Amazon.co.uk Review
With the slinky white leotards, the pastel set and the references to toning and firming, yoga purists might be quick to dismiss Barbara Currie's Seven Secrets of Yoga as yoga for middle England. Yet Barbara Currie is the Delia Smith of the yoga world--it's not just that what she does works, but she knows exactly how to make it work for the rest of us.
Though the title implies that this is a session divided into seven segments, there are in fact more than seven parts: a choice of two 10-minute miracles (beginners and advanced) recommended to start the day, followed by a series of six short sequences designed to work either as a sequence a day, or together in an entire, comprehensive session. Currie's precise instruction covers balancing the body and mind, working the lower back and toning bottom and thighs, toning the tummy and waist, working the arms and neckline, stretching the entire body and relaxing.
Though the focus appears to be toning up, the real surprise is at the end when Currie cleverly reveals the seven secrets: yoga is good for shape, weight, energy, relaxation, concentration, flexibility and youth. This is a succinct and inspiring explanation of the philosophy of yoga.--Lorna V
Customer Reviews:
Barbara currie- seven secrets of Yoga.......2008-02-16
I am not very motivated when it comes to exercising but wanting to get rid of the extra weight since having my baby 8 months ago! i liked the idea that this was separated into 10 minute sessions as that would be quite easy to fit into a routine...(i did do a post pregnancy yoga DVD first until i thought i was ready)
Well i have done 10 mins at least every day for the last 2 months and on the days when baby is quiet and happy i manange to fit in 30 mins.
I have been eating a sensible diet along with the DVD for last 3 weeks and have been weighing and measuring myself to see results, i have lost 5 Lb but better still 7 1/2 inches!!! over stomach, and legs so i would definately recommend this to anyone who is not motivated and short for time, as even on those days you wake up thinking i wont do any Yoga today you still do!!
I have not done any regular exercise for about 6 years!!! as i hate the gym getting too hot and sweating and could never understand those who manage to exercise regularly, even though i wanted too, but now finding something fun to do i have been converted!
This has been fantastic losing the inches is motivation enough, and I CAN TOUCH MY TOES again after years of not being able too.
A must buy for any wanting to start yoga.
For absolute beginners.......2007-04-28
I do like Barbara Currie - if for no other reason than the fact that she's not Geri Halliwell. Babs must be old as the hills by now, but she's about the most glamorous granny you've ever seen, and alarmingly bendy to boot. As others have noted, though, being bossed around by the uber-posh Ms Currie isn't everyone's cup of tea, and this is definitely yoga for toning and fitness rather than tranquillity. The `relaxation' that ends the programme is done at the same brisk trot as everything else.
As for the programme itself, the `ten minute miracles' are okay, but the sections targeting different areas of the body (arms and chest, etc) are over before you can say `and above all, don't strain'. I'm a former devotee of Barbara's Power of Yoga (on a knackered old VHS tape), so I'm not a complete beginner, but even so these just aren't taxing enough. As she's so fond of reminding us, yoga is very progressive, but there simply aren't enough postures here to progress with. The yoga balances are good, though, and my legs are in better nick already. I can't do the inverted postures (head and shoulder stands) due to high blood pressure, but this section promises to keep you looking like a dolly bird when you're as ancient as Barbara herself (well, sort of), although they're a little scary to watch!
With its mood lighting and numerous costume changes (including a natty off-the-shoulder number), this is indeed a classy workout DVD. But once you've got the hang of the postures, it's more style than substance. Annoyingly, Barbara starts out using the sensible `mirror image' technique, whereby she lifts her left leg but tells you to lift your right, so `we can work together'. Good idea, you might think, but for some reason she abandons this partway through the disc. Oh well, it's a minor quibble. Another five minutes of toners for the arms, tum and bum and this would have been a winner. A good starting place, though, if you're an absolute beginner.
Fantastic secrets of yoga.......2006-06-17
After having my daughter I put on some weight and what was left of my stomach well that had truly gone!.. down south!. Action was needed as holidays was looming, so out shopping I came across Barbara Currie. I started practising her seven secrets that very day.... I haven't stopped since. I found it easy to follow as you can go at your own pace, and I don't find her voice irritating as some have commented. Within two weeks my flexability had improved and I was even managing some of the more advanced stretches. Atfer a month my stomach was looking flatter, my arms and thighs trimmer. Now after nearly 5 years I am still with barbara and my daughter also enjoys doing yoga with me. So I truly believe this Video deserves it's full credit.
Increase your flexibility - quickly!.......2006-02-02
I recently purchased this DVD and started using it 2 weeks ago. I think it's fabulous. I've tried various yoga workouts, but have to admit, I find Barbara Currie the most enjoyable to use. This DVD is excellent as it is broken down into 10 minutes segments, and it's ideal to fit into a hectic schedule - who doesn't have 10 minutes to spare! I've done the 10 minute power stretching segment nearly every day, only for 2 weeks, and have noticed a huge improvement in my flexibility already. This has given me the desire to continue with it, as I can see and feel results happening fast. Give it a go. It's enjoyable, relaxing and even if you only give it 10 mintues a day - it works!
Not for you if you like your yoga peaceful!.......2005-09-23
I'd read the reviews of various Currie DVDs, so as part of my Amazon Rental sub, I ordered this to complement the yoga DVDs I already have, and my twice weekly classes.
Feeling a little stressed one morning, I put this in hoping for a nice relaxing yet energising session but ended up more stressed than when I started!
Jumping straight into the "10 minute miracle" without any warm up was a poor beginning. A pose I can generally manage in class was a struggle. One pose was taught with no reference to alignment, leaving the spine twisted and stretched at the same time.
Currie's manner varies between being a drill sergeant and a patronising headmistress - "now don't you worry if you can't stretch this far" being a favourite comment - I was half expecting a pat on the head! It wasn't helped by the so called "beginner" demonstrator ignoring Currie's "beginner suggestions" and going further into stretches or doing more advanced balances.
Although there is no distracting background music, Currie's constant narration grates, especially when trying to concentrate on a pose, and would get very wearing with repetition I'm sure - but I couldn't stick it out that far!
I'm sure some people would find it motivating and helpful, but I like my yoga quiet, an exercise to calm the mind as well as tone the body!
Customer Reviews:
Cheesy but entertaining.......2001-07-08
Well, what can I say. I am going to try to be honest here... "The Doorway" is your typical cheesy b horror film, but has flashes of intelligence. Its more of a black comedy and takes a few interesting turns. The characters actually try to think, and make some wise choices, ie running out of the house when an evil demon comes after them. They only return to the house by force from outside people.
The acting is decent. Some stronger than others. And the effects are reasonably effective. You could do worse on a Friday night. Add "The Doorway" to your cheesy b horror film night, it'll please.
UK DVD:
- Barbara Currie - Total Body Plan [2002]
- Belly Twins - Bellydance Core Conditioning
- Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo 5 - Active
- Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo - Everybody Get Ripped [2003]
- Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo - Everybody Get Ripped [2003]
- Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo - Vol. 1
- Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo - Vol. 2
- Bollyrobics - Dance Workout
- Bollywood Workout [2002]
- Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease - Vol.1
UK DVD List
UK DVD