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Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies
A workout that balances both the body and the mind can be found in Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies. Fundamental postures are explained and demonstrated slowly with an emphasis on breathing and motion. Sara Ivanhoe teaches 12 basic poses that are termed the "daily dozen" and offers challenges and modifications to each of these moves. Ivanhoe presents these concepts in an approachable and calming manner that adds to the overall relaxed feeling that this session exudes. Newcomers to the practice of yoga will learn jargon, essential postures, and focusing techniques. Experienced participants may find some information redundant, but Ivanhoe offers such thorough explanations about each posture that you can't help but expand your existing knowledge of yoga. As the mountain pose, standing forward bend, and downward facing dog are explained (not to mention the nine other poses within the "daily dozen"), proper body alignment becomes the focus. Meticulous attention is given to the connection between breathing and body movement with several reminders to keep the spine in "neutral alignment." This session ranks great for safety and content and makes yoga accessible to anyone who "always wanted to, but never did." This is a substantial program that can introduce the basics and build your understanding of yoga. --Olivia Voigts Beyond Basic Yoga for Dummies
Beyond Basic Yoga for Dummies presents 12 yoga poses that skilled instructor Sara Ivanhoe calls the "daily dozen." Ivanhoe is calm, clear, warm, and patient, demonstrating each pose as the screen flashes easier and more challenging modifications. The too-frequent voiceover "tips," "mythbusters," and "warnings"--announced by sound effects--are louder than Ivanhoe's voice and become disconcerting interruptions. Since they also appear in print on the screen, the jarring voice is unnecessary. Ivanhoe herself could give any tips needed for safety and effectiveness. Ivanhoe's careful, detailed instructions for each pose keep the progression slow, and an experienced yoga practitioner could get bored. However, a beginning exerciser who has mastered a basic workout will find this program a helpful next step before going to an intermediate level. The 70-minute DVD edition also includes a 15-minute guided meditation and the option to eliminate the music--you still hear instructor cueing and voiceover tips, but you can play your own music. --Joan Price
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