Rating: 
Summary: Excellent for all levels, this tape is a great investment!
Review: Yoga for Flexibility; certainly not what I expected! I ordered this tape after reading the many great reviews, and as always, I watched the tape entirely before attempting the exercises. It looked to me like the pre-school version of yoga instruction. Linda Arkin's instructions and voiceover seemed to be, at first, for someone who needed utter and complete guidance every second of the way. As usual, whenever I watch a yoga tape I, for whatever reason, think it's the easiest thing in the world until I actually get off the couch and DO the exercises. I am perfectly willing to admit how thankful I was once I got up off the couch, to have Linda Arkins precise and very detailed instructions guiding me along!The back of the video claims you do not need equipment, but I find the use of a yoga strap is useful as I am unable to touch my toes and keep my back straight at the same time. She and Linda Hiller make a great team; Linda Arkin demonstrating the simpler moves, for those of us who are a little less limber then the average yoga instructor, and Linda Hiller demonstrating the more challenging poses for each series. The tape is divided into three seperate series, each more challenging than the last. Each segment in the series is repeated before moving on, so that you can improve your flexibility and help your body become more familiar with the exercises. It's a great tape for beginners, and for those who need a more challenging yoga workout (just follow Linda Hiller!). It motivates me to use the tape more than I normally would, simply because Linda Hiller is there performing yoga positions that will, with time, be achieved with the use of the tape. Granted it's not as new as other yoga tapes on the market, and the scenery isn't anything all that fantastic, but it's EFFECTIVE. The exercises are also incredibly relaxing ... so I've sort of dubbed this tape the combination valium / idiot-proof guide to yoga. You simply can't go wrong with Linda Arkin's instructions and demonstrations. It's less spiritual and meditative than other yoga tapes, but it does work to relax and to STRETCH those muscles. Most definately an excellent beginners tape that will last a long time. If you're new to yoga and serious about going all the way, then this is a must-buy! A fantastic investment!
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