Rating: Summary: a great start to yoga practice - props helpful Review: I discovered this about eight months ago, and it's the only exercise program I've been able to stick with since high school. I'm not terribly fond of the Stress Relief section-- Suzanne Deason's voice annoys me, and I frequently get lost following her instructions-- but I truly enjoy the AM and PM segments. Even when I've fallen off the yoga path for several weeks, I can get right back into it with the PM workout, without much pain or grief. I don't even sit facing the screen anymore-- it's easy to internalize the sequence of postures. It's great as an occasional stress release or as a nightly routine, and props are not essential, in my opinion. The AM workout is fast-paced, and you will want to watch it at least once before attempting to do the workout, (most workout tapes say this on the label, but this time they really mean it!) but once you catch on, it gets you energized to start the day. I enjoy the faster-paced moves, but it's definitely up to you to choose the style that fits you best. The triple set on one DVD is also a good value for the price, but the biggest drawback of this product is that two out of three workouts on this disc do require props to complete, at least for most beginners. I was fairly flexible going in, but large sections of the AM and stress relief workout are nearly impossible without a strap in particular.
Rating: Summary: I LOVE this DVD Review: Before I had a DVD player, I purchased the VHS set of AM/PM Yoga, which I really enjoyed. Once I upgraded to DVD, this was my first yoga purchase. I was already familiar with Rodney Yee and Patricia Walden's sections, so I knew I would enjoy those workouts. Each is perfect for the time of day it addresses; Rodney's AM Yoga is a wonderful way to wake up and revitalize in the morning, while Patricia's PM Yoga really helps me relax and wind down in the evening. However, my enjoyment of both was greatly augmented when I started practicing Suzanne Deason's Stress Relief segment. I was not too familiar with using props, except for the strap part in AM Yoga, before I got this DVD. Since using the Stress Relief workout, as well as the How to Use Props feature, I am able to implement the strap and blocks into the other workouts to make the poses more effective for me. I use this DVD daily, choosing whichever workout I have time to fit into my busy day. I would highly recommend it to any yoga practitioner who enjoys the Iyengar methodology used by all three instructors.
Rating: Summary: Dull & Boring Review: At times, it's nice to have a relaxing yoga session, but this one was boring. There are three different sessions to choose from, AM Yoga, Stress Relief & PM Yoga. All three were much too simple. The flowing poses in Stree Relief were nice but I didn't find them to relieve stress. If you're inflexible and new to yoga then maybe this would be suitable but if you have any yoga experience, pass on this one. Thankfully I was able to rent this.
Rating: Summary: Update on my post a few days ago Review: I've done this DVD a few times now. I generally do the AM and the Stress practices at the same time. I feel VERY refreshed and wonderful after doing these two sections of the DVD. I still find the PM practice too difficult for my current ability and patience.Do be sure to wear non-binding clothing to do this workout. I put on an old sleeveless leotard I had from years ago. It leaves all my skin exposed pretty much, except my torso....Back to "All Day Yoga," I think it's terrific. I so love how I feel when I'm do the AM and Stress practices. Also, I particularly like Rodney Yee's AM practice. His voice is calming and his routine is very comfortable. When I have time, I like to do the Stress practice right afterward, although it's a little more challenging. You get a bit more stretching with that workout. I DEFINITELY need to use a block (and sometimes 2 of them stacked!) to do this workout.This DVD is a great way to begin your day! And if you're feeling sluggish mid-day, or after work, I think it's a great pick-me-up for that. You could do Rodney's AM practice even if it was a different time of day. It's clearly the easiest one on the DVD ... especially if you are new to yoga and completely out of shape as I am!
Rating: Summary: Dull & Boring Review: At times, it's nice to have a relaxing yoga session, but this one was boring. There are three different sessions to choose from, AM Yoga, Stress Relief & PM Yoga. All three were much too simple. The flowing poses in Stree Relief were nice but I didn't find them to relieve stress. If you're inflexible and new to yoga then maybe this would be suitable but if you have any yoga experience, pass on this one. Thankfully I was able to rent this.
Rating: Summary: I love Rodney Review: Rodney's am Yoga warm-up is the best thing about this video. He has such a calm, soothing voice, and this yoga stretch is a great way to start your morning. It's not particularly challenging, but I don't think that's the point--it's just a great way to get loosened up and ready to start the day. The other two work-outs are fine--I find the evening one a bit too strenuous for a before-bed workout--it gets me too energized, but I think it would make another good morning work-out. It's just too bad Rodney doesn't feature in all three segments--then I would give this five stars.
Rating: Summary: Great to use for your home yoga practice! Review: I have studied yoga for 2 years and use this DVD to supplement for my home practice. It is a great value these 3 workouts for this price. They are each 20 minutes long with a warm-up and relaxation. The AM works on you gently getting you energized for the day. The stress-relief works the shoulders to relieve the daily stress you carry there. The PM is slightly more vigorous and tires you out a bit. The only one I have difficulty watching is the PM because Patricia is in the desert and the wind is blowing and it looks HOT! My favorite is the stress relief, so I disagree with the other reviewers. I find Suzanne to be an excellent instructor. The workouts are very quick and just perfect for before or after work. The section on props is great for beginners. If you are a beginner most likely you will need props because you can't reach as far and they help you get deeper into the pose. For this tape you need one brick, a belt and a mat.
Rating: Summary: Not that great ... Review: I recently rented this DVD. Thought I would try before I would buy. I enjoy Rodney Yee's AM section. His voice is calming and it's very relaxing but he doesn't hold the poses very long. Suzanne Deason's voice is annoying and she is like "Speedy Gonzalez" ... waaay too fast to relieve any stress. Did nothing for me. Patricia Walden's PM was too difficult. Again, too fast! She doesn't tell you how to change the positions. I didn't find it very relaxing. I'm happy I only rented this.
Rating: Summary: Beautifully shot, but needs more instructional detail Review: The scenery in this DVD are gorgeous, but for a beginner it needs more detailed instruction and some of it just moves too fast. I like workout videos that are attractively filmed but for yoga I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of beauty for instruction. I was really looking forward to the stress relief workout but I can't get through it. Suzanne Deason might be a great yogi, but I'm having a hard time getting past her voice and find her direction had to follow. The "extras" on poses and props are good. Overall, a nice looking package but I had to get another DVD. This one just didn't give me enough of what I need right now - more detailed instruction and less distraction.
Rating: Summary: Stunningly beautiful Review: The video is set in Hawaii, on the beach and on a sand dune. The scenery is stunningly beautiful and will quietly lull you into relaxation. Rodney Yee is the spiritual Chinese hunk in a black speedo who will lead you into a not-too-strenuous series of moves, but who cares? You're mesmerized by his voice, the cinematography, and the calming music, though much of the time he is just on his back telling you to wiggle various body parts to wake up. Suzanne Deason is like the aged, former peppy cheerleader who will make you hit all of her marks a little too rapidly. You will go through moves so quickly that it's nearly an aerobic workout. This can seem stressful for a beginner, although it is supposed to be for stress relief. Patricia Walden's p.m. section is far more peaceful and the most difficult, since she will make you hold poses. Classically beautiful with no middle-aged bulges, Walden also serves as inspiration to be as gracefully well-preserved at her age. Bottomline, this is a nice video to unwind, but you will need to add more challenging elements to your workout routine to really get into shape.
|