Basic Yoga for Dummies

Backcover description: This unintimidating program explains yoga in an easy-to-understand language. Not only can you change your body by using this DVD but you may even change your mind about yoga. Anyone can do yoga, regardless of age or fitness level, and you
Equipment used
Yoga sticky mat

Basic Yoga for Dummies

Magazine reviews
Fit June 2001
Fit June 2001 "I'd recommend this to anyone who is nervous about undertaking yoga. Sara Ivanhoe goes through a dozen of the most common yoga postures."
Want the right videos for YOU? Only Collage has:
Detailed specifications • Minute-by-minute graphs • Descriptions by certified instructors
Level:Begin/Inter
Stretch type:Yoga
Instructor:Sara Ivanhoe
Instructor profile
Customer rating: (average of 7 customer ratings)
Staff favorite
Time graph for Basic Yoga for Dummies
Sorry, this item is sold out.
It is no longer available for sale.
Certified instructor description: Like the popular “Dummies” books, this is an ultra-easy-to-understand introduction to yoga. It features twelve different poses — the foundation of all hatha yoga (e.g. cat, cobra, mountain, child). You can follow along as a 12-pose workout or just learn specific moves to do on your own. Crunch’s Sara Ivanhoe is a friendly teacher who keeps it non-intimidating and informal (e.g. “the cool thing about yoga is …”). First, she teaches the move with lots of careful explanation. Then, you’ll practice it a couple times and move on to the next pose. Mostly begin/inter level, a couple of postures are tougher. One pose uses a strap or belt/tie. ©2000. Note: DVD includes a 10-minute “bonus” workout. DVD has: Chapter menus, Narrow screen.
SORT BY STAR RATING
Best firstWorst first
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
Reading a Time Graph
X
Each workout shows a time graph of the workout sequence, from beginning to end. For example, this workout starts with a 10-minute warm-up and ends with a 10-minute stretch. In between, you'll do aerobics, then toning, then a cooldown.
sample time graph
Segments that include both aerobics & toning
Some workouts combine aerobics and toning. If the aerobics and toning are done at the same time, you'll see a "blended" graph. If the aerobics and toning are done in short, alternating intervals, you'll see an "interval" graph.
sample time graph
Chapter menus
X
You can play only the individual workout segments you want by picking them off a chapter menu (one at a time).
Narrow screen
X
When played on a widescreen TV, this program will show black bars on the left and right sides. On an older 4x3 ratio TV, it will fill the entire screen.
Level
X
Beginner: Just starting out, very overweight or haven't exercised in over six months.

Intermediate: Active in sports, dance or any regular exercise (2 to 3 times per week).

Advanced: Very active in sports or consistently work out four or more times per week.

Stretch type
X
Athletic: Traditional sports-style, all-physical stretches. It is the least mind-body focused.

Yoga: Carefully designed poses that emphasize breath, concentration and mental awareness. It also includes the more flowing yoga style – Power Yoga.

Tai Chi: All-standing, very fluid poses (it looks like a person moving in slow-motion). The Chinese called Tai Chi "meditation in motion."

Stretch: Yoga
X
Definition: A flowing series of movements and "poses." Includes yoga and power yoga (a more intense yoga variation). Both types have a strong emphasis on breath, body awareness and mental focus.

Benefits: Increases flexibility. Restores a healthy mind/body balance. Relaxes and rejuvenates.

©2010 Collage Video ● Exercise Video Specialists ● Fitness Videos and Workout Videos ● 1-800-819-7111/763-571-5840 ● Collage@CollageVideo.com Sitemap