Customer Reviews:
Louise has managed to amaze me yet again!.......2008-03-06
I decided to buy this DVD because I wanted to have a complete set of all the DVDs that Louise Solomon has released. This DVD has two workout programs and an Instant Abs session. The Abs session is intense. The first workout is all floor/mat work and concentrates on the upper body and abs. The second body concentrates on the lower body and has standing and balance postures in it as well as floor/mat work.
The second workout does get your heart rate up, actually I think the whole DVD does actually. There are modifications shown for the beginner, or those with back or neck problems, as well as the less flexible.
With consistancy, you will see a difference in your ability to do this program, you will be better able to do the balance postures, and stretch deeper.
I really don't know how Louise does it, but she is able to put together a different routine for each DVD, and varying your practice with other programs will definitely prevent boredom. This DVD is a well rounded session, you tone the whole body, get your heart rate up, AND cultivate flexibility, along with having a 15 minute session that is just for your abs. All in all, good value for money, as I have found with all her DVDs.
I don't like this workout........2008-03-03
Very disapointing. I was so bored doing this workout.
The woman's voice is very annoying and her voice has no real flow to help with the movements. She does no counting and rarely tells you when to breathe..she just talks constantly...its annoying.
If you want a good pilates routine to loose weight, i suggest Kristen McGee's MTV pilates. Kristen is a lot easier to follow - and she has a normal voice!!
One of the most boring DVDs I've ever seen.......2008-02-27
I tried this a couple of times, not only is the woman's voice nasal and iritating but there is no background music to compensate for it, I like to use music as a rhythm for my exercise and periods of silence in the DVD don't help my workout. The two stars are for the result of the workout. It is true that you really feel the toning effects of these movements, but I just can't put up with the monotony of her voice any longer!
Great simple but effective.......2008-02-03
This was the first yogalates Dvd i bought and I liked it so much that I have now bought others.
Its divided into 2 workouts first for core toning and the second cardio enhancer. A real bonus as well is the separate quick results workout which is just 15 mins and a real killer on the abs, very effective.
Its not going to get you running around but it is great for general toning, general strength, suppleness and posture. Sicne I have been doing it I have noticed that I sit up straigher and walk better and that makes me look slimmer and feel a lot better about myself.
There is no music during the workouts, just guided through by Louise solomon. I really love it and hope others do too.
Excellent.......2008-01-29
I bought this DVD as I find I can't always be bothered to go to the gym after work, so when I read that it was both effective and relaxing, I thought it was worth a look-in. I've never done yoga or pilates before and found it pretty straightforward - it just takes a while to get hang of the breathing. This DVD is really fantastic, I like how you have the option to select one of three sections, so you don't feel forced into doing it all at once. The 'instant abs' section is perfect and easy to fit into my day, 15 minutes of gentle ab toning... you don't feel like it can be doing that much, but believe me, you really feel it the next day! After doing the DVD, all your muscles feel tighter straight away - instant slimming effect. Yes, everyone is going on about her voice, it's not as annoying as I thought it would be after reading other reviews, it's actually quite calming. One thing that does wind me up... she's Australian, which is fine, but she says 'body' in what sounds like an American accent... why does she do that?! People also seem to be confused by the front cover - looks all beachy, but it's actually filmed in a white studio. That doesn't matter though, you're not really focussing on that. All in all, a fantastic DVD, and one where you notice changes immediately! Highly reccommended!
Customer Reviews:
good workout routine for every day use.......2008-02-26
Having just completed the workout routine for the first time I am pleased that it is one I can do every day, without too much time or trouble. Every pose is explained very easily and can be followed with ease. I recommend this to anyone who likes yoga and wants a routine that is good to do.
Basic Yoga Workout.......2008-02-24
This 'Basic Yoga Workout' DVD is a great place to start when learning yoga. The explanations are clear and the instructor isn't 'cheesy' or patronising. The music isn't too off putting and the camera angles show each posture very well. My only criticism is the awful 'dummies' logos and voice over that pop up when you're doing each pose. The information they provide is great, but I found them off putting and took away from the relaxation of the overall practise. This is still one of the better yoga DVDs i've tried and one I'll definitely be using again. Worth a try.
Very basic but great for beginners************.......2007-11-07
I have just recently purchsed this DVD as a complete yoga beginner. Even i have to say this is basic in the extreme but it is aimed at beginners like me. I got a little frustrated with the slow start to each pose and I would suggest you try out the poses before actually doing the breathing as some are difficult to hold in position during the commentry and then the breath's as well. All in all it does what it says on the tin but I don't think it will be long before I move tot he next level. The bonus is a short sequence of intermediate poses namely the sun salutes. reccommended.
Good for beginners.......2007-09-22
I have found this dvd really useful in trying to help with some back problems I've had in the past. It has modifications for those with difficulties in some areas - sitting on the floor, lower back problems - as well as modifications for when you get better at the basics, although I haven't got to that stage yet! A lot better than a lot of other work out dvds I have used in the past, as everything is explained clearly. The one thing that does bother me is that there is a small portion of the DVD between each move when you just have to listen to her explain. This is obviously great the first time round, but more annoying each time round, especially when you are trying to fit it in before work!! All in all a great DVD though that I still all the time!
Great for complete beginners and those starting out .......2007-08-18
I bought this just to boost up my order to get free postage and am so glad i did! I've been to a few classes, which i've found move a little to quickly, with explanation the first time round for moves but no carry over as there is so much to take in! This DVD is great for keeping you focused on your technique and also the breath control (which i always forget). Even my other half, who has never done yoga before loves it and uses it instead of a class.
Customer Reviews:
At last!!! A Yoga DVD which gives you a good workout!.......2008-03-03
After continuously reading about the benefits of Yoga I have been searching for a yoga class or DVD that I have enjoyed.
Of the three classes I have tried they all focused on very few poses and a lot of relaxing! As a very hyper person I wanted to take advantage of Yogas muscle building skills and not the relaxing part!!! (I know I should enjoy both!)
Anyway, the couple of DVD I have bought have also been far too slow paced.
Now this one....................thrst time I tried it I was sucked in straight away. It is well explained, easy to follow and a real good workout!!! The next day all of my muscles ached and I haven't felt like that since I started working out 10 yeasr ago.
It is brilliant and I really feel like I have had a brilliant workout. Definitly try it, it is hard going but great!!!!!! 5 STARS!!!
Difficult at first but rewarding.......2008-03-01
As neither a complete beginner or an expert i decided to buy a yoga dvd that i could do at home when i had the time. I read plently of reviews on amazon and this looked like one of the best.
I would definately recommend watching the dvd through first without attempting it to get an idea of what some of the names mean (especially if you are a beginner). This is because the movements are quite fast paced and it is off putting to keep looking up to try and follow what Rodney Yee is doing. This however is not a weak point as after completing the section you feel fully stretched out and relaxed. There are a variety of positions that work your entire body.
The positions are set to relaxing music and can be fairly difficult but with practise they become easier and you become more supple and focused.
dynamic, challenging, engaging.......2008-02-05
This is a great way to get a lot out of a home yoga practice. I practised in the morning for several years and attended a weekly class with a very inspiring teacher until I moved and couldn't find a new class. I got this and found it does the job of a class pretty well if you can't get to one. It starts off gradually waking your body up by slowly coaxing it into sun salutations before adding variations such as extended side angle. Of the four sections, I only use the first and last as I have neither the time nor the strength to do more.
Rodney Yee's directions are pleasantly quiet and clear but they are few which means that this would really not suit a beginner. However, his instructions are very insightful and helpful in the tiny actions of a pose which make it come to life. I finally overcame my difficulties with triangle pose (and it is now one of my favourites) through his guidance which I think is a remarkable feat for a DVD.
This is a very challenging practice but for the guidance you receive and the energy, strength, focus and alignment you develop it is excellent.
A challenge with good results... My favourite!.......2008-01-17
I love this DVD, combines flexiblity/stength/relaxation very well and i don't need to look at the moniter to follow either Rodney Yee explains this very well.
Not for beginners, would need to be of resonable fitness to follow this.
But perfect for those who are bored doing the celebrity dvds with numberous child-pose's.
Great!.......2008-01-08
This is a great Yoga DVD. It is definitely not aimed at beginners but those with a fair amount of yoga experience will find this session easily accessible. Rodney's tuition is clear and precise, and as said above he seems to say the right things that help you into your asanas. You find yourself following his instruction with ease, which is not always the case with Yoga DVDs. It allows you to develop your practice, you definitely feel that you are pushing yourself physically during the session whilst the calming voice of Rodney and the beautiful setting in which he practices settles the mind. Highly recommended!
Customer Reviews:
Really great DVD for pregnancy .......2008-01-26
This is a great DVD for pregnant women. It is relaxing, and is ideal for preparing your body for labour. It's not too long like yoga classes tend to be, and is ideal for those of us who are already pretty fit but want to introduce some extra stretching and variety to support a healthy pregnancy.
I can't comment on its difficulty - I find it to be pretty easy to follow, having never done yoga before, but then again I am only 20 and already fit before I started. The main strain for me is hamstring stretches because I am guilty of not stretching after a run! I am finding the DVD brilliant, I wish I had started yoga earlier. And when my morning sickness was so bad I couldn't do anything else exercise-wise, I was able to do this. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I think women who are already good at yoga might find this DVD doesn't push them as far as they'd like.
Thank you Shiva!.......2007-11-28
I can not reccommend this dvd highly enough. I absolutely loved doing this routine daily throughout my pregnancy, the routine is wonderful for body and mind and left me in great shape and well prepared for childbirth. The recovery after the birth was also quick and I was ready for more yoga two days later. The poses are gentle yet effective and there are three variations for each stage of your pregnancy. I felt that Shiva Rea has a deep understanding of pregnant woman and her instruction is nurturing and not irritating at all.
Great sequences for beginner to advanced.......2007-10-30
I hunted high and low for a yoga dvd that offered a more dynamic workout than the usual 'gentle relaxation' fare and was really pleased with this. I used it throughout my second pregnancy right up to birth (and had an amazing birth which I credit largely to the strong, flexible body I had from doing yoga) and wish I'd had it for my first. I liked that it was broken into sections so that you could pick and choose if you were short of time and while initially I thought the 3rd trimester work loooked ridiculously easy, at 36 weeks I was glad to do something enjoyable, comfortable and strengthening. I highly recommend this.
Excellent.......2007-07-23
Having never done yoga before I was a little cautious about getting this DVD. I have found it to be really helpful throughout my whole pregnancy, the poses are adapted for each trimester and all are well explained. I would highly recommend this DVD to anyone at any stage of their pregnancy.
Fabulous video for yoga novices!.......2007-07-22
I bought this DVD and a pilates one and this is far superior. I found it really easy to follow and liked the way it is broken down into 3 sections, so that when you're short on time you can do an abridged workout.
This is really good for relaxation and for relieving those pregnancy aches and pains. The soundtrack is also really soothing and I often fell asleep to the music at the end of the DVD.
The workout might be a bit limited for a seasoned yoga practitioner, but for a beginner like me who just wanted something to keep the joints supple and to strengthen the muscles needed for delivery, it was perfect. Regular practice of the breathing techniques was also a great help during the delivery of my daughter.
I would thoroughly recommend this DVD to any mum-to-be.
Customer Reviews:
Better than expected.......2008-03-11
The truth is, whenever I've tried yoga in the past, I've never really liked it. I've always wanted to like it, but never did. This is the first yoga class (both DVD and at the gym) that I've liked! It is very relaxed, helps me with my breathing, and makes visualizing what's happenning to my body easy.
I definitely recommend this DVD! I'm in my 18th week, was able to do all the positions in the beginner 30 minute session without difficulty.
BUDDHA BELLIES.......2008-03-06
Inspired by Vanda Scaravelli, Nicole offers a wonderful introduction to Yoga for Pregnancy with three guided sequences. These are of varying lengths and adapted to suit different stages of pregnancy from 14 weeks to full term. Beautifully filmed, Nicole elegantly demonstrates the postures while 6 months pregnant, with clear background instructions. The timing is very good and one really gets the feel of the flow of the asanas guided and facilitated by the all important breath. The DVD aims to empower and help mums to be at all stages of pregnancy, offering a simple to follow guide which can easily and safely be used at home. Excellent. Yoga & Health magazine.
The best yoga for pregnancy dvd i've come across!.......2008-03-04
I disagree with the reviewer who says this dvd is dull. I have liked it specifically because of its simplicity. There is no music, but this is great because there is no chance of getting bored of new age music on a loop and I have been able to do the yoga to either whatever soundtrack i choose or to no music at all so that i can focus on my breathing which i found a useful tool during contractions in my previous two labours. The yoga, as you would expect of pregnancy yoga, is relatively gentle (though i find session 3 a proper workout) but it definately helps. Even though i only manage a session once, maybe twice a week, i can feel my back strengthened and always sleep amazingly well afterwards. This is my 3rd pregnancy and so I have tried other yoga dvd's but think that this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. I would really recommend this dvd and have been telling my pregnant friends to buy it.
Quite Dull .......2008-02-12
I found this DVD unfortunatly not engaging. There is no music, the narration tone is more dull than relaxing and it doesn't inspire me to put it on regularly. Disappointing.
Inspiring - a must buy for your pregnancy.......2007-10-25
I have been using this dvd for the last 3 months of my pregnancy but wish I had found it before ... The yoga is simple enough for the beginner, which I was, but because there are three different sessions it never gets boring. It also really helped with my back pain. I cannot recommend this highly enough - I'll be buying it for all my pregnant friends. A truly inspirational dvd.
Customer Reviews:
It's actually Region 1!!!.......2008-02-18
The yoga itself is relaxing and doesn't push you far. However the problem I had with it is that (contrary to what to written on this page) THIS IS A REGION 1 DVD!! It plays on our multi-region DVD player, but the TV is so old that the signal comes through black and white looking like an NTSC signal NOT a PAL signal as indicated on this page. Be warned if you have a Region 2 DVD player or an old TV without an NTSC decoder!!
Might have got another star if I'd been able to see it in full colour!
BEAUTIFUL.......2008-01-11
This is quite the most beautiful DVD imagineable.
It has assisted me greatly in my endevour to learn how to look after my "self".
I wish every child be introduced to this in the school curriculum.It would teach them dignity, humanity, confidence and pure inner peace.
It is never too late to experience this.
It is like having a holiday from the world.
This is simple to follow,with three wonderful people (whom Id love to know) and a wonderful inspiration for all.
Brilliant! Not too long, and perfect for beginners.......2007-07-20
I love this DVD. I bought it in February, when I had never done any yoga before, and have used it 4 days a week ever since!
The workouts are not too long (AM- 20 minutes, PM- 25 minutes) so you can fit them into your day easily.
They are great for beginners and have some optional extras if you are more flexible.
The relaxation element, which is what I started yoga for, is excellent and my only criticism is the lack of explanation of useful breathing techniques.
I would highly recommend this DVD to all yoga beginners, and suggest you also buy a mat, bricks and strap to make things easier. (The set costs about £10).
Well done to Gaiam, Rodney Yee and Patricia Waldren for a brilliant DVD!
Nice and mild for beginners, but..........2007-02-27
This is a lovely calming introduction to the world of yoga, nice and simple (as it goes).
The difficulty lies in following it if you are a true beginner, ie beginning here and now. For this reason I recommend watching it through a couple of times before you first want to take it on as it is hard to follow instructions on DVD when your head is upside down and you are propped up on your toes (you can't see what they're doing when you're following a lot of positions)! This follows on from a long tradition of exercise videos which assume we pick things up really quickly.
Once you've got the hang of it it is highly recommendable but for the above reason not particularly calming the first time over! Don't let it put you off though, they're very good guides and workouts.
A.M and P.M. yoga for beginners.......2007-01-31
Excellent DVD! Highly recommend it! Both workouts, which last about 20 minutes each, are super. They help you to be more limber as they stretch the stiffest areas of the body as well as work with balance and strength. As yoga often does, it also seems to magically stimulate the inner organs to detox and normalize functions, so is a real all-round health booster! Both workouts are well narrated, so you don't need to keep your eyes glued to the television set to figure out what you are supposed to be doing next. This is one DVD that I will be using for many years to come! I should add that my 20 year old daughter finds the movements too slow (but she is a dancer who does pilates to relax) while they are perfect for middle-aged me.
There is a third and excellent workout routine if you are just a little too stiff for the extreme poses and need the blocks and straps, which gives a nice variation or bonus. In all, a recommended purchase.
Customer Reviews:
Brilliant for beginners - after all we all have to start somewhere!.......2007-02-17
I've tried a couple of other DVDs but they are just too advanced and that just isn't helpful for a beginner. This DVD is wonderful - you get safe but challenging stretches that give you immediate benefits as well as helping you to make progress towards the more advanced stuff. I did this yesterday morning and my body felt healthy, open and in-balance all day long and, let's face it, that's what it's all about!
I agree with a previous review - I really hope that Joy brings out an intermediate DVD.
Quality!
Joy N-G has me hooked and wanting more!.......2007-02-09
Having experienced a yoga session at my local fitness and leisure club thinking 'never again' I bought this DVD and it sat on the shelf for months. After a particularly difficult period in my life I finally did it! I have spent an hour of my life everyday for the past week learning to tune into my inner self. I agree with other reviews that the stretches may seem quite basic although not a walkover if you have not exercised for a long time and are quite stiff. This is a gentle introduction, you are totally in control so you can learn at your own pace. I did not have a teacher yanking my arm 'into position' and tearing my muscles. It is more than 'do-able' and I have noticed a difference already, not just in my overall flexibility but also my piece of mind. Thanks to Joy I feel confident to now start a class again. I personally find her voice very soothing and only wish that she would hurry up and make another DVD for intermediate level!
Yoga for Beginners .......2006-07-17
When I purchased this dvd I hadn't done yoga before and was recovering from an ankle injury.
I found this really easy to follow and also found the more I did the workout the stronger my ankle became.
At the end I feel very relaxed and I am toning up and strenthening all the time.
I would recommend this to any yoga beginner
good for beginners!.......2006-05-29
I was new to yoga when I bought this dvd and I found it easy to follow and understand. I did also start going to yoga class too and I am now hooked.
I do recommend going to a yoga class as well but if you dont have much time to go to classes then this is the dvd for you. The relaxation at the end of the dvd isnt bad but could be better.
Pretty good, basic introduction.......2006-04-18
This is my first yoga DVD/video and I found it pretty good. It is very basic but was ideal for me - I wanted to ease back into exercise after having a baby and not doing any exercise for nearly three years.
Customer Reviews:
Best! Shavasana! Ever!!!.......2008-01-14
I have a modest library of about 20 yoga DVDs (and growing) and this one has by far the best relaxation session of the bunch. It's long and leisurely, with subtle, floaty music and just the right amount of guidance from Ryan Spielman to induce complete physical and mental relaxation. I find the shavasana lacking in different ways (too short, too talky, music too upbeat, etc.) on many of my other DVDs, and often use this one - it's chaptered as a separate practice - at the end of other workouts.
By the time I get to the relaxation I've usually earned it. Ryan Spielman teaches a strong, well-aligned posture flow. It doesn't say so anywhere on the disc, but there's an Iyengar flavour to the proceedings. He pays due attention to the placement of feet, the angle of a knee, the turn of a neck and so on. Timing wise, his cueing is spot on.
For the moment I'm content at level one - designed for beginners, but fairly challenging. It's a grounded, thorough set of sun salutes and standing poses with long, testing holds. Then floor work - back bends, some powerful hip stretches and forward bends. Level 2 moves on faster and deeper - I'll get there some day, I hope.
I have to confess I hadn't heard of Jayne Middlemiss when I ordered the DVD. I thought she was the yoga instructor. She takes the same approach as Ali McGraw on the (wonderful) Erich Schiffman workout - staying silent, and letting the master speak. Result: two beautifully executed, expertly taught yoga sessions, filmed amid gorgeous scenery. A+
BUY IT.......2007-10-17
My favourite Yoga DVD is Ali McGraw's, however, now that I have seen this it's equal. One reviewer had a grumble about the length the asanas were being held for, well you are supposed to hold the pose for as long as possible because that's what makes Yoga work. This DVD is thorough, inspirational and full of sound advice and IT GIVES YOU A LIFT. Both presenters are great and Jayne is very human - they really do make you want to get up and do it. I definitely recommend this DVD to anyone who wants to know what real Yoga is all about.
NOT for beginners!.......2007-06-18
This DVD was a real disappointment to me. I have practiced yoga for 3 years and never yet been to a class where the postures are held for such a long time. I'm sure if you're really strong already you might manage but my muscles were totally shaking and that is not what yoga is about. Someone who has not fitness at all could really hurt themselves doing this DVD. I found the instructor's voice really irritating and didn't enjoy it at all.
challenging workout, that will improve your yoga........2007-06-09
i love this DVD, Jayne is silent while Ryan does the voiceover in his lovely calming voice. Jayne looks like a beginner whilst ryan is clearly the most flexible, strong and competent yogi ever.
The setting is an outdoor patio with a gorgeous view and a breeze, nicer than any studio, soothing music plays in the background.
The poses are challenging in parts, but for me this is a postive, as i can feel myself progressing slowly, ryan states when to take it easy. I havent got bored with this and like the idea that it pushes me to improve. I was a little concerned that the DVD concentrates on "looking up" when my classes tell me to raise through the top of the head and extend the neck.... but not being a yogi i dont know which is better....
i belive this is good DVD for the beginner and improver.
No! No! No! No!.......2007-06-05
Surely the makers of this DVD should be sued under the Trades Description Act!!! I have been practising yoga for over 10 years but would not class myself as anything but a beginner/intermediate due to not being very flexible nor wanting to do really strong postures.
This DVD is supposed to have a beginners' section, when I first put it on I thought I'd selected wrongly from the menu. In no way, shape or form is the so-called beginners' section of this DVD suitable for beginners. In fact I should think that any real beginner would probably end up quite seriously injured and most certainly put off yoga for life!
That aside, it is true that Jayne has no real speaking parts, but then neither does she hold many of the postures correctly either. Someone really ought to explain to her that "arms held out at shoulder height, parallel to the ground" does not mean that your arms form a "V" shape, or that one is reaching skyward!! Ok, that may sound picky, but my point is that when she can't even get a very simple thing like that right, how can you trust her to be doing anything else right? The fact that her posture is not being corrected is also worrying.
Ryan Spielman makes a good introduction and explains the breathing well However, his voice-over during the practice sessions is boring, boring, boring! He sounds like David Blaine, and that can't be a good thing. He drones on and on in a monotone and what he's saying isn't really helpful or enlightening.
I am sorely disappointed as this DVD sounded great, the intro's were good, but ultimately it just didn't deliver. My advice, can't you guess?! Leave this one well alone and buy Leah Bracknell's Yoga and You which is lovely, and is most certainly suitable for complete beginners and improvers alike.
Customer Reviews:
Thorough instruction by a top instructor!.......2008-02-08
After several 'hit and miss' tries with different yoga programs on DVD I have finally found 'the one' and I will stick with it. Whenever Nicki Doane is ready to come out with her next set of lessons I will be eagerly waiting. In the meantime this will be part of my daily routine.
She not only obviously has the stamina to carry you through all the steps and doesn't just tell you to do repetitions-she does them with you which, along with her wonderful voice, keeps you going. Her interview is lovely as well, gently inspiring and completely natural..a good sense of humor.
Clear instructions and beautiful demonstration.......2007-08-15
Being a part-time yoga teacher, this DVD is the very first ashtanga yoga that I bought. It contains Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) A and B. You need to first get familar with A before moving to B. It is with less postures but more physically demanding than the classic Surya Namaskar.
Nicki is a great yoga practitioner. Watching her demonstration gives me a sense of peace, simplicity, and joy. Compared to other yoga DVDs that I have seen, Nicki can place every posture accurately and almost without any minor adjustments while changing between the postures. It is flowing so smoothly and effortlessly. The instructions are pretty clear - not too much or too fast, so that all the details can be well captured after practising together with the DVD for few times. The pace between each viyansa (one breath + one movement) is moderate which will help you breathe deep enough in order to catch up the speed. I also like the way to chant ashtanga mantra in the very beginning, but for the text of the mantra you have to find it by searching in Google. The DVD which runs smoothly can be used for daily practice.
The DVD was shot at Hawaii where Nicki lives. The scene setting is next to the sea. The background music with mantra chanting is also great. Be sure to watch her interview, which will inspire your yoga practice.
If you are not sure for the posture being demonstrated, in the DVD you can jump to a session that gives you more details, and after than the DVD will bring you back to the original point of demonstration.
The only thing to improve is the inserted poster which gives Surya Namaskar A only. Do not understand why B is not provided. But if you follow the DVD for few times, your body will remeber it, so for me it is not really necessary to have the poster.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to explore ashtanga yoga, regardless with yoga experience or not.
Good Introduction and Well Presented........2006-06-26
If you have never done yoga and you want a form of yoga that is going to really work your body into a sweat then this is the DVD for you. It is challenging enough as an introduction and is detailed enough for a total beginner to follow. If you have done another form of yoga, e.g. Kundalini, then you will find some of this is familiar but there is more of a continuous flow. Highly recommended.
Amazon.co.uk Review
At the risk of offending hard core yogaphiles who disapproved of Geri Halliwell's common touch, it's difficult to sneer at Geri Body Yoga--the follow-up to her first yoga offering.
Every detail, from the ace location in California to clear simple instructions by teacher Katy Appleton, makes for an exceptional quality production. Thankfully, this time round the incessant Geri-babbling is limited, though there is considerable cheeky flirting with the camera. Still, Geri's body looks far from painfully thin, and it's reassuring to see a star who isn't flaunting a surgically-enhanced cleavage.
The graceful Appleton, a former dancer, deftly combines demonstrating and correcting Geri. Beginner Nate in the background looks like the production runner who was dragged in at the last minute, but doesn't do too badly. Despite excellent camera angles and seamless editing that make the routine easy to follow, this isn't yoga for total beginners. Instead of a slow start, Appleton kicks in with a more interesting warm-up than usual. The all-round yoga session moves onto an energetic Sun and Moon section, the mentally challenging Strength, the intense Bliss, and the final Chill. Appleton takes a classic approach and adapts it to appeal to fast urban living. The added Geri factor makes this ideal yoga for the Heat magazine reader.
On the DVD: Geri Body Yoga on disc has a 14-minute location film which takes us from Geri's West Hollywood apartment to behind the scenes of the filming with producer/director Steve Kemsley. The transformation of Cloudy Malibu in California, from a simple location to a spa style makes great viewing. The DVD also enables you to customise your own yoga session if you don't have time to do the full 90-minute session. --Lorna V
Customer Reviews:
Balanced and enjoyable.......2007-04-06
To put this review in context, I'm in my mid-forties and coming back to yoga after a number of years during which, though I did keep reasonably fit, I wandered away from yoga.
The yoga shown on this DVD reminds me of the kind that was around when I was starting out in my twenties. A lot of modern DVDs stress flowing yoga and seem to consist of endless sun salutations. Although these are invigorating, I find them a bit repetitive at times. This workout offers a nice variety of poses demonstrated at a moderate pace.
Don't get me wrong - Geri Body Yoga has an excellent sun salutation sequence, moving from mild to intermediate level, plus a very interesting moon salutation sequence which I hadn't come across before. But it's also strong on seated, supine and inverted postures, which I really enjoy.
I particularly like the initial warm-up - so many DVDs just use a few half sun salutes to warm up. This one is a series of gentle, bendy/ twisty floor postures finishing with a standing forward bend they let you hang in for a bit, so you can go deep. This section makes me feel beautifully stretched out and ready for more. On days when I'm too rushed to do a full session, it actually serves quite well as a mini-practice.
Geri's comments are a bit superfluous perhaps, but she does come across as a pleasant and positive person. Her style gives the DVD a warm, matey feel and the setting is beautiful. Katy Appleton's instruction is very skilled; I've just ordered her Yogaworks set and am eagerly awaiting its arrival. Overall, Geri Body Yoga provides a balanced and enjoyable yoga experience.
Not the best available.......2007-03-07
I bought this because it was cheap and I'd heard that Katy Appleton was a very good yoga teacher. It was ok. You are led through each pose and the explanation is clear enough. But...I just can't bare to watch it now, because Geri is incredibly irritating. She keeps making lots of empty, irritating comments, which can prevent you from relaxing into the poses (as you'd hope). I found myself thinking,"Oi! Geri, zip it!" If you want a lovely serene gentle approach to yoga from a very competent teacher I would suggest Howard Napper.
Brilliant.......2007-03-02
I had never done any of yoga before and me and my sister bought it for a joke but once i had done a sesion i felt really relaxed and calm. My body is toned and i love doing it because i can just just do it in my living room. I would recommend this to any body who wants to try out yoga and tone their body.
Katy Appleton is brilliant in this DVD because she runs you through each pose step by step so you can get right and keeps reminding you about the breathing. It makes me feel energised and quite satisfied after doing a yoga sesion.
A long term yoga practise for all levels.......2006-06-02
I have used this DVD for nearly a year now and I dont know where I would be without it! I now practise yoga 6 days a week and love it! I do like to look after my health and well being but dont enjoy the gym. I thought that I'd try this as I could see the transformation of Geri and doing a stressful job with 2 children I needed something practical. Katy Appleton is an excellent instructor and really emphasizes on the breathing used in yoga. Geri does talk at times but not as much as her first yoga DVD!!! As this is broken down in sections I choose 2-4 sections depending on how I feel. I always warm up, and follow with the sections I choose. I always feel relaxed and energised after the workout. My body is now toned and flexible, I'm calmer and I never feel sluggish.
Impressive.......2006-04-21
I was pleased with this DVD. Unlike some fitness DVDs, you can do this at home in a small space. Katy Appleton gives clear instructions most of the time, but you do end up twisting your head round to watch the TV to make sure you've got the postures right - tricky when in the middle of a shoulder stand! I liked the fact that Katy Appleton and Geri keep telling you to take things at your own pace, it doesn't intimidate the beginner. I would recommend this although there are a few positions that aren't fully explained and that can be frustrating. Geri comes over as really down to earth, she lets the instructor do the teaching and just adds a few comments about what she found hard at first etc. Well worth the money.
UK DVD:
- You Are What You Eat
- Your Yoga Body
- Zoe Lucker - Little Black Dress Workout [2003]
- 10 Minute Solution - Pilates
- Abs Yoga [2000] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Aerobics Oz Style - Belly Dance Fitness
- Aerobics Oz Style - On The Ball
- An Introduction To Tai Chi Chi Kung
- Anthony Robbins Personal Coaching Collection, Vol. 4: Time of Your Life - 3 Ways to Take Control of [2007]
- Antonia Kidman Yoga [2002]
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