your own but not sure about your posture try this DVD. The more experienced would find this DVD really boring and annoying because of the emphasis talking through each posture. The DVD gets only 4 stars due to the lack of control you have editing out the Dummies messages like, "myth-busting". It is good to have the extra info the first time around but it starts wearing you down. Fortunately, the intermediate session has none of the "boing" messages but is straight practice. The DVD does allow you to edit out the music and choose which practice level you want. Definitely get this DVD if you starting yoga and don't want to hurt or strain yourself. It is the best beginners tape I have found.
Rating: 
Summary: Sorry to say this but...
Review: This video is so boring. I can't stand to even do it because the instructor talks way too much. It seems like it last forever because she talks so much. She has a super friendly attitude and walks you through each step, making it pretty easy though.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Beginners & Do-It-Yourself
Review: This DVD is excellent for starting out in yoga. I have been interested in Yoga for years, but due to lack of funds and time have never been able to actually go to a yoga class. Instead I bought several videos, some better than others. The problem was that I always felt I was doing things wrong, and unfortunately non of the other videos ever took the time to really explain what I was supposed to be doing. This DVD is different. It explains in detail the correct way to perform each posture without being condesending, tedious or intimidating. It gives down-to-earth instruction for people who want to learn yoga, without necessarily getting deep into the spiritual aspect of yoga. The DVD allows you to skip to specific poses which you may want to review, and it includes a basic 12 posture workout and an intermediate workout which goes into 9 poses you can graduate to once you feel comfortable with the first 12. After watching this DVD I am able to go back and watch and follow my other yoga videos knowing that I am doing the postures correctly. I also feel much more confident about moving on to other yoga videos with more challenging postures. Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies has really helped me improve my yoga practice. I would recommend it highly to anybody who wants to start practicing yoga, as well as people who, like me, have had some experience with yoga but are still not quite sure they know what they are doing.
Rating:
Summary: Relief for my back!
Review: This is an excellent dvd for the humble beginner like myself. I have always been intimidated by the mere thought of doing yoga, but, my darling wife got this for me last Christmas. My lower back has been getting worse and she knew this would help. She is right. I mustered my courage and put the dvd in. Within 20 minutes, my first yoga workout was complete and I really did feel better for it. I made it through and survived. The techniques on the dvd are not overly difficult at all. By doing this regularly, I feel I will be helping my body to heal, physically and spiritually. Heaven knows I need it. If you have aches and pains, get this. It will help. I am proof.
Rating:
Summary: This is great for the REAL beginner
Review: So many videos and books say for the beginner. But, they really require some previous experience and a lot of coordination. This one treats you like an adult but takes things slow. You are able to perform almost all of the positions on your first try. Maybe in the modified way but still doing them. I have three children and had back surgery 3 years ago- so this is something to be able to get through the whole tape. The guide speaks in a relaxing tone and shows even the smallest steps.
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