Yoga Journal's Yoga for Longevity

Rating:
Summary: Yoga Journal's Yoga for Longevity
Review: I agree with what Kathy had to say about this video. I'm a Yoga Instructor and really appreciate Rod's articulation in this video. I highly recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in yoga for improving their health and wellbeing.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect Combination of Exercise and Meditation
Review: I am a major fan of Rodney Yee's yoga tapes and Rod Stryker's measures up to the master! This video gives you a great workout, meditative and restorative breaks, and breath training. This tape has the most positive effect on mind and mood of any tape I have. It takes approximately an hour to do the entire routine, but there is a convenient break point if you have less time. This tape has really caused me to appreciate the beauty of the movements, the peace to be found in even brief periods of meditation, and the joy of breathing and living. Stryker has an assistant who demonstrates modified forms of the poses. Watch the whole tape through once before starting because it is just slightly different than most, and Stryker does not always use the names of the poses in the manner to which I have become accustomed. It is not, however, difficult to catch on to his directions.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect Combination of Exercise and Meditation
Review: I am a major fan of Rodney Yee's yoga tapes and Rod Stryker's measures up to the master! This video gives you a great workout, meditative and restorative breaks, and breath training. This tape has the most positive effect on mind and mood of any tape I have. It takes approximately an hour to do the entire routine, but there is a convenient break point if you have less time. This tape has really caused me to appreciate the beauty of the movements, the peace to be found in even brief periods of meditation, and the joy of breathing and living. Stryker has an assistant who demonstrates modified forms of the poses. Watch the whole tape through once before starting because it is just slightly different than most, and Stryker does not always use the names of the poses in the manner to which I have become accustomed. It is not, however, difficult to catch on to his directions.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, Gentle yet Thorough Yoga Video
Review: I bought this video after reading various reviews about it both in Yoga Journal and on Amazon as well.

For the sake of background, I've been a dedicated daily yoga practitioner for over 5 years and have over 40 videos (along with weekly lessons with a wonderful teacher) and was curious to see Rod Stryker's approach to yoga. I've read several articles by him and and about his deep background in Yoga. I'm really pleased with what he presents in this video.

This video is unique in many ways. First, Rod Stryker moves at a much more relaxed pace than many videos which makes it much easier to follow. For most (if not all) of the poses he starts with preparatory movements that move you gently into and out of each pose before you hold them for an extended time. This really lets your body "warm" into the pose and acclimate to the movement before holding it. This is a really beautiful part of the approach taken here (many of Yoga Zone's videos do this to a certain extent as well and I wouldn't be surprised if that's a result of Mani and Alan Finger's influence on him (Alan Finger is the founder of Yoga Zone and Mani was his Father).

Anyway, this is a very thorough, well executed session that has lots of attention to the internal aspects of yoga practice. It also contains a long relaxation segment which then moves into a seated meditation segment.

Also, you can do either the first 30 minutes of the tape and stop if you are short on time or you can continue on for the full hour to be able to get into a deeper, more thorough practice.

I highly recommend this video to those looking for a gentle but very thorough Yoga practice. I don't know if you'll end up living longer but you'll sure feel better each day of the life that you do have.

Namaste.

Rating:
Summary: An overall excellent workout
Review: I really like this video. I have been practicing yoga for about 5 years but am unable to do extreme backbends like upward bow and also arm balances such as plank pose. This workout doesn't hurt my knees, hips or wrists. The poses aren't anything new (cat/cow, forward bends, down dog, triangle, etc.) but the tape seems to move quickly and is enjoyable. Those who are extremely flexible and able to do much more advanced poses might not find this challenging enough, but for those who just want some good stretching and relaxation, I highly recommend it. The only irritating part is at the end where he tells you to "feel your whole body like one large, open, radiant smile". Yuk.

Rating:
Summary: Relaxing and soothing
Review: I use this DVD when I want to really unwind and relax. I have some Ashtanga and Vinyasana dvd's and this is totally different. It focuses much more on meditation, which is great when you're in the mood for that. I feel like I am totally able to let go and dump all the negative energy and (...) I am carrying around after doing this.

If you have a bad back, you might want to be careful with the spinal twists. They left me hurting a little bit the next day, but this is a problem area for me.

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: I'm still a beginner at yoga and have tried different yoga video classes for years. This one for me had the right combination of poses, paces and explanation. I felt like I had taken an hour long class. Stryker has a clear and descriptive style that bears repeated listening. I'm looking forward to his next production!

Rating:
Summary: Great Video for advance and beginners
Review: This very relaxing video is an excellent hour or half-hour yoga workout. Easy on the body, yet energizing. As a man, I enjoy yoga videos that feature men. This also features another practicioner demonstrating easier alternatives to the poses.

Rating:
Summary: Great Video for advance and beginners
Review: This very relaxing video is an excellent hour or half-hour yoga workout. Easy on the body, yet energizing. As a man, I enjoy yoga videos that feature men. This also features another practicioner demonstrating easier alternatives to the poses.