The Power of Hatha Yoga: Beginner Series

Rating:
Summary: Very disappointed, this is not a beginner series
Review: I just recently started practicing yoga again after being away from it for a few years, and have been building a dvd library of yoga sessions. This dvd does not have the versatility that many other dvds offer. (i.e., being able to select from different workouts that might be 20, 30, 45, or an hour long, or focus on various areas of the body etc) this dvd does not offer any of these options. Further, when you choose to view the poses before you do the workout(an option from the main menu), he, Naader, just shows the poses one after the other (and shows the pose at the highest level) with no voice over, or text of what the pose is, the name of it, or how to properly move into the pose. And there is no example shown or verbally explained how to modify the pose for level of ability. Luckily this was not the first dvd I ordered, for if it was, I surely would have given up in frustration. He does the most unusual and extreme version of Sun Salutation I have ever seen. He starts out this beginner workout with a most unusual breathing exercise, that I might have been more interested in trying had he explained more about it, (ie when to breathe in or out, why your hands needed to be under your chin, and then bringing your head way back, anyone with neck problems would not want to try that in a beginning exercise,)He certainly is in fantastic shape, and is pleasant to look at, but that has no bearing on his teaching abilities that appear to be lacking severely in this dvd. Perhaps it's best to take his classes in person at his studio where you can get his individual attention. This dvd will surely be collecting dust on my shelf, as I don't even feel right about giving it away to anyone else, especially a beginner who might hurt themselves trying to copy what this teacher is doing on the screen. I would recommend any Rodney Yee, J.J. Gormley (from Body Wisdom) or Barbara Benagh (also from Body Wisdom)dvd.

Rating:
Summary: Introduction to Life Changing Lessons with a Master
Review: I own many yoga dvds and have studied with many different teachers across the country. I am constantly updating my DVD collection so I can continue my yoga practice while travelling. When I bought this DVD, I was looking for a dvd that was closer to the heart of yoga and in turn found my own heart. Master teacher Naader demonstrates each pose without the help of headsets, overlit studios, and barbie doll models behind him. Naader's instructions, encouragements, and wisdom will bring you to the true meaning of yoga.

If you are ever in Pasadena/Los Angeles area, do whatever it takes to attend a class with Naader. During the one class I was able to attend, he forever changed my view on the art of asana. He opened my eyes and my heart to the benefits of the mental and spiritual side of yoga asanas.

I have purchased this video for all of my friends and can't recommend it enough. The poses are accessible enough for absolute beginners while still feeling good for more advanced students. While the technology on this dvd doesn't have the versitility of some others, what it lacks in glitz, it surpasses with its message and content. While I think that there is nothing better for a beginner than practicing with a teacher in an actual yoga class as an introduction this is an excellent alternative for when you can't make it to class or in between sessions.

I am now working with the challenging series as well and feel as excited about that dvd as this one.

Namaste.

Rating:
Summary: A Living Treasure
Review: I purchased this DVD for myself and have lent it to five family members!!! For people new to hatha yoga, Naader Shagagi walks you through all of the poses. The poses are just challenging enough to see results but not intimidating. The format makes it easy to move through the series at your own pase. My family members range in ages and physical fitness but they ALL LOVE THIS DVD!!!

Rating:
Summary: A perfect DVD for everyone
Review: I purchased this DVD for myself and have lent it to five family members!!! For people new to hatha yoga, Naader Shagagi walks you through all of the poses. The poses are just challenging enough to see results but not intimidating. The format makes it easy to move through the series at your own pase. My family members range in ages and physical fitness but they ALL LOVE THIS DVD!!!

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST INTRO TO YOGA AVAILABLE!
Review: If you want to join the millions of yoga practioners out there and start doing yoga, this is the best first place to start. Naadar, a noted yoga teacher in the Los Angeles area, guides you through the many poses of Hatha-style yoga. Having had the good fortune of taking classes with Naader in person, this video is the next best thing to attending an actual session. If you're a beginner looking to explore the yoga world or a practioner who can't find the time to attend a class, this and the other videos by Naadar are the way to go!

Rating:
Summary: A Living Treasure
Review: Naader is a remarkable man and gifted teacher. I am blessed to live close to his studio and have gained much from his classes. This DVD is a way to continue the practice, and be reminded to BREATHE!! Highly recommended.