Stephanie Foster: Beginners and Intermediate Yoga

Rating:
Summary: Room to grow
Review: I recently suffered a back injury, and was out of shape even before then, only occasionally putting on an old yoga tape I have for exercise. After starting physical therapy I was looking for an exercise DVD that would be at a low enough level that I could do some of the exercises, but still have lots of growth room as I hopefully got better, stronger, and more limber -- something that would take me past my basic physical therapy exercises. So I began renting different types of exercise DVDs and I think this one is a keeper. Not only does she begin with the basics, but she totally explains the correct posture, emphasizing where the stretch should be so that there is no strain and includes alternatives for those with weak knees and and backs (me!). While you do need extra props for some of the exercises, I have gotten away with using a folded towel for a mat, a leash for a strap, and a stack of books for a block. So it's not like you need to invest a lot in a class or props to get moving, which is just what I needed (cheap, cheap, cheap!).

Rating:
Summary: Easy and quick to learn
Review: I rented this DVD from Netflix to see if I would like it and I just love it. First you learn the positions, then you learn the movement sequence. It starts the the beginner level then you can move up the the intermediate when you are ready.

In just the first week of use I was able to sit on a hard floor, which I could not do before because of back problems. Of course as with anyother program check with your doctor before starting.

Rating:
Summary: I love this dvd
Review: Its quick, has a section to explain the moves and modifications, and gets me stretched out. Its hard to justify that you don't have 15 or so min for a stretch anytime during the day. It has really perked up my mood. I'm a beginner, and I haven't gotten to the intermediate section, but I'm not bored yet either!

Rating:
Summary: Instruction and Overview
Review: Stephanie Foster seems to be very familiar with the basics of yoga and pilates and has therefore formed her own routine based on her background as a dancer.

This is neither pure pilates or pure yoga. It is very much a combination of both. Since I have been doing Winsor Pilates for the past few months, this program was fairly simple to follow.

If you are just starting out and are not yet familiar with the yoga and pilates moves, then I encourage you to watch this DVD all the way through. However, if you are already working out and are adding this to your routine for variety, try just doing the sequence sections. In Beginning Yoga, you can do section 6 and then in Intermediate you can do sections 4-6. Or you can just do Beginning Yoga section 2-6 for a relaxing stretch routine.

Either way, this is nicely set up so you can pick and choose. The routines are pleasantly paced and you are encouraged to breathe in certain ways when necessary for the exercise to be performed properly.

I found this to be very relaxing and the music has an almost Jamaican flavor. These are exercises you can do in the morning without making any noise as it is a mat routine. Do buy a yoga mat as some of the moves do require you to have a firm footing.

There are various names given to each exercise. At times Stephanie will say the names of the positions which is helpful when you are looking down at the floor and moving from one exercise to the next.

If you have done either Yoga or Pilates you will enjoy the way the sequences are set up. The exercises flow nicely from one to the other and this is what I would call a "clean cut" type workout. You don't have to fuss with fancy footwork. You won't feel intimidated by any of the exercises and the pace is very conducive to a relaxing workout. You won't break a sweat, but your body will warm nicely and you will definitely see the benefits.

One thing about this type of workout is that when it is done in the morning, you will reap the benefits all day long. Yoga and Pilates really do encourage a nurturing of body, soul and spirit. Once you do these types of exercises you will feel much more calm and ready to face your day with a clear mind.

Some Ideas that seem to be working for me:

1. To keep track of how many days a month you exercise put a big red "E" on your calendar for each day that you workout at home, bike, walk or go to the gym. This trick will show you how you are doing and will keep you motivated.

2. Try the Suzanne Somer's approach to eating and try out some of the videos on this page: seasonedwithlove.com/fitness_videos.htm. These are some of the best videos I've found so far. Don't be afraid of food. I am pretty sure I am losing weight because I'm eating more. However, I'm eating differently and have cut out most carbs after 11am.

3. Buy cute things to work out in.

4. Walk, walk, walk.

5. Have a variety of workout videos/DVDs. Each one is like an investment in your health.

Rating:
Summary: Invigorating Workout for Intermediates
Review: This dance-inspired yoga workout is great for intermediates. Skip the beginners workout (it's only about15-20 minutes anyway) and head over to the intermediate workout. If you are curious about the beginners, go through it, as it shows modified positions for when you're not at home and maybe want to do some yoga in the office or in some random alley. The Intermediate workout keeps you moving, maybe a little too much, but gives you a full-body workout - abs, arms, legs, and back, and has a fairly extensive stretching section. I've started doing this workout pretty often, over the others that I own. You just need 1 hour during your day to do it, and you can feel the difference.

I do find the switch from voice-over to speaking in the workout a bit annoying, but after awhile you just ignore it.

Rating:
Summary: good review of basic moves with modifications
Review: This DVD had a good intro for beginners with modifications for those who could not do moves.

Rating:
Summary: Stephanie Foster's Masters Series Yoga on DVD
Review: This is a disappointing workout. It isn't true yoga. Breathing - the true "life force" in yoga - is not incorporated into the poses. Most of the beginning series is very slow, simple instruction on what is to come. The intermediate series are short exercise moves (with a lot of ab work), but not true asanas.

Rating:
Summary: This is our favorite yoga DVD!
Review: This is a great DVD for overall stretching, gaining flexibility, and strengthening of the back and abs.
The first part of the DVD is beginner level, the moves here are pretty basic, stretching and strengthening the muscles in the back, abdominal, legs, etc. I found this to be a good starting point, but I personally prefer the second part of this DVD, which is the intermediate level.
Part 2 is closed to an hour long, moves here are extensions and variations of the basic poses. Here, you're pushed a little farther, stretching deeper. The first segment of part 2 is focused on stretching muscles mainly in the back, legs, and shoulders. The middle segment is a very challenging sequence for strengthening of the ab and back muscles, here is where she mixed in a lot of western style moves, such as various styles of crunches. It is followed by further stretching of the back, legs, waist, and neck, followed by some balance poses, then finished with some relaxation poses.
Stephanie Foster is very graceful in her movements, most likely due to her dance background. Her verbal instructions are done mostly by narration, she seldomly speaks as she's doing the exercises. The atmosphere and background of the video is very peaceful and relaxed, lighting is dim, music is soft and rhythmic.