Kathy Smith - New Yoga

Rating:
Summary: Keep looking
Review: I'm fairly new to yoga, but I checked this dvd out at the library. Something to be said that it was available. The tape says it's 2-30 minute workouts, but the 2nd one is only about 15 minutes. It's very short. It seemed pretty easy and somewhat boring to me after the 6th workout. I have ordered Crunch - Total Yoga and Yoga Conditioning For Weight Loss (Suzanna Deason), both of which have great reviews. We'll see.

Rating:
Summary: A bit slow and repetitive, but worthwhile
Review: I'm in good shape, am pretty flexible and I have recently started doing yoga. I wanted something at the intermediate level that would challenge me a bit more than my beginner yoga tapes do. I enjoyed it somewhat but thought it moved too slowly. There was also more talking in this video than I would have liked. Kathy Smith has viewers repeat the same movements over several times. I guess this is good if you're learning but it can get boring if you know what you're doing. I'd rather mix up the movements a bit. It's a decent video, but I get just as much, if not more, out of Power Yoga for Beginners with Rodney Yee.

Rating:
Summary: First-timer
Review: I've NEVER done Yoga and have one really old Kathy Smith tape...so I figured I'd try it. I just got it, and have only done it a couple times...but so far..I am really enjoying it. She makes it relaxing, but easy to follow, and I am really feeling it. I definitely recommend this for someone brand new to yoga. looking to get a feel for what it's all about.

Rating:
Summary: Great Intro for Someone Interested in Yoga
Review: If you find the concept of yoga interesting, but you aren't sure about the spiritual aspects, or if you are just confused by the different types, then New Yoga is for you! I have several yoga tapes, but I constantly come back to this one because it is a nice balance of styles and difficulty, It doesn't delve deeply into the spiritual aspects of yoga, which are important but often scare away the beginner. A good video for a first look at yoga. Try it, you'll like it!

Rating:
Summary: Very athletic and very good
Review: Kathy Smith is not usually known for a spiritual side, so don't expect one here, just expect a very well done tape that will be easily split into one routine or two for maximum results.

Rating:
Summary: Not so great
Review: Normally I like Kathy Smith - okay, she's not my favorite and can be kind of annoying sometimes, but to her credit her videos always include clear, concise instruction. While this video does that, there are a few problems with it. First of all(and yes this makes a difference), the set is way too flashy. Also, the constantly changing camera angles look a little too much like an MTV video. Alternate angles are nice to furthur understanding of the poses, but in this case there are so many changes that it will probably just cause confusion - especially if you are a beginner.
As far as the actual vinyasa(series of poses), there is not a very good flow to it. It seems choppy and is lacking the fluidity that is so essential to yoga. Some of the asanas(poses) also may be a little advanced if you are a beginner. It would also be nice if she bothered to tell you the name of each pose - this is helpful after you get to know the poses, so you don't have to try to stare at the TV to see what to be doing. There is not enough emphasis on the importance of proper breathing - her explanation in the beginning of the video is pretty poor. It's more important to have a fundamental understaning of how to breathe properly rather than having someone just telling you to inhale or exhale. She also needs to shut the heck up during the corpse pose - the idea is to lose all thought and concerns(w/out falling asleep!) - not listen to your instructor.
Additionally, alternate poses are not covered nearly enough. Everyone has different physical abilities, and while she may mention alternatives for a couple of the poses, this is not done nearly enough or emphasized enough.
I could continue, but I think you get my point. Ultimately, there are many videos out there that are much worse - so while this isn't so bad, it's certainly not what I would recommend to friends. I would strongly suggest something from the Living Arts yoga series - especially one of the "Total Yoga" videos from Tracy Rich and Ganga White. The have been practicing and teaching for decades, as opposed to Kathy who is a fitness guru who puts out a new video for every hot trend that comes up. If you are worried about the Living Arts videos being too "new-agey", you will probably find that Kathy's video is more guilty of this than the Total Yoga videos.

Rating:
Summary: Get stretched!
Review: Overall, I enjoy the flexibility of this tape. It's broken into two sections, so you can do a full hour of yoga, or just a half hour and save the other section for another day. Some of the poses are tough and really give you something to reach for. I use it regularly.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Video
Review: This is a great video for at-home yoga exercise. Kathy Smith provides detailed instruction and tips for beginners. Afterwards, the workout leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed. Namaste!

Rating:
Summary: Beginning Yoga
Review: This tape is excellent for beginning. Kathy explains exactly what you need to do and how to breath while doing it. Breathing is a key factor in yoga. She tells you not to worry if you don't get it at first, it will become easier the next time. She gives you time to get into the positions, and also gives some beginning challenges. I like that it's split in two sections; if you don't have time to do the entire session, just do the first or second part. I'm 5'3" and I feel 2" taller when I'm done with this tape not to mention revived.

Rating:
Summary: A great video for beginners
Review: This video is great for beginners and intermediates. The poses are designed for novices to learn, and later alter when they reach the next level. Good explanations are given and, as always, Kathy Smith puts the viewer's safety first.