Exactly what I have been looking for... something I find that I am sticking with.
I stumbled across BBY on Amazon, and so very thankful that I did. I’m not a man, but Dean’s “man yoga” is exactly what I’ve been looking for all along – yoga for fitness without the all of the “yoga” hoopla. I am really enjoying his style. He is very likable and easy to listen to (and look at for that matter … a bonus for the ladies ;). For me, there is nothing annoying to get in my way, which is why I’d abandoned yoga so many times before. Dean provides the perfect amount of clear instruction, explanation on technique, why you’re doing it, what you should (and shouldn’t) feel, injury prevention, modifications (for both easier AND more of a challenge), etc. These are great work outs for building strength, balance and flexibility. He’s even cool enough that my teens (daughter and son) want to do it with me. I’m only three+ weeks in, and can already tell a huge difference in my strength, see daily progress / growth in my ability and balance. My son is very athletic, and I love that this appeals to him too. About me: I’m 51, 5’3”, right at 120 lbs, and although I’m not much overweight, I am out of shape right now (strength and muscle tone). I’ve spent the last 18 years having babies and raising kids, without consistent exercise. I positively don’t have time to go somewhere every day, and although I do like group exercise, a group of women is not my thing. I quit running, and exercise in general, about 4 years ago after a fall down the back stairs caused torn ligaments in my knee and ankle, along with multiple broken bones in my foot. I have mild arthritis (hands, knees, and left hip), and know that osteoporosis is a concern for me. I have always been, and still am very limber, but have never been able to do a push-up and balancing poses are a challenge! For a number of reasons, I’m done with running and high impact, but need and enjoy fast walking, strength conditioning, weights, flexibility, balance training etc. My first goal is to be able to do push-ups. Anyway, I’ve found the right “guy”, I can fit this in everyday before my shower, and I’m really enjoying the workouts. I started with Boost, and very quickly purchased Yoga Strong (more challenging for me than Yoga Boost) and Yoga Edge. I will likely add the variety of workouts available through the Man Flow Yoga online membership once I progress further. I have always struggled with upper body strength and have never been able to do real push ups, but can see that I am really making significant progress with my upper body strength and with the balance poses in only a short time. I was looking around on the BBY / MFY website when I found a recent post with information and videos on how to diagnose your balance issues, and specific exercises to do to help. Dean has a lot of great resources out there and puts a lot of thought into addressing issues you might be having (both in the video workouts and online). He makes you feel very comfortable and normal if it’s hard or you can’t quite get it, and offers up encouragement and suggestions. I really like that he provides constant reminders and instruction what muscles to engage and how to increase the intensity of the pose. I’m so impressed and pleased with his method and the workouts. The production of the video may not be exactly perfect, but it’s good, and Dean is awesome, so I’m thrilled and would recommend him (and this video) without hesitation. Just try it, and stick with it. You will see results! ps: I have three senior women in my life in their 70's-early 80's. None of them could do this. The workouts on this DVD are not that kind of beginner workout. A certain amount of overall fitness, balance (stability), and mobility are required. The purchase of this video does give you access to YogaStart (online video free of additional charge), which is yoga using a chair (for absolute beginners). This same video workout is available for purchase on Amazon digitally (for streaming or download), but does not seem to be available for purchase in DVD format. Even so, with using a chair, some of it still is not doable for the seniors in my life. I'm too concerned with their balance and fear of them falling. I wish that Dean would do a DVD just for less fit older seniors with very limited mobility using a chair ... whatever that may look like (not much I'm sure, but better than nothing for some of them). My senior women wouldn't stream anything from a computer or TV, even with me setting it up and showing them how. Guess it is what it is. Read more
