Rating: Summary: Pretty darn good yoga workout Review: CRUNCH Total Yoga takes a pretty straightforward approach to yoga, and it seems aimed at an audience who is fairly comfortable working out, and is curious to see what this whole yoga craze is about. There's no chanting, or mystics on top of mountaintops, or any of that--and that can be reassuring to those just starting up with yoga.This is a beginning yoga video, although I think it's aimed at an audience that's already fairly physically fit. There are some poses which may be difficult for someone who is not particularly strong yet. Yet, I am about intermediate level, and while I don't find this as challenging as videos aimed at intermediate students, I find I get a workout that feels like I've "done something". At about 40 minutes each segment (the Fat Burning Yoga is longer), it's easier to fit into a busy schedule than a 60- or 90- minute workout. One of the small pet peeves of this DVD is the instructor in the "Fat Burning Yoga" sequence...she's always saying, "OK?" in the sort of way some people do and are only half-aware they're doing. I find this verbal twitch annoying, although to be fair I can only imagine how nervous SHE must have been taping an exercise video. In short, I find this a video good for beginners, but perhaps more so for those who are in fairly good shape already.
Rating: Summary: nice to have 2 options Review: although the dvd doesnt say (as far as i know) exactly how long each workout is, the 2nd (fatburning one which is my favorite and frequent workout)is about 40 mins and goes by as if it were 20 mins! I think Sarah is a great instructor with a very pleasant countenance. The direction is clear and encouraging. The modified version is clearly filmed as well so you can do the dvd according to your own level. I'm not sure if a person will lose excess fat with this dvd though.. dont you need high intensity cardio? But otherwise, it's a great workout. I feel more flexible, my muscles feel harder and stronger, my posture has improved, and it's a mood enhancer. I especially like the 2nd (fatburning) workout. The Joy of Yoga is good too but it's shorter and not much of a workout! Enjoy. And it's a BARGAIN! ONE studio yoga class can be about $15!
Rating: Summary: I love this Yoga DVD Review: This is my First yoga DVD I have been doing Yoga Since Jan 2004. This is great. I had a lot of Knee troubles. I could barely walk across the room. Since I started yoga with this DVD. I am able to walk anywhere and go very far. I do this yoga everyday.I also do Crunch Candle light yoga it also has Sara Ivanhoe. Sara Is amazing.
Rating: Summary: AMAZING yoga workout Review: I came back to yoga after a long time away, and I use this DVD in between classes. I love Sara Ivanhoe, she has the most calming voice and she gives clear instructions. The choice between the two workouts is great as well, I use the Joy of Yoga when I just want to calm down after a long day and the Fat Burning Yoga when I want to work on my strength and flexibility. This is an excellent experience (at a good price too!!)
Rating: Summary: It Really Is The Perfect Yoga Workout Review: First off you should know - I've got a huge crush on Sarah - the instructor, now that that's out of the way I can tell you that both of these workouts are increadable. I've done martial arts for years - that's my base of experience and mind set - not just an exercise or self defense, but a whole mind body thing - before you even think the word "flake" that's not where I'm heading - this isn't one of those. This DVD is very user friendly - the routines are the best I've done and my wife and I have bought enough Yoga VHS/DVD's to know what's out there. The routines are hard working - i.e. you work up a sweat, but it's not overwhelming or too advanced - especially the Joy Of Yoga one - it's a fantastic workout - a little more advanced for the beginner - if you're a beginner - watch it once or twice, then you're all set. I've been doing Yoga for a few years and this DVD is heavy on my rotation - I have not tired of it or anything like that. We have all of Sarah's DVD's - I think there are only 3 of them - I can't say enough or really put in to words how great these are!
Rating: Summary: Great Yoga Package for Beginners- Review: Crunch has put together two yoga workouts that work well for beginners and beyond. Both are taught by Sarah Ivanhoe, a calming yet energetic (for yoga) instructor. These are non-mystical yoga tapes, which is nice if you haven't done yoga before. No meditation or cosmic anything. She teaches a group class, and some modifications are shown by class members. The Joy of Yoga is a well planned workout that is a great intro to yoga, or a nice cooldown after a longer cardio or weight workout. It is relaxing and energizing, so you can do it any time of day. Fat Burning Yoga is tougher, more like a high beginner workout. It is not so tough that one should be wiped afterwards, but one will definitely feel worked out. The pace moves, but not too quickly. I don't know how much Fat-burning this really accomplishes, but it will definitly burn some calories, and work out kinks at the same time. The DVD interface is well planned, and it is very easy to go through each ot the two programs as written. They are also broken into chapters, so mixing between the two is possible, as it putting together a long yoga workout.
Rating: Summary: Good Review: This is good for stretching, balancing, and gaining a little strength. The Joy of Yoga is relaxing, and the Fat Burning Yoga is more for stability and flexibility. Pretty easy, but ok once a week.
Rating: Summary: Breaking the tension Review: I'm pretty active. I run and lift weights. But my flexibility is very poor and I carry a lot of tension these days, as most people do. I used to do yoga years ago. I'm now 35 years old and starting over. This DVD is excellent for someone trying to get their groove back. The stretches are great and there's a lot of focus on the back, breathing and abs. I just started using this workout. I love the first workout (The Joy of Yoga), which is a great ease into it workout. Great for the mornings. After doing the second workout (Fat Burning Yoga), I actually broke a sweat and found some of the poses a little difficult. But I know in time as my flexibility improves, I will be able to follow it better. The instructor, Sara Ivanhoe, has a great soothing voice and explains the poses in a clear way so you don't have to continually watch the TV monitor. Easy to follow and very rewarding. It's something I can routinely do, which is key to any exercise workout. Definitely a recommend for beginners or people revisiting yoga after a long hiatus.
Rating: Summary: this workout is to yoga what cliffnotes are to literature Review: This workout uses yoga vocabulary, but it's really just gymnastics. That said, it's not really interesting gymnastics. The instructors talk too much, by the fourth time you're bored as anything and want to just get on with the workout instead of listening to them. For people interested in more serious yoga AND a really good workout, check out the Flow Series.
Rating: Summary: love this dvd! Review: Since I got this DVD I've been alternating the workouts just about every day in addition to my usual video cardio and strength training and and after just more than week, I've already noticed myself getting stronger. Best of all, the stress is draining out of my body- my shoulders are finally moving away from my ears, I'm walking taller and feel great! Sara's a great instructor and these are fun and challenging. I was already used to yoga, so I have no trouble doing the workouts- but they are still challenging enough to make them worthwhile.
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