Reviews (15)

Not challenging, even for a beginner
This is only the second Yoga Zone video I've tried and I really didn't like it. I'm fairly new to yoga and I take a class once a week. This video was almost too easy for me. I am fairly flexible but I felt as if I didn't get anything out of this video. There were a few poses that I'll probably incorporate in my weekly routine but that's about it.

This really helped my lower back pain
I've been using the Yoga for a Strong and Healthy Back DVD for 6 months. I wanted a workout that would strengthen my back muscles, as well as my abs, for added back support. This program is exactly what I was looking for. I was so impressed with how immediate my results were that I tried another Yoga Zone DvD. I now own 8 titles from the company and practice yoga with them daily.

Take it very easy in the beginning and you'll be OK
I have had a bad back for the past five or six years, and nothing I've ever tried has really worked on it. I thought perhaps that "Yoga Zone - Yoga for a Strong and Healthy Back" could help me. I'll just say upfront that I'm not an exerciser. I sit on my butt all day at work, and while I do common household chores, I get terribly bored with workouts and so I rarely do organized routines. I also had never tried yoga, although it seemed a lot more interesting than many workout styles I have looked at.

The instructors were quite clear and the setting beautiful. My back was also hurting pretty bad that first night because I overdid it without realizing it. I cannot stress enough that unless you are some kind of yoga master you must TAKE IT EASY when you are starting on this program. No matter how easy their movements seem, just be a lot more careful than you think you need to. After I experienced that terrible soreness, I continued doing the program but was much, much more careful. Now, after a couple of weeks, my back feels overall feels better and stronger, and the after-workout soreness has lessened considerably.

Good for beginners
I bought this and had no previous experience doing yoga. The video was very simply laid out, the positions were on an intro level, and the instructors explained what to do. In the second segment, the instructor said "Nice" alot, but that was ok because doing the yoga helped my back. It certainly helps with flexibility as well. Listen to the instructors and go SLOWLY so as not to hurt yourself.

If you have back problems, this one is for you
I've had serious lower back pain for the past 3 years. I have been through traction, physical therapy, massage, exercise programs, and a new mattress; nothing worked. I decided to give this DVD a try and what tremendous results! After only a few sessions, my back was much more flexible and feeling better. After about a month, I was pain free. It's now been six months and I do the workout about twice a week to keep the pain away. It has been a miracle for me and I recommend it to anyone with similar back problems...much better than living on pain killers! ... Read more

Description

A holistic solution including poses to ease pain, strengthen the back and torso, and improve flexibility.Includes a medical analysis of Yoga’s effectiveness for back health. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not as good as the usual Rodney Yee..
I had Rodney's original Back Care video and I bought this DVD to use for business travel so I could play it on my laptop in my hotel. It was WAY too slow moving for me. I plan to return it to Amazon. I was very disappointed.

Good DVD
This DVD has really helped me with my back problems. The excercises shown are gentle and useful. I have chronic back pain, and in order to avoid, and not take pain killers, I do yoga. I have used this DVD, and as soon as I finish one of the three routines, my pain is gone. The only thing that I don't like about Rodney's approach on this DVD is that he shows some very weird excercises, and sometimes you feel like you aren't doing anything. The first routine feels like you didn't do a thing. The second routine is great. The third one has a lot of akward positions, for which you need a chair and a king size pillow. I have never been to a yoga class where you need such items, so I find it weird, and not too effective. However, overall, it is a good DVD (but he has a better DVD, try the Yoga for Athletes, also from Rodney. It is excellent.)

Three workouts focused on maintaining a healthy back
Excellent yoga instructor Rodney Yee offers this 3-part workout focused on strengthening back muscles to maintain a healthy back. He utilizes props (blanket, bolster, chair, brick, strap) to make the poses more gentle and accessible to those at all levels of fitness (although absolute beginners should stick to his previous video, Back Care Yoga for Beginners).

The first 16-minute section concentrates on simple stretches to warm up your back muscles. Poses are done either while lying on the floor or in a seated position, and Rodney uses a blanket to increase range of motion. The second workout is a bit longer (around 18 minutes) and places greater emphasis on strength moves. It begins with simple backbends (eg, cat pose) and moves on to standing poses modified by use of a chair; it ends with a series of lying stretches. In the final workout, Rodney uses a wider variety of props, including TWO chairs and both the blanket AND the bolster. This is a slow-moving, approximately 16-minute practice which focuses on relaxation through practicing a small number of poses for a longer period of time.

At times, Rodney's reliance on props is a bit distracting, particularly while you are trying to relax during the final section. However, he always allows ample time to relocate the props inbetween poses, and his use of the props is definitely beneficial at some points, such as during the second practice. Rodney's manner is extremely calm and relaxing, and his voiceover is always perfectly in sync with his on-screen performance. One minor criticism is that he doesn't offer mirrored instruction, but this is easily ignored given his otherwise excellent cuing. Overall, this is a very good workout by a master yoga instructor.

Not as good as the original
I was disappointed in this DVD. I also own Rodney Yee's first back care workout "Back Care Yoga for Beginners" (1998, VHS), which is much better. "Yoga for Back Care" relies too heavily on props, moves very slowly, and doesn't cover enough poses. If you're looking for a good back care workout, go back to the original tape.

Gentle and Excellent
I checked here for reviews before buying this. There weren't any, so I took a chance. I'm glad I did. And since no one else has posted a review, I finally decided to in case anyone else would like a user's opinion. When I first tried this routine, I didn't think it was going to do much. It is very conservative. But it is also very safe. It avoids some of the front bending and stretching postures that can be dangerous for low back problems. Yoga Journal's routines often go in and out of postures faster than I like, and at first I wasn't sure I liked that aspect of the routine either. Ater doing this routine for about a month, though, I can say that my low back discomfort has eased off greatly. This DVD gets the credit. It is an excellent combination of equalized stretching on both sides of your body, plus relaxation for your upper and low back. The entire workout runs nearly an hour, which I don't always have time for. But it is broken into three segments, so you can do one or two only. Still, make the time for the full routine if you can. It's worth it. You don't need to do it every day. A few times a week has been enough for me to feel the benefit. Finally, the setting is beautiful, the production quality is high, and Rodney Yee is a pleasant presence (important for something you listen to over and over again). I highly recommend the DVD for anyone looking for back-related flexibility, relaxation, and restoration. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Leslie does it again!
I was looking for ab work to do after my walk and this set is perfect! I can do the ball workout or the Pilates and then use the yoga for a great stretch. You can tell Leslie is a real woman with a real life, her products help you fit fitness into your life.

Easy, fun and non-intimidating
This series is the easiest method of learning yoga, pilates and ab work with the balance ball. I have thus far only done the Yoga and Pilates, but both are incredibly simple and surprisingly effective. A good way to add variety to your workouts, esp. if you're already doing alot of Leslie's other workout programs. I recommend this series and commend Leslie for doing a service to the fans who love her workouts-a little change here and there challenges the body and keeps the mind motivated and fresh.

Easy to do!
I was looking for a yoga and pilates dvd that was short and simple. Leslie does a great job showing how easy yoga can be. ... Read more

Description

The extraordinary benefits of Yoga are being enjoyed by an ever increasing number of people. No one is better at teaching Yoga than Lilias, and now she shares her renowned knowledge in the Complete Yoga Fitness For Beginners series.These wonderful programs will provide benefits for all areas of personal fitness, from firming and shaping the entire body to building cardio strength to advanced relaxation techniques.This is the perfect way to use yoga to help tone and firm your whole body and achieve total fitness.Learning Yoga is easy with Lilias and the Complete Yoga Fitness For Beginners series can be enjoyed by beginner and advanced users alike.

Special Features:

- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- Guided Yoga CD
- Serenity Now Video
- Interactive Full Motion Menus
- Chapter Selections
- Photo Gallery ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Ready, set, go buy this one!
Lilias Folans "Flowing Postures" series is what I encourage beginners and the yoga curious to begin with. No matter how "in shape" we may look and feel without good posture we are out of shape. The posture supports our entire body. The first video has gentle movements to tone and build strength in the upper arms w ithout building large muscles. Strong toned long lean muscles is the message here.
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"serenity now" features slow, rhythmical breathing with relaxing postures that will help you to unwind and quiet that inner chatter. Come on you know you think too much . This will help you get centered while in the background beautiful, soothing music is playing.

As you gain strength and balance move on to the last video a wonderful cardio workout. Lilias is my favorite instructor . I first discovered her in the seventies on PBS. I think if not mistaken. She had a show either really late at night or really early in the morning. Which can be one and the same I suppose.

yoga homework
I've been attending a yoga class once a week for awhile. Before I received this set, I was stiff at the beginning of each class. I couldn't remember all the positions or the order in which they should proceed. With this set and another Lilias 2 box set, I can practice 6 days a week and attend my class on the 7th day, fully prepared and flexible. Lilias is the WOMAN. I practiced with her in the 70s on a PBS station and feel that I've reunited with an old friend. I can only hope that I've aged as gracefully as this gentle woman. I love these tapes and hope you will also.

It's made a difference in my life!
I never thought I'd be able to do yoga because of an old back injury. Most yoga videos have too much twisting and strain for beginners or the skittish folks like me. But Lilias Folan's yoga series is wonderful. The four tapes give me enough variety so I never get tired of these routines, and they have made a real difference in how good I look and feel. They're designed so I can make them more challenging as my conditioning improves. My wife, who is in good shape, also enjoys these tapes. It's truly Yoga for everyone! Lilias has a warm, non-intimidating manner, and unlike some of the popular yoga videos, it doesn't waste time on fancy settings and show-offy postures. Highly recommended!

Stress reduction you'll want to stick with
After being sedentary for a couple of years (grad school combined with a full-time job will do that to you), I decided it was time to exercise again. I tried a few tapes but Lilias's were the ones that really hooked me. I love the variety of the tapes -- I do all four over the course of a week and feel that I'm getting a good all-over workout. I always feel completely de-stressed after doing the tapes, and I'm quite a high-strung person. If I have any complaints, it's that "Serenity Now" is perhaps the least relaxing of the four. I'd been hoping for something a bit more meditative.

Yoga For Everyone
Why is this video set so wonderful? 1. There are four tapes. One concentrates on the mind, the other two on specific parts of your body and the final on cardiovascular fitness. We all know if your mind isn't into it, sometimes you just can't push yourself to workout. It's true a run or vigorous workout does wonders for releasing stress, but you must get yourself to the workout! How many times do you decide to just sit and vegetate rather than make it to the gym or go for that run? With the "Serenity Now" video, you can calm your mind and also give your body a gentle workout that may precede the more intense three videos in the series. The "Legs and Buns" video and the "Arms and Abs" video both concentrate on specific muscle groups and parts of the body. They contain intense yet peaceful, flowing postures that really work muscles you don't even know you had! The "Cardio Challenge" video is much the same and concetrates on a series of repetitive postures, beginning slowly and quickening the pace so you're performing flowing exact movements that will definitely get that heart rate up and make the brow sweat a bit. The key here is that they're intense but they don't involve a lot of jumping around. You can obtain just as good a workout through the peacefulness and serenity of yoga than if you were to take an aerobics step class with loud pounding music and twenty or thirty others jumping around you. 2. Lilias is not concerned with fancy footwear or body baring leotards. She is a beautiful woman and not your average every day gym rat in your local workout meat market. She has a very calm presence and one that's soothing and encouraging as well. She speaks in a pleasant, calm voice and warns you of problems you might encounter while going through the combinations of poses. Her demeanor belies the tremendous strength, agility and ability with which she performs the yoga poses. It's clear she's been doing this for years and years. In fact, when I was younger, I would watch her series on PBS as she had a yoga workout program on there for quite some time. 3. You don't need 1000 square feet of shining hardwood floors to use these videos. In fact, the exercises are completed barefoot and in comfortable clothes that allow movement, not restrict it. The postures are completed in a small space so you don't have to move that coffee table! 4. You don't need yoga mats or a block although you may find these things nice to have as you advance in your practice. Lilias suggests using pillows or a belt in place of the former and these work just as well. 5. The videos appeal to a wide range of people. I am a housewife and freelance writer. I am not athletic but manage to stay fit with my daily routine and by eating sensibly. My husband, on the other hand, is an army officer who runs quite a bit. I would say he's in prime physical condition. We started doing the videos together and not only do they appeal to the both of us and they're something we can do together at the end of a long day, they get his heart rate up as well, and they're much less taxing on the joints compared to running three or so miles a day as he's done. 6. The videos are short but provide the necessary daily workout time period. Each video is around 35 minutes in length so you're not saying, "I have no time to do an hour video." Just 35 minutes works wonders. They're such fun and I feel so good after doing one, I often do another and sometimes another. 7. They really do work! I'm not going to fib here. I don't enjoy exercise unless it has to do with swimming. I've never subscribed to high (or low for that matter!) impact aerobics, gym memberships or jogging. I've tried a few other workout videos but they were either too long or involved too much jumping around or were just plain boring. The day after I completed one of Lilias' videos, I could tell a difference in my body, and just this morning, after doing the "Cardio Challenge" with my husband last night, he awoke to pleasantly sore and taut muscles- a sure sign it's working! And, look how long yoga has been around. In my time in Nepal a couple summers ago, I never saw an out of shape yogi! 8. The pleasant background music, lovely postures with beautiful names AND a different "cool down" for each of the videos adds to the appeal of this series. Above all, if you find you need something different in your life in the way of exercise, and you're looking for a way to simplify your life (time to go to the gym...money for a membership or classes) and bring more peacefulness and serenity to your presence and being, these videos are definitely for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Nice for beginners
This DVD is a nice place to start for those who have no experience with yoga and have not been working out regularly. If you are a fairly consistent exerciser who works your abs frequently, this DVD will be too easy for you. Same goes for those at the intermediate yoga level. This DVD will only appeal to yoga novices and people, like me, who are pretty out of shape. For the pros and cons:

Pros:

1) The outdoor setting is very relaxing. It's a nice change of pace from those bright, fluorescent studios.

2) The instructors, Al and Jen, are friendly and motivational without being overly perky and annoying.

3) Both 20-minute segments provide a nice stretch and gently work your abs. This video is not difficult, so don't shy away if you're just starting yoga or working out again. Some of the poses, like the plank, are more difficult, but they are not held long enough to kill you.

Cons:

1) As the Amazon editorial reviewer says, this DVD will not give you rock hard abs. You will need to find something else if that's your goal.

2) Even for beginners, this will soon become very easy. Though it could provide a nice stretch/warm-up/cool-down for other routines.

3) In the first workout, Al spends a little too much time on instruction which will get annoying after the first few times. I tend to do Jen's segment because she talks less.

A final note: while the instructors encourage you to connect your mind and body and remind you of proper breathing, you don't get much meditation here or Eastern philosophy. This could be a plus or minus depending on what you're looking for.

Two short, relaxing workouts providing gentle abs stretch.
This tape consists of two short workouts--the box says that each is 20 minutes, though the actual timing is more like 18 minutes per workout. The first is led by Al Bingham with assistant Jen, and the second is Jennifer with assistant Jeanne. Both programs provide gentle stretching for the abs area. There is a lot of instruction, which is good for beginners, but it also detracts from the intensity of the workout. A few of the moves are held for an extended period of time and thus cause the muscles to work a little harder, but overall, I would classify this video as more of an abs relaxation/stretch rather than abs toning. For a more intense yoga workout for abs, I recommend Rodney Yee's Abs Yoga for Beginners.

Not a workout
If you are interested in this DVD you should check it out at the library, rent it or borrow a copy. It's not much of a workout or even a good yoga session. It's 2-20 minute sections, but there is no challenge and it's rushed. I would recommend Rodney Yee - Abs for Beginners instead of this one. I have a decent library of yoga/pilates DVDs/VHS and this one ranks lowest.

Not much of a challenge
Not much of a challenge but a good alternative in your workout menu.

Am I glad I bought this DVD!!!!!!!!!
I almost didn't buy this DVD because of some of the reviews on here, but I went ahead and did. I'm so glad! This is great for a beginner like me and it does indeed work my abs, while stretching me out at the same time. Also, the 2 sessions can be alternated or done back to back and I couldn't ask for a more convenient workout session--20 minutes is fantastic. This also seems like a program I can grow with--definitely worth the money! ... Read more

Description

Sculpt sleeker, leaner abs with a workout that¹s more efficient, satisfying and inspiring than situps or other one-dimensional abs workout techniques. Abs Yoga shows you how mind-body workouts and using the weight of your body can reshape your torso and leave you feeling centered and revitalized ‹ so you¹ll be more likely to do this workout often, and more satisfied with your results. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Living Yoga succeeds in re-creating its superb yoga programs for DVD with the three-in-one workout The Total-Body Yoga Workout, which combines the individual body part programs on one disc.

The first workout, Lower Body Yoga for Beginners, led by Suzanne Deason, is a fun, short routine that will help you to invigorate and stretch the lower body in a series of flowing postures, working to stretch, tone, and challenge one's muscles and balance. In the second segment, Rodney Yee leads Abs Yoga for Beginners, which is designed to firm and strengthen your abs while providing a soothing respite from your hectic lifestyle. The poses are, for the most part, simple to follow, although the beginner may need to ease into some of the positions. Finally, Yee leads us through Upper Body Yoga for Beginners, a workout that will stretch, strengthen, and energize the upper body. Yee flows through poses designed to develop an open, supported chest, which in turn promotes healthy circulation, breathing, digestion, and posture. For all of these programs, a firm blanket to sit upon is needed.

The extra features on this disc are the same as those on The All-Day Yoga Workout. Once again, the DVD format is ideal for a workout program--the chapter search makes it easy to skip the introduction and jump right into the body work. Or if you're short on time and just need to relax, you can move directly to the meditations. An extra feature, "Learning the Basics," has pictures of every pose with written instructions on how to do them, which is just the thing for beginners who feel befuddled when told to do a cow-face pose or gate pose. A section on props explains how to use straps, bricks, and mats in order to modify more difficult poses for less limber bodies. Finally, the interviews with Suzanne Deason, Patricia Walden, and Rodney Yee round out the DVD, making for a full program. This is the ultimate introduction to yoga; it's a workout regimen that's easy to incorporate into your daily life and fun enough to convince you to stick with it. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Beginners (and those with bad backs)...Beware!
I agree with the last few reviews. This DVD is quite difficult for a beginner who is: 1)UNfamiliar with the poses; 2)lacks upper/lower body strength; and, 3)has not worked out for an extended period of time. I bought this DVD as an extension to my at-home Pilates workout. While Pilates (the Performer/Reformer machine and tapes) starts you off slowly and works in more difficult positions as you get more into the workout, this *beginner* DVD took me AND my pulse by surprise! You'll surely be sweating up a storm, but the narrative instructions provided move too quickly...so that either you're trying to listen or constantly lifting your head to watch Yee demonstrate the moves. Of course, this defeats the whole purpose of "relaxing and centering yourself" because you become more concerned with catching glimpses of the moves. But--DO NOT be discouraged! If you do try out this DVD 5-6 times, consistently, you'll eventually get it. But, don't expect this DVD to smoothly transition you through the moves. My advice is this: check out the poses (stills) and practice them a few times on your own, so that when they're called out during the workout, you have a vague idea of what the moves look like. In addition, try to LISTEN to the instructions, instead of trying to watch them. The instructions alone are pretty specific and helpful, while trying to listen/watch can be confusing. IF this is your first-ever attempt at Yoga, and you insist on buying this DVD (like me), PLEASE start off with the ABS Yoga section of the DVD first. BE CAREFUL with moves that strain your back (if you have previous problems with this area). The ABS section moves slower, so you have the chance to feel what Yoga ought to do for you. ABS is challenging, but less confusing. NEXT, move to the Lower Body workout, and finally follow up with the Upper Body. My mistake was to begin with the Upper Body workout, and I started to panic about my abilties to continue with the workout altogether. Just barely made it! Also, if at all possible, take a couple of Yoga classes with a good instructor who'll give you hands-on help with the basic poses. It'll help you IMMENSELY with this DVD. FINAL Call: this is a very challenging and thorough (intermediate) workout, once you get the hang of the moves. Just be prepared for MAJOR muscle aches for a few days after your workout! Namaste.

Yoga or Tai Chi?
I just tried this DVD last night. I had the videos from before, but haven't used them for a few years. I tried the upper body workout. I'm not sure this is really for beginners as they move through the positions quickly and it makes it difficult if you aren't flexible enough to fully implement the positions. If they blast through the exercises, how does a beginner become more flexible without holding the position for more than a second? I would have preferred more info on the positions and how to prepare your body for performing them correctly and safely. The videos seemed more paced for beginners than this DVD. Almost seemed like tai chi more than yoga.

Yoga for beginners?
It may seem to some that I have rated this a little low; however, it is due to the fact that the dvd is presented as one for beginners. I am sure that these routines are a cakewalk for the more seasoned veteran, but they are certainly not for true beginners. I am a fairly flexible person, and I could not even get into a proper downward facing dog, much less the rest of the postures the lower body instructor zoomed through. I will stick with my beginner pilates routine for now and perhaps revisit this dvd in the future when I have gained more muscle tone and flexibility (I hope). Otherwise, I suggest it be retitled.

Be on your toes
I took a Yoga class at my gym for about a year and a half. My mom bought this DVD for me for christmas. They change the positions to quickly, it was not relaxing at all. You are supposed to hold your position for a least a minute. You really need to be on your toes for this video so don't expect to be relaxed when it's over. I found it to be very annoying and haven't watched it since.

An energizing yet relaxing sweat!
This DVD is filled with YOGA workouts for all aspects of the body. I have never done YOGA before and was able to easily follow instruction and was well on my way to health and wellness. YOGA is a low impact excersize but you sweat as if it were high impact, and the relaxing meditation at the end of the workouts are refreshing. ... Read more

Description

The goal of the program is to help you experience less back pain and more comfort.Developed and presented by two recongnized instructors-a professional athlete/KripaluYoga instructor and a sports rehabilitation chiropractor-Yoga for a Better Back is an easy to learn series of exercises proven to help back pain sufferers free themselves from back pain forever!You'll learn gentle, fun, therapeutic movements for healing and pain prevention.

*Breathing exercises
*Gentle stretching
*Yoga postures
*Spinal awareness
*Relaxation poses
*Back care tips

Presented with a sense of humor, the first section is an hour-long educational version designed to help you understand the exercises in less than 30 minutes.With Yoga for a Better Back, you'll have a workout you can do in a short time and get the results you desire-a pain free back. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

New Yoga DVD by Marlon Braccia
My intent is to allow yoga to encourage and deepen mastery of self (awareness) so I may reach my highest human potential. ~Yogi Marlon

Many Yoga workouts are too advanced for beginners, so I was excited to find a workout that stated: "for absolute beginners." I imagined it would contain all the basic and easy yoga moves I first learned when I started yoga.

This Yoga DVD has interesting aspects, but also has some issues that should be dealt with by the producers. Fortunately there is enough on this DVD to still make it worth purchasing.

For one, you get 7 sections:

1. Meet Yogi Marlon - An interesting section about how yoga changed Marlon Braccia's life. She appears in a silky crimson blouse and it looks similar to an interview where sections have been fused together to form a quick introduction to Marlon's life and philosophy. I'd like to see this type of section on all workout videos. You really get to know the instructor and I enjoy watching interviews. She recommends that we all do yoga for 30 minutes a day. I was impressed by her personality, her pleasant voice and her inner radiance. Yes, she looks like a young Elizabeth Taylor and is a natural beauty.

2. Ideas on Practice - Marlon has a great personality and is very comfortable with her body, her life and her practice. She gives advice while sitting on a carpet surrounded by plants. I like that she wears jewelry while doing yoga, it is pretty unique and emphasizes her femininity. Red is definitely her color. I really like the way she connects with the viewer.

3. Ujjayi Pranayama - Loved how she is by the ocean as waves are crashing behind her. She explains how breathing is similar to waves. Creative!

4. Beginner Practice 1 - My first experience working out with Marlon. This seems to be one of the Yoga Time shows from her instructional TV series. (I noticed that her name kept appearing as it would on TV.) This is one of the first times you can actually hear the yoga breathing. Marlon sits on a violet mat set on a beautiful Persian-style carpet. Peach or very light purple (depending on the light) curtains flow gently down to the carpet and sometimes move as if there is a breeze.
During this section you will learn breathing, cat pose, down dog, child's pose, sun salutations, warrior, inverted poses (with advanced versions) and a spinal twist. Except for the inverted pose, I think anyone who has been exercising moderately will be able to do these exercises. The inverted pose may take a while to learn. It took me a while! The first practice ends with a calming meditation.

5. Beginner Practice II - Marlon explains Yoga history and explains why Yoga works so well. While she says it is not a religion, she seems to be comparing it to a more freeing religion and also talks about universal consciousness. This is the first Yoga DVD I've done that explains some of the spiritual aspects of the practice. Although, you don't have to change your religion to practice yoga. The spirituality might just be that you feel more connected to your soul.

This section has many of the same exercises as the first Beginner Practice. Cat, child's pose, down dog, leg stretches and meditation are all included.

6. Basic Flexiblity - Lots of bending forward, awkward chair pose, moving cat, leg stretches. A calming workout.

7. Strengthen 1 - OK, I'm not sure what happened to the sound quality in this section. The yoga mat also seems to get more crumpled up and I'm imagining that the placement of the microphone is the problem. As Marlon bends over in various poses, you can hear a scratchy sound that is not her breathing. It sounds like the microphone is not in the correct position. Her jewelry might be hitting the microphone. Anyway, this happens at the start. A breathing section and a few more challenging poses complete this section. A few sound problems also occur. I wonder why this was not addressed, but hopefully it doesn't occur in the future DVDs.

Marlon is a woman of many interests. She enjoys doing research in the areas of nutrituion, herbology, aroma therapy, Bach flower remedies, gardening, fashion, feng shui and interior design. Her show Yoga Time with Marlon Braccia can be seen in LA, SF and NY.

While doing these workouts, I have to giggle, because my yoga mat is just about as wrinkled as hers. I mean, when are they going to invent a mat that stays put! At times she falls out of poses (very few times) or gets shaky, so that might be interesting because it is so realistic. It is more like actually being in a real yoga class. The music is very subtle and I wish it was a bit louder.

I'm going to give this a three for personality and for getting my interest, but the technical aspects of this DVD are about a two. If "sound" is a major issue for you, it is something to consider.

~TheRebeccaReview.com ... Read more

Description

With chronic back pain reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S., the need for effective non-drug relief and healing is leading more and more Americans to yoga for lasting results. Yoga can help you to create and maintain a strong and flexible back at any age. Back Care Yoga is an informative and inspiring yoga instruction program to release back tension, realign the spine and strengthen your core torso muscles to support lasting relief and prevent back pain and strain. Internationally acclaimed yoga instructor Rodney Yee leads three practice sessions to explore and understand your back, build strength and improve flexibility, and restore a healthy back. And this special DVD edition also includes insight on yogaŒs effectiveness for back health from a medical perspective, plus a bonus sequence of simple everyday techniques to counteract the effects of the prolonged chair-seated activities so prevalent in our society. ... Read more

Video Description

This programme is a complete workout using one of the most popular forms of Yoga. Also known as Ashtanga Yoga, these routines use your breath to link movements together in a flowing, fluid motion from one posture to the next, including the famous 'Sun Salutation' and 'Warrior' poses. Geared for both beginners and the more experienced, you will be able to work at a level you feel most comfortable. Familiarise yourself with the postures, whilst encouraging development of muscle strength, endurance and emotional balance. ... Read more