Rating: 
Summary: Great Challenge
Review: As someone just getting into yoga, I felt this was a big step from the New Yoga video that is the "middle" video in the Kathy Smith series. It is well explained and alternate poses are shown for those not up to Kathy's level. This is definitely not a beginner video, but I really enjoy the challenge (no pun intended) I fell very invigorated by this workout.
Rating:
Summary: ROD STRYKER AND KATHY SMITH, AN EXCELLENT YOGA COMBINATION
Review: By way of giving some background, I've been practicing daily Yoga for 7 years,have over 70 yoga videos, and study with a fabulous teacher as well. I must admit that I was skeptical about a Yoga video w/ fitness star Kathy Smith. I was concerned that this was strictly a "Let's get on the Yoga Bandwagon" project. However, knowing that Rod Stryker was her partner in this made me give it a try because Rod is the "Real Deal". This video is actually led by Rod Stryker w/ Kathy Smith assisting him (which is a very smart move on Kathy Smith's part and gives it much more credibility "Yoga wise" in my opinion). It's a very complete yoga routine, with Gentle Warmups, Sun Saluations (w/ pushups between up/down dog), a complete standing pose practice, Short balancing segment, a very complete backbending routine plus forward bends, inversions and relaxation. There is a clear explanation of Ujayi Breathing at the beginning as well. I found this tape to be enjoyable to practice with, easy to follow and challenging as well. I actually took it out of the library to try it out and was so impressed that I just ordered her Ultimate Yoga DVD set which has her three Yoga Programs, I've tried all three and had to have them. By the way, I thought Rod actually came across better in this video than he does in his "Yoga For Longevity" video where he seems a bit stiff and mechanical (even though that is a WONDERFUL video which I highly recommend). Also, if you want to try another really great and challenging video, check out Sherri Baptiste's "Baptiste Power Of Yoga" video (which is an intermediate level video)as well as her brother Baron Baptiste's excellent collection of videos (in particular his "live" set). Of course Bryan Kest has some of the best videos out there as well if you're looking for a real challenge with another excellent teacher. Namaste
Rating:
Summary: Great! Balanced and challenging
Review: I am probably an intermediate yoga beginner with a dance background, and the other several yoga videos I tried were all too easy. This one provides a great, balanced yoga workout, with plenty of work on the back and the legs. The emphasis on the breathing, the length of the tape, and the pace of the instruction all help you get really focused mentally as you do it, too. I personally really liked Rod Stryker, who leads the video instead of Kathy Smith. The great thing about this tape is that you can keep using it and improving your form each time, instead of "plateauing" after 2-3 uses like I did with the easier videos I tried. I have been using this tape for several months now, and I always feel great after I finish this tape -- loosened up, strengthened, and relaxed. This is not a tape for people who are true yoga beginners, but is great if you're looking for something more challenging.
Rating:
Summary: Great video
Review: I do enjoy this video and find it challenging. However, Kathy does not instruct it! Unlike quite a few other instructors she is able to follow along and keep up better tha Denise Austin! But I did find it dissapointing to see an instructor that usually is in living arts videos.
Overall a good challenging yoga workout!
Rating: 
Summary: Great Yoga Tape
Review: I don't know why all the bad reviews online, but I felt like this tape needed some support. Kathy Smith is a great instructor, and excellent at yoga poses and moves. This tape is good for a beginner/intermediate level of yoga, and a great way to start the day or end it. It's not meant to be the only workout of your day, but if you use it as well as regular exercise the results will be awesome. A great back strengthener and great for increasing flexibility. I'm 16 and in good shape and find this tape challenging enough but not too tough. I recommend it for anyone who is an advanced beginner. :)
Rating:
Summary: A Fine, Total Body Workout
Review: I have a question for the reviewers who complained that this tape wasn't challenging enough: "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Come off it, you can actually HEAR Kathy & Rod huffing and puffing thru the first 30 minutes of sun saluations, that is, if you can hear anything over your own huffing & puffing. Forward fold, jump back to staff, hold it, ease down to the floor, upward dog, hold it, push up into downward dog, hold it, jump up to another forward fold, then reach for the sky, and back down to forward fold so you can do the sequence again three more times. Then, they add chair poses & standing poses & balancing positions... Granted, these aren't new moves that any beginner wouldn't be familiar with, but the pace is quick & all those pushups add up after awhile, believe me. And if they don't, well, gosh aren't YOU so strong & healthy? Or, better question, what are you doing following exercise videos when you should be bench-pressing family sedans to give yourself the challenge your conditioned muscles crave? The rest of us, though, will find this workout challenging enough. :-) I am no softie, either. I'm 31 and have worked out all my life. I started practicing yoga over a year ago, first doing Ali MacGraw's video for 9 months, and then moving thru the Yoga Journal Series, which I found great as far as instruction is concerned, but not terribly dynamic. I like a yoga tape to begin with easy warm-up stretches, to more vigorous sun salutations, to standing poses, then floor exercises, and then finally relaxation. This tape does just that, but at a higher level of intensity than Ali MacGraw's tape (you can really work up a sweat). It's also a bit longer. This is a great workout to condition the body & make you feel good all over. I don't have gobs of time to workout, so this has been my primary exercise tape for the past four months, and I have noticed a considerable difference in my overall body tone and flexibility. If you're looking for a thorough yoga routine that'll challenge you with its energetic pace & semi-difficult poses (revolved triangle, anyone?), this is the tape for you. Perfect for "students" of the Ali Macgraw tape, who are ready for more. If you were hoping, though, that "New Yoga Challenge" meant Kathy & Rod were going to show you new & unusual yoga positions to take your practice of this art to deeper levels and challenge your body in ways that beginner/intermediate yoga poses just can't, well, a class with a yoga master would probably help you reach your goals much better. Kathy Smith is a fitness expert, not a yogini. Her idea of "challenge" may not be yours.
Rating:
Summary: Strengthening and Relaxing Workout
Review: I have been practicing Yoga for a couple of years now, and I just bought this DVD because I wanted to advance. I practice every morning with it, and I can already feel the difference. My back and stomach are stronger and I'm more relaxed throughout the day. I have always enjoyed Kathy Smith's workout tapes and the DVDs are even better because you can choose to do only certain routines if you lack a lot of time. I recommend this DVD to anyone interested in becoming stronger both physically and mentally.
Rating:
Summary: As Usual Kathy Smith does an excellent job
Review: I have had this workout on VHS tape since it came out (about 5 years ago). It is wonderful! Kathy Smith has a way of explaining exercises in a clear manner but yet not making you feel like an idiot. The Yoga on this tape is a great total body workout. While you are doing it you don't even think you are working that hard and then before you know it you are sweating. By the next day your body feels like you've worked hard. I loved it so much I just bought the workout on DVD. The DVD is great because the workout is seperated into different sections so that if you just want to quickly do floor exercises or deep breathing you can go right to that particular part. I would highly recommed this tape to those people who like Yoga or simply want to try new things. I started out with the Kathy Smith beginner Yoga tape and moved up to this when I felt confident. I hope Kathy Smith comes out with some more advanced Yoga tapes soon.
Rating:
Summary: Good intermediate workout, really sweating
Review: i really like kathy smith because she always seems very professional. i'm against super perky style instructors. with rod stryker, there is a lot of good instruction; kathy acts like his demonstration student. the music and lighting is non obtrusive and restful. it's hard to do the poses and follow them while watching the tape, so you have to learn the routines first. i was amazed how much hatha yoga makes you sweat without feeling any soreness. it's great intermediate (not advanced) workout whichgives a great nonjarring workout.
Rating: 
Summary: Challenging!
Review: I'ld been doing Ali McGraw's yoga video (the best!) for about 6 months, and wanted something more challenging for a change of pace. Kathy Smiths was just what I wanted. More upper body strenghth moves, more intense stretches. The instruction is often confused on right and left, and the tape appears inverted so you can't watch and copy. This makes it a little harder to learn, but I find it a good alternative when I want to do something different!
| 
