|
|
|
 |
Home > Yoga DVD's > Best of Yoga Zone Basics for Beginners (3 DVD's) |
|
| |
|
 |
|
| |
|
Product Overview
The Best of Yoga Zone DVD includes 3 DVD's (Total Body Conditioning, Yoga For Abs and Introduction To Power Yoga)
which are designed to invigorate, build strength and tone your body. The descriptions of each DVD are below:
DVD 1 (Tone): Introduction to Power Yoga
"Power Yoga" has gradually become the aerobics of the new millennium, driven by a no-pain-no-gain
ethos that emphasizes sweat and strengthening over yoga's more subtle benefits. But this two-part, 40-minute
Yoga Zone program takes a more mild approach, hewing to the philosophy that the power of power yoga depends
less on aggressive, strenuous poses than on conscious awareness of oneself and the vital link between breath
and movement. Both parts rely on brisk, flowing repetitions of several vinyasas (connected series of poses).
The first includes some standing positions (mountain, warrior I and II, etc.), lunges, twists, side stretches,
and the camel backbend; those new to yoga will find the sequence alternating between the downward dog and
plank positions to be fairly demanding, but there's nothing outrageously hard here. The second part
again concentrates on the downward dog, one of the essential poses in yoga, along with twists,
stretches (like the "blown palm," a standing side stretch), forward bends, lunges and so on.
The virtue of repeating vinyasas-- i.e., moving in and out of several poses, one breath at a time--is that
it reinforces proper breathing patterns, and the instructors do a good job of reminding you when to inhale
and exhale, which is not so simple as it might sound. More warm-up time would be helpful--beginners and experienced
yogis alike should do some stretching before starting--but once you get going, the DVD menu allows for easy
selection of either part, or the various series within them. You can also do the practice without the
instruction, accompanied only by the music.
DVD 2 (Condition): Total Body Conditioning
Set in the beautiful landscapes of Jamaica, Yoga Zone's Total Body Conditioning delivers
the intensive mind and body experience that has made Yoga Zone so popular. Divided into two
distinct 20-minute workouts, the programs can be done individually for the time-pressed
exerciser or together for an extended challenge. The first of these contains an informal
approach to breathing and lengthening exercises. Isometric abdominal work is coupled with
pelvic tilts and meditation. Some familiar postures are seen within this first session,
with warrior, triangle, and mountain poses. The second session includes some deeper lunges
and forward bends with the same focus on body alignment and posture. Total Body Conditioning
illustrates a plausible beginning format because of its practical and approachable postures with
a minimal risk of injury. In fact, programs like this can actually lengthen and strengthen the
core muscles, which may aid in injury prevention. Meditation closes out both sessions and mats
are necessary throughout all phases of this workout. The instruction and content here are
so solid that beginners and intermediates alike will feel at home.
DVD 3 (Energize): Yoga for Abs
Looking to develop those six-pack abs to show off on the beach? Then yoga is not for you. If, however, you want
to strengthen both your abdominals and your lower back, while keeping your stomach muscles supple but not
rock hard, then yoga's the way to go. This two-part, 40-minute program from Yoga Zone uses a variety of poses
(some of them joined together in flowing sequences known as vinyasas) that are obviously directed at the abs;
the scale pose (also known as the boat), for instance, will certainly work those muscles hard, as will the
table pose, the "forearm plank" (the upward pushup position, but with elbows on the floor), and others.
But both parts of the practice also incorporate a variety of other asanas, such as standing positions and side
stretches, that develop abdominal strength more subtly, as the instructors frequently remind you to tilt your pelvis forward
and tuck your stomach muscles in, thus gently but firmly engaging your abs throughout your entire yoga routine.
You'll work reasonably hard, but you won't endure endless series of crunches as you relentlessly "go
for the burn." With a selectable DVD menu, you can sequence the poses any way you like, or
jump to any particular section. You can also turn off the instruction and do the practice accompanied only by the
music track. This is a peculiar option; the point of practicing yoga is to take your awareness inside,
not stare at a TV screen, and the teacher's vocal guidance is usually an essential part of
that process. But if it works, go for it.
|
|
|
| |
|
Other DVD Recommendations
|
|
|
