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Home > Yoga DVD's > Yoga Zone's Premiere Yoga DVD Collection (4 DVD's) |
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Product Overview
Trying to learn yoga from a videotape could try the patience of a bona fide yogi. How to know when your form is
correct versus when you are risking injury? If you can't do that downward-facing dog with your legs as
straight as the model on the tape, what's the best way? This beginner's boxed set solves the first problem through detailed
and careful explanation of the asanas, then sidesteps the second by having two different instructors demonstrate both advanced and beginning
version of each pose. It's a thoughtful, responsible, safe approach, one that reminds students to go at their
own pace and to pay attention to their own bodies. Soft-spoken, non-intimidating Alan Finger begins each
of the Yoga Zone's programs by demonstrating proper breathing technique. He then guides students through a clear,
logical, and appropriately paced sequence of poses, emphasizing correct placement rather than throwing or forcing the
body into position. The Introduction to Yoga program covers most of the basic asanas used elsewhere in
the series, including the potted-palm series, cat, dog, mountain, and triangle, while subsequent tapes
move on to more advanced variations on these fundamental yoga building blocks. The Conditioning and Stress Release
program systematically relaxes every muscle in the body, and the more vigorous Flexibility and Tone uses
standing exercises like sun salutations to build heat in the system and promote flexibility. Finally, the
two sessions included on the Meditation tape provide a welcome reminder that yoga is about much more than
just working out. Unlike many videos that bill themselves as "introductory," these Yoga Zone tapes will leave
neophytes feeling relaxed and renewed rather than clumsy and confused. This is the boxed set to buy if you're
looking for a nuanced understanding of how yoga works rather than just sweat-drenched intensity.
This boxed set contains the following 4 DVD's:
DVD 1: Introduction to Yoga
"Go at your own pace, don't strain!" Alan Finger reminds viewers in the introduction to this Yoga Zone workout.
They're words of wisdom for anyone who's ever tried (and failed) to emulate the moves of some perfect-looking
human pretzel on what purports to be a "beginners" videotape. In contrast, Finger's gentle, refreshingly detailed
Introduction to Yoga begins with basic breathing techniques and moves on to some of the most fundamental poses
in any practice, including lunges, twists, cobra, dog, triangle, and even a corpse pose tutorial that comes
complete with guided relaxation. (Later tapes in this series build on the asanas taught here, adding more advanced
variations and positions.) Two instructors demonstrate different versions of each pose, one for more
flexible advanced students and one for less flexible beginners. We even get to see one student topple out of stork
pose! Calm, thorough, absolutely unrushed, this is a great tape for those who've never taken a yoga class in their
lives. Even experienced students, however, may find that the relaxed pace helps them reach a deeper level of understanding
of how body, mind, and breath can work together. Fittingly, the credits roll over Finger and his fellow instructors
demonstrating advanced positions of impressive strength and beauty; like the tape itself, it's
a perfect introduction to the continuing rewards of yoga practice.
DVD 2: Conditioning and Stress Relief
Some people take up yoga to build strength and flexibility; others are primarily looking to reduce stress and
tension. This 55-minute program, while purporting to address both groups, is actually much more
appropriate for the latter. Yoga Zone founder Alan Finger does an excellent job not merely emphasizing the
importance of the breath -- the single most vital element of any yoga practice -- but also explaining yoga
breathing techniques, followed by a series of easy stretches (for the neck, shoulders,
arms, and such) and a variety of standing, sitting, and lying poses beneficial to yogis of all levels.
The pace is gentle, the sequence of poses logical, the instruction clear and constant; beginners will be
challenged but not intimidated, while more advanced types might find it a welcome alternative to sweaty, aerobic
yoga workouts.
DVD 3: Flexibility and Tone
Alan Finger gently guides you through 60 minutes of basic yoga postures with beginner and advanced modifications
(two instructors skillfully demonstrate both levels). You'll need a mat, one
or two towels, and strap or belt to assist in certain poses. The best part of this video is Finger's
specific and explicit instruction on breathing techniques to build energy and heat in the body's system.
He cues each breath, and you can watch the instructor's rib cage expand and rise on the inhale, release
and lower on the exhale. With breathing as a focus, a dozen yoga postures are introduced and practiced, including
potted-palm series, cat, down dog, mountain, sunburst and worship, proud warrior, scale, and cow's head.
Many of these poses are also practiced in Finger's Introduction to Yoga video, although Yoga
Zone: Flexibility and Tone offers more advanced variations and poses. If you are interested in the mental and
physical benefits of yoga--increased flexibility, conditioning and toning of muscles, stress reduction, and
relaxation of the mind--this video is a keeper.
DVD 4: Meditation
Yoga may build strength and tone muscles, but there's much more to this ancient art than just a trendy way to
get fit. In this two-session tape, Alan Finger introduces some of the techniques yogis have used for centuries
to quiet the mind and experience extended states of peace. He begins each session with what he calls "premeditative"
asanas, physical poses like Dandasana or the potted-palm series that prepare the body for the intensive stillness of
meditation. In the first session, he then concentrates on breathing techniques, including alternate nostril breathing and
the Kriya breath, as well as the use of a mantra to calm your mind if it's feeling restless. In the
second session, he has students visualize geometric shapes representing the body's chakras, or energy
centers. Both sessions strike a pleasant balance between guided instruction and quiet sitting, and together they provide
the basic tools a beginning student needs to establish his or her own meditation practice. Best of all,
Yoga Zone: Meditation urges students to take the tranquility, wisdom, and creativity
accessed during meditation and put these qualities to work in their everyday lives.
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