Yoga Journal's Yoga for Strength and Energy Review
...and I only got through the first session!
I've been practicing yoga for about 2 months now and definitely consider myself a beginner. However, I was looking for something to increase my strength through yoga. I preveiwed the DVD first and then performed session 1 this morning. *WOW*
I really like the way Yee holds the poses in session 1 for a long time. I couldn't make it through the entire 2 minutes of downward dog, but this gives me something to practice toward achievement. I've actually done a shoulderstand in yoga class, but only once and I don't think I performed it correctly via this DVD. I would think if one has a bad back or a strain, one should skip this portion of the DVD until one works with a yoga practitioner that can assist with proper posing. Incidentally, the Downward Dog pose where you bend your elbows is TOUGH! While these are only performed 3 times, I only made it twice - and barely at that! One of the last poses of session 1 is where we take our leg (with or without a strap, depending on your flexiblity) and move your leg on the outside of the body and then across. A bit challenging, but what a great stretch. I really felt my hips open up.
Rodney Yee is quickly becoming one of my favorite yoga masters. I've viewed several of his tapes and have enjoyed them all. His voice is clear and soothing; his instruction is great and he is in great shape.
If you're a beginner who has the courage to try a more stenous yoga practice, then I recommend this DVD. It's a nice alternative to building flexibility and meditation. I practiced this DVD this morning and I feel as though I can take on anything work has to throw at me. It also gives me a goal - to finish both sessions at one shot! It will take time, but I'll get my money's worth out of this DVD!
Yoga Journal's Yoga for Strength and Energy Overview
This Yoga Journal DVD contains two workout programs: "Yoga Practice for Strength" and "Yoga Practice for Energy."
In "Yoga Practice for Strength," teacher Rodney Yee begins the lesson with variations of sun salutations and poses such as the dog, triangle, and others. In the second, more intense sequence, Yee leads the bridge, shoulder stand, warrior, and balancing poses, his narration soothing and his technique inspiring. Very difficult poses, such as the crane pose and pendulum pose, comprise the end of the set. This session is not recommended for those new to yoga because it is quite strenuous; students should first be familiar with the vinyasas to ensure that the poses are reached and held correctly.
"Yoga Practice for Energy" is a different kind of workout. Filmed at the beach on Maui, the sessions Awakening, Centering, Creativity, Reflection, and Surrender offer movements that follow the cycle of the sun through the course of a day. Viewers are encouraged to first try the entire tape several times, and then use the sessions that correspond to their needs at any particular time. For example, if you've just trudged in the door from a hectic day, you may want to use the Reflection session, in which "a cooling, tranquil series of forward bends and hip openers let all activities of the day seep in like watercolors setting into paper." Almost no narrative accompanies the five practice sessions, and if you are a beginner you may feel lost at first viewing. Have no fear: the DVD contains a wonderful appendix to which you can refer for tips on technique and variations on poses. --Jhana Bach
Related Products
Customer Reviews
Good practice, but slow... - Rachele B. Ford - Orange County, CA
I really like Rodney Yee as a video instructor, but this video was a bit slow. the movements were pretty basic and I would recommend it for beginners but not imtermediate yogis!
AWESOME RODNEY YEE! - Dee A. Marfe - Selkirk, NY United States
Yoga Journal's Yoga for Strength and Energy
Love this DVD! Gets me moving, energized and centered for my day. Would not want to be without it. I would recomend Gaiam's DVD to everybody but to have a Rodney Yee DVD makes it all the more special. Go and get Centered, you will find that once you try these DVD from Gaiam with Rodney, you'll never want to go a day without.
Not for advanced yogis, but not for beginners either - Alison Aves - San Francisco, CA, USA
It's really strange -- the poses and sequences, and the pace at which Yee does them, seem to suggest that this is for someone who's done little or no yoga before. His pacing is really uneven -- he sometimes says "inhale, exhale" very abruptly before changing poses, but then when he's moving from standing forward bend up to mountain pose, it takes about 15 bizarrely long seconds. He doesn't talk about pacing yourself with your breath at all. I have done a lot of yoga, so I generally know where my hips are supposed to be, that my shoulders should stay down when reaching overhead, etc., but he doesn't talk you through those things at all, so beginners would probably be tottering all over the place. And he uses strange terms for things -- what I've always heard called "extended side triangle pose" he calls "side stretch pose." Very unsatisfying DVD -- not surprised they stopped producing it.
Still a Favorite! - Arlene D. - Portland, ME
I came on here looking for the DVD version and could not find it. I have had this tape for years and use the Energy section for a flexibility workout. I love the way the sequence flows. Watching Rodney and the women is like watching a beautiful dance and it is soothing as a meditation. It makes me feel like a beautiful dancer as well! It always leaves me balanced and uplifted and blissed.
I hope they release this on DVD soon. My tape is getting worn.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 30, 2010 12:55:17
Visit : Find more save about Digital SLR Camera .digitallife shop find more best about Gps tracking info find the best natural yoga mat and yoga mat where you can find about orlistat.alli and weight loss find about save protein powder and whey proteins
