Yoga Zone - Sunrise & Sunset

Rating:
Summary: Great, Moderate Intensity 20 Minute Programs
Review: Sunrise and Sunset was one of the first Yoga Zone tapes I came across. I had already been doing yoga for many years when I first found it at my library and I had a pretty large collection at home at that point already (now numbering over 70 yoga programs).

I was pleasently surprised by how well rounded the routines were and how much I enjoyed the vibe of the tapes. I soon ordered the Yoga Basics 5 tape set which I enjoy on the days when I don't have the energy or time to do a longer or more intense program.

The instructors are easy to follow, enthusiastic without being obnoxious and knowledgeable. They keep a nice steady flow, give enough instruction without overdoing the details (which would inhibit the flow) and demonstrate everything beautifully.

Alan Finger is basically the "brains" behind the series and his style of Yoga has some really interesting characteristics (see his book). An example would be a pose flow like Extended Cat Seal which moves from the extended position of a Cat pose (the backbend position with belly lower from a table position), then moving thru the hunched position (with the back rounded) and continuing into child's pose and then flowing in reverse order back to the extended Cat position.

Many of the movements have similar type "dynamic" flows rather than just statically held postures. Of course more static postures are incorporated as well, but they are balanced with the more flowing ones.

This particular program is of Moderate intensity, slightly more challenging than some of the Yoga Zone Basics programs (though there are some moderately challening one's there) but not as hard as some of the longer and more difficult Yoga Zone programs (and they have some tough one's out there).

I HIGHLY recommend Sunrise and Sunset for those of you who want to get a slight sweat and a wonderful overall feeling throughout your body.

Namaste.

Rating:
Summary: Decent AM/PM-type yoga DVD
Review: The workouts are pretty good, with the first one being easier and gentle, so that you don't overwork yourself in the morning when you're stiff. The second is a little tougher, which is actually what you want for a PM workout.

As an aside, I noticed that a lot of people think that PM tapes are meant to be done right before bed. This is WRONG. I've read from several sources, including Yoga Journal, Patricia Walden, Gaiam, and Living Arts that "AM/PM" really means dawn and dusk.

Ancient yogis only (or really often, not certain about this) used to do their practices at dawn and dusk. Most of these titles operate on the assumption that everyone knows this. Everyone obviously does not. PM tapes are meant to de-stress you after work; they're "supposed" to be done around 3 hours before you plan to sleep.

I hope this information helps.