Rating: Summary: Shake the cynicism and get happy Review: Okay, there is some happy talk on this dvd, and normally I am one who is annoyed by that kind of thing. In this workout, it does not bother me at all. It seems sincere and real, and when it is a little over the top it makes me smile. Not such a bad thing. The workout is wonderful, well-instructed with good modifications and now a favorite of this advanced-beginner. I appreciate the sessions of different length, with various foci. It does not bother me that the basics are repeated - that is what yoga practice is about. There are core asanas that should be practiced regularly. The dvd contains sessions of 30, 40, 53 (strength emphasis), 55 (hip opening emphasis) and the Full Happiness 80 minute session. Each is a little different, but the basics are always there. I find this a very enjoyable and flexible practice, highly recommended!
Rating: Summary: Where's the happiness? Review: The dvd has different routines to choose from, but I was irritated that they all started out exactly the same -- same voice over, same poses, same camera angles -- I felt like I was being cheated a bit. I really prefer variety in my yoga routines!Also, I don't understand wehere the "happiness" part comes in to play in the video. I've been practicing yoga for many years, and my favorite teachers (whether in class or in a video) will have some sort of theme that is repeated and explained throughout. It would have been better for the instructor to explain how a certain pose led to increased happiness, or to give other tips as to how yoga can increase one's happiness. Yoga really CAN do that, but it's good to guide people more in that direction with specific suggestions and advice. Trite cliched phrases such as "drink in the nectar from your hips" or something like that actually detracted from what otherwise is a fairly solid, typical yoga flow practice. As a yoga video junkie, I have tried out a lot of different routines and instructors...and the best I've come across so far is Yoga for Surfers Fluid Power Yoga -- you don't even have to be a surfer to benefit from it! It's really beautiful, and Peggy Hall strikes just the right balance between the physical and spiritual sides of yoga. There are easy modifications to follow, and she's really inspiring and encouraging. She also ends with a very peaceful relaxation sequence -- great images for visualizaion without getting sappy. There's a real sense of beginning, middle, and end, a full, complete practice. I also have Yoga for Surfers I, and I'll buy whatever else Peggy Hall creates!
Rating: Summary: A Great Power Yoga DVD Review: The look, feel, style, and instructor's verbage is between a LivingArts and Crunch video. I thought it was a nice blend between the two and it was a casual relaxed yoga practice. The different collections of the routines makes it better to me. I bought it because it had high reviews and I was not dissapointed. I hope you are not either.
Rating: Summary: Can't Say Enough Good Things Review: This DVD Makes me... well, HAPPY. Really, the routines are so nice. They flow really well. Eoin's voice is calming and doesn't make me feel like I need to overdo it. I love the "Magically Hips" Routine in particular. It really makes me feel open and alive. As Eion says in the commentary, "when your hips loosen up, it makes you feel younger and more vital" I think this DVD is great for losing weight too. It is challenging, but the pace is not so fast that I couln't keep up. The people really look like they are having fun (I thought you had to be more serious when you did Yoga)and there is just such a feeling of positivity that runs through it. It is a unique product and I can not say that I own a Yoga or Fitness DVD that I have enjoyed more. It is my new favorite!
Rating: Summary: Can't Say Enough Good Things Review: This DVD Makes me... well, HAPPY. Really, the routines are so nice. They flow really well. Eoin's voice is calming and doesn't make me feel like I need to overdo it. I love the "Magically Hips" Routine in particular. It really makes me feel open and alive. As Eion says in the commentary, "when your hips loosen up, it makes you feel younger and more vital" I think this DVD is great for losing weight too. It is challenging, but the pace is not so fast that I couln't keep up. The people really look like they are having fun (I thought you had to be more serious when you did Yoga)and there is just such a feeling of positivity that runs through it. It is a unique product and I can not say that I own a Yoga or Fitness DVD that I have enjoyed more. It is my new favorite!
Rating: Summary: Several workouts for all levels Review: This is a great DVD. I've been practicing yoga for 3 years, off and on, and this DVD is a wonderful alternative to paying to go to a yoga studio. One great thing about it is the 5+ variations of the work out. If you are a beginner you could start with the 30 minute session and then build up. There is good description of the postures and I like that the students are outside and not in a studio. The only draw back is that some of the dialogue is little corny. Namaste.
Rating: Summary: One Of The Best I Have Review: This is definetly one of the best yoga videos I have and I'm glad I bought it. The quality of this dvd(2 actually) is excellent, theres five great workouts , a lot of poses from the Primary Series of ashtanga, and some you dont often see in yoga videos , like the dancer and standing pigeon pose. Its worth it.
Rating: Summary: power yoga for happiness Review: This is the greatest yoga video that I own! I have Eion's first dvd & must say that he has made some major improvements. Gone is the constant chatter as this dvd offers a more calm Eion. There are two dvd's with variations of workouts offered. A 53minute workout is targeted at the hips and is a balanced well thought out routine. You will genuinely feel great after using this & it is fair to say happy too!
Rating: Summary: power yoga for happiness Review: This is the greatest yoga video that I own! I have Eion's first dvd & must say that he has made some major improvements. Gone is the constant chatter as this dvd offers a more calm Eion. There are two dvd's with variations of workouts offered. A 53minute workout is targeted at the hips and is a balanced well thought out routine. You will genuinely feel great after using this & it is fair to say happy too!
Rating: Summary: Just the title makes me happy Review: Vancouver yoga teacher Eoin Finn is a favorite among video fitness enthusiasts for his first effort, Power Yoga by Eoin Finn. His second work features some very well thought out elements that are geared specifically towards the video yogi and yogini, along with a relaxed and playful vibe, beautiful settings and soothing music. This is a two (2!) CD set that features several routines from 30-90 minutes of vinyasa yoga. The instruction is a voice over by Eion, with Eion and other models showing modifications for beginners, intermediates and "double black diamonds", or advanced versions of asanas. For lovers of vinyasa style yoga, this CD offers a lot of variety, from the 30 minute Yoga Quickie, to a hip-opening routine entitled Magically Hips, to a challenging 90 minute, Full Happiness routine. This video does assume the user's basic knowledge of vinyasa style yoga, but again, basic modifications are plentiful and easy to find, as are more advanced poses such as Tittibasana and the jaw-dropper Eka Pada Galavasana. Eion's sense of humour is irrepressible, whether featuring a canine member of the cast with his own purple sticky mat, to the chapter points that describe Sun Salutations "eh" and "B" (the group is from Canada). For me, this is a refreshing change from the rather rarified quality of so many other videos on the market today. And the routine is just great, a wonderful balance of strength and stretch for the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. The only thing missing from this fantastic CD is a "zen" soundtrack that was originally planned--a soundtrack that features minimal description and basic cuing, a great option once you are familiar with the poses and the flow of the routines. No biggie, though, as it is very good to hear the things that Eoin has to say. All in all, a great DVD, one that I know I will be reaching for again and again.
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