Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies

I had wanted to try Yoga, even tried another tape at one time and just didn't care for it. My hamstrings are really tight, and I've always felt that I just could not do the exercises-- the other tape I did confirmed that opinion because it just jumped into major stretching without much warm up, and did not show any modifications. It also was a little irritatingly "new age"-- and though I know that meditation is a crucial part of Yoga, I was not interested in turning it into a religion-- which the other tape seemed intent on doing. So this tape, with it's no nonsense approach, coaxed me into liking it. Some of the stretching is hard-- I can certainly see why people like Madonna are so buff in the arm muscles-- it takes effort to do the poses for the 6 breaths you have to hold them. The instructor is not too "simperingly" sweet, but clear, precise, and friendly. No annoying giggling, or over coaching like a cheeerleader ("come on, you can do it, you deserve to be fit cause you're a great person" blech) I feel I can continue doing this workout for a while, learn the basics, and maybe move into more complex work, which the later half of the DVD provides. You should have a chair handy when you start, and maybe one of those easy to find yoga mats (I got mine half price at a discount store). Also, maybe a towel, and some sort of band (a belt might work, but they sell special yoga bands too) for one of the poses. Try to clear your head as much as possible-- since you have to breathe through your nose, if you have any allergies (which I do) try to control the stuffiness if you can. (I know that sounds weird, but it will make it more pleasant if you can do the breathing). There is an option on the DVD for instructor cuing only-- so you can play your own music and still get the cues. Finally, for people worried about calorie burning. According to a website that I use to monitor calories burned vs. activities (it's free-- write to me if you want to learn the URL) the 51 minutes of stretching yoga that this DVD/video gives you burns a total of 165 calories. You burn approx. 3 calories per minute. It's not exactly boot camp, and it is not cardio, but combined with a cross-training sort of program, this is a good light calorie burning day stretch. It's important, when you're trying to sculpt those muscles, to stretch them out. This video/DVD will be a crucial step to doing that. This may not be the DVD/video for people who are into the more spiritual aspects of Yoga, but she does address them some, enough for those of us who don't want to go too far into it. But it's a great one for getting started. Good luck! Read more

This DVD is excellent for starting out in yoga. I have been interested in Yoga for years, but due to lack of funds and time have never been able to actually go to a yoga class. Instead I bought several videos, some better than others. The problem was that I always felt I was doing things wrong, and unfortunately non of the other videos ever took the time to really explain what I was supposed to be doing. This DVD is different. It explains in detail the correct way to perform each posture without being condesending, tedious or intimidating. It gives down-to-earth instruction for people who want to learn yoga, without necessarily getting deep into the spiritual aspect of yoga. The DVD allows you to skip to specific poses which you may want to review, and it includes a basic 12 posture workout and an intermediate workout which goes into 9 poses you can graduate to once you feel comfortable with the first 12. After watching this DVD I am able to go back and watch and follow my other yoga videos knowing that I am doing the postures correctly. I also feel much more confident about moving on to other yoga videos with more challenging postures. Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies has really helped me improve my yoga practice. I would recommend it highly to anybody who wants to start practicing yoga, as well as people who, like me, have had some experience with yoga but are still not quite sure they know what they are doing. Read more

I recently began exercising regularly to lose weight and get fit. I was curious about yoga for a while, but never got around to trying it. I purchased the Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies thinking this would be perfect for me, because I had never done Yoga and was totally clueless as to where to start. Sara Ivanhoe is a great instructor. She starts off slowly and shows you how to do each move. She takes time to set up each pose correctly so that you get the most out of each one. Although the video is basically for beginners, there are also modifications you can work up to. I have to say, after using the video for about a month I feel more flexible and strong. I wasn't planning on using this video to lose weight, but I think it has helped me achieve my goal of becoming more flexible, which has been beneficial to my exercise routine. The reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is because after a few weeks I started fast forwarding the first part of the video where she explains breathing and how to set up each pose. Other than that, I think its a great start for beginners, and those who have never done Yoga in their life. I can't wait until I am able to work up to Sara's next Yoga video Read more

I am a 65 y/o male who is a little too conscientious to go to a yoga class with a bunch of 20 - 30 y/os. I thought I'd try yoga in my own home and this dvd was perfect. It is basic yoga, it is a workout and I interpret "dummies" to mean those who don't know anything about yoga (which I don't). Sara has a pleasant speaking voice and speaks very distinctly. Her instructions are clear and she demonstrates as she speaks. I found the basic workout to be just what I had hoped for. I feel relaxed and refreshed, albeit, a little sore, after the workout. The dvd includes an intermediate workout. I haven't progressed to that level yet. Read more

I was sent a DVD with the DVD cover written in French and the audio was in French and English. I complained and received a refund. I sent the DVD back to the Company that sent it to me from Canada at my own expense of $ 7.00 for shipping. This was a frustrating experence. Read more