23 Customer Reviews Or, Write your own review |
Basic Yoga for Dummies |
    Awesome for Beginners! |
| This is the best video for learning yoga. It is slow paced, and the instructions and visuals are fantastic. I can't wait to see what else this instructor has to offer. This is a must have if you want to learn yoga at home. - posted by Kelly on 3/4/2011 |
 |
    1 time workout |
| Found it great for first attempt at yoga, but after doing it once lost its umph. Found all of the instructing boring and too slow paced. - posted by Shal on 2/9/2011 |
 |
    Instructional Yoga! |
| It's exactly how I'd expect it to be. A lot of instruction that interrupts between each pose. It's more of an informative program than a productive workout. There is, however, a bonus workout that keeps it moving along but it's only 10 minutes long. - posted by Cher on 1/29/2010 |
 |
    Mixed Review |
| Pros:
On the one hand this is a good introductory DVD - the instructor has a really nice attitude (very much encouraging you to feel OK about whatever level of flexibility you have), a pleasant voice and the instructions are clear and pretty easy to follow.
I also really like that it gives you the option of "cuing only" so you can use your own music!
Cons:
On the other hand - when using my own terrific music mix I am jarred by the annoying tips. Aieeeee! They are actually useful information but it would be a lot better if they were an option you could turn off, or an 'extra' you could choose. Sigh.
I also do think another reviewer made a good point about how the instructor carefully gets you into the position (nice job) but then says "now lets begin our 6 breaths". That doesn't bother me too much though as I either wait to get into position until part way through the description, or I just quit when I need to and use the time to breath between poses.
Overall I think this is a good choice for beginners if it is one among a collection - but I wouldn't want this as my primary DVD unless they change it so you could turn off the annoying "tips". - posted by Mary Ellen on 7/26/2009 |
 |
    Fantastic Yoga! |
| I have just discovered yoga after researching some of its' beneficial value. I decided to get this DVD and I'm so glad I did. Sara has a soothing voice, great cueing and instructions on how do execute each pose is fantastic and I have complete understanding of the breathing technique for yoga which I find a lot easier to do than pilates. I stretched in places that I never thought possible and I surprised myself by doing the 'cobra' with great ease. I felt relaxed and lifted. I'm glad that I have ordered Sara's Yoga Body Makeover - I can hardly wait to try that out. Thank you so much Sara! - posted by C Doyley on 4/17/2009 |
 |
    Finally: educational, safe, effective |
| I am a Certified Yoga Therapist as well as a Physical Therapist and it was absolutely refreshing to review this DVD. I recommend this video to all my patients. Not only is it essential for any beginner to Yoga to own, but, also it is a great review for yoga practitioners and teachers. Yes, Sara takes her time in each pose; however, this is instrumental in teaching safe and effective yoga postures. Keep in mind, it is a remarkably thorough educational and instructional video; made for this purpose. People who find it 'boring' or 'slow' may in fact need to slow down themselves and take the time in each posture to discover something new in the posture that they may have been missing; even if you're an advanced student! The extra icons (tips, cautions, myth busters, modifications) that pop up throughout the video are informative and essential for a safe yoga practice. If you are looking for a fast paced, ocean side yoga 'workout'; this is not for you. I am extremely thankful for this video. Thank you Sara. - posted by Shelly, PT, CYT-C on 10/19/2008 |
 |
    Superb Introduction |
| I've tried several yoga videos for beginners and in my opinion, this is the best. The instructor not only explains the poses in easy-to-understand language, she also shows how to modify them to make them easier - essential for older or out-of-shape exercisers. - posted by Barbara on 2/15/2008 |
 |
*The star rating system began in April 2007. Reviews posted before then do not have stars.
|
| I must disagree. |
| I must say I'm suprised at the positive reviews here. I was just warning a friend away from this video. It tries to be both an introduction to yoga and a beginner's video to follow. This means the instructor talks a bit, puts you in a pose, talks about the pose for awhile, and then says, "now begin the six breaths," when you've already been in the pose more than that long, and are possibly uncomfortable. Or at least bored. This video does contain a lot of detailed instruction, but I was only able to watch it twice before I lost patience with it. From that, at best, I might remember the poses, but not the order or the corrections given. Other videos manage to both explain how to do a pose and correct common errors while still moving from one pose to the next without undue delay. When you add to that irritating pop up hints and facts, and an instructor who defaults to standing in an unnatural twist meant to look good... you have a thoroughly unsatisfactory video, in my opinion. - posted by Josephine on 11/28/2006 |
 |
| If New to Yoga, Buy this video or DVD |
| I have practiced Yoga on and off for approximately ten years. Sara Ivanhoe does an exceptional job of explaining the breathing, poses and most importantly how to keep yourself safe in each pose. I use this video when introducing my friends and family to the practice of Yoga because of the detailed instruction that I can build on in helping others into and out of the poses, as well as the slow pace. I agree after a few times through the video is a bit wordy but like others I just fast forward. BUT, if you are new to yoga, get this video and if you can afford to take a class from an experienced instructor at least once it would be incredibly useful in learning Yoga. - posted by Krystal on 3/3/2005 |
 |
| Great Intro to Yoga |
| Just tried this for the first time today and I thought it was terrific. I agree that over time, the "Dummies" comments/visuals would getting annoying but as a beginner video, it is great. I found the instructor to be soothing and easier to follow - not at all intimidating. I think older folks (seniors) would enjoy this as well - especially those new to exercise. - posted by Kim R. on 3/10/2004 |
 |
| View Next 10 reviews |