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DVD Review: Yoga Link — Core Integration

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Looking for some new moves to tone your core muscles? The DVD Core Integration ($19.95) is designed to strengthen you from the inside out. The exercises are meant to not only target your abdominal muscles, but they'll also strengthen weak muscle tissue, awaken sluggish organs, stretch scar tissue, and cultivate vibrancy in your nervous system. It's important to strengthen your core for spinal stability and digestive health, but it also makes us feel good about ourselves to have tight abs.

I'm a fan of this DVD because the instructor gives you a little three-minute anatomy lesson of your core muscles, and describes how each muscle moves your spine. Very cool. Then in the workshop portion of the DVD, she shows you how to use props (a mat, block, wall, and a foam roller) to do some really awesome core-strengthening moves that target your rectus abdominals, obliques, and your transverse abdominals, and psoas (you'll learn what these are if you watch the video). She does a great job of explaining each move as she's doing it, and describes what's happening in your body as you do each exercise. I haven't learned this much from a yoga DVD in a long time.

After the 71-minute workshop portion, she guides you through a 57-minute core practice, which includes a flow sequence of all the exercises you learned in the workshop. These moves were amazing, and I worked muscles in my abs I never reach with regular crunches. I definitely recommend this video if you're really into strengthening your core.

DVD Review: Shiva Rea — Creative Core Abs

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0700

I'm always looking for ways to sculpt and strengthen my abs without having to do crunches, so I was psyched to try Shiva Rea's Creative Core Abs ($9.99). I've loved her Yoga DVDs in the past (especially Fluid Power — Vinyasa Flow Yoga), so I had a feeling this would be just as great. Her voice is calming, her instructions are clear, and her routines are always challenging.

The DVD includes three short workouts: Water Core (10 min), Spontaneous Core (8 min), and Fire Core (10 min); you can do all three in a row, or choose which ones you want to do. The sequencing is very fluid and dance-like, so the time goes by really quickly. It definitely doesn't feel like yoga. Shiva encourages you to explore your range of motion, and even though this video was focused on the abs, the movements strengthened and stretched my upper and lower back, hips, quads, shoulders, and neck too. Cool to know that even Shiva Rea is all about the core.

If you're looking for a DVD that works your abs in a unique way you can order it here or rent it through Netflix.

Move It at Home: Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:30:00 -0800

The DVD Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress ($14.99) is designed to wake up the dormant kundalini energy that lies in your fourth chakra. Once you wake up this energy, it will awaken your spirit, energize your body, and relax your mind. Too bad this DVD totally put me to sleep.

I did really like the calming all-white background and the melodic music Maya Feinnes (the instructor) made herself. The actual movement part was what didn't do it for me. She basically did 40 minutes of seated warm-up exercises to work the neck, spine, and hips. Forty minutes of sitting down! This is not at all like the butt-kicking yoga I'm used to. The movements were really repetitive, so it's great for beginners and if you're in the mood to move slowly, but really boring if you're expecting to move more.

She also says a lot of spiritual affirmations like "challenge yourself; release your old stagnant energy; your future is clear; don't give up; you're almost there," which are a little weird. The breathing and sound exercises really added to the whole snooze factor for me. This wasn't much of a workout at all, so it'd be perfect for someone who needed to release tension and stress.

Want to see a clip of this DVD to see what I mean? Then

Move It at Home: Better Sex Through Yoga - Volume 2

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:00:00 -0800

A while back I reviewed the beginner yoga DVD, Better Sex Through Yoga, Volume 1. Well, I decided it was time to get a little more advanced, or rather intermediate and try Volume 2 ($14.95), the Intermediate edition. This isn't an erotic video with explicit instructions of the Kama Sutra sex positions. It's just like any other yoga video, except this 46 minute workout focuses on opening your hips, hamstrings, and lower back.

Although I really did like the creative sequencing of postures, I must say I found the close up shots of the instructor's shorty shorts, not only unnecessary but unprofessional as well. I thought Volume 2 was a bit more cheesy than the first volume since it included the same annoying music and even more repetitions of the instruction to "Breathe deeply into your sexual core." It also has more of a hint of sexuality, which aggravated me since yoga isn't about sex (for me anyway). I think I might buy this for a yoga friend as a gag gift, or for newlyweds, but aside from that, I'd rather practice along with the many other better yoga videos out there.

Move It at Home: Power to the Peaceful Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:00:00 -0800

If you're a fan of Jivamukti Yoga, or have always wanted to check out this style of yoga, here's a video for you to try called Power to Peaceful Yoga ($14.99). Sharon Gannon and David Life, the founders of this invigorating type of yoga, collaborated with musician Michael Franti (from Spearhead) to bring you this DVD. Jivamukti Yoga isn't limited to just stretching your body. It connects yoga with music, social justice, the practice of non-violence, vegetarianism and laughter for a more fulfilling practice. It's for people looking to deepen their self awareness, strengthen their relationships with others, and work towards a more peaceful world.

The practice opens with chanting and yogic breathing, and then moves right into Sun Salutations variations. Sharon and David give very specific directions and descriptions of the poses and movements, so even though this video moves quickly (which I love), it's easy to follow along. This flowing practice focuses on following the breath and opening the body, so you feel strong, calm, and centered.

This is one of the best yoga DVDs I've tried because it involves a challenging practice, but also brings in the spiritual aspect of yoga which can get lost in mainstream yoga videos. I recommend this to yoga newbies and experienced practitioners as well. You can buy it directly from Acacia.

Move It at Home: Shiva Rea — Radiant Heart Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:45:00 -0800

There are many yoga DVDs out there, and I'm definitely a fan of the ones made by Shiva Rea. She has such a calm and mesmerizing voice that guides you into a state of tranquility. Her videos are shot in breathtaking scenery accompanied by beautiful, melodic music. Plus, they're great for both beginners and advanced yogis who want to deepen their yoga practice to more than just a physical experience.

I just picked up her latest DVD, called Radiant Heart Yoga ($15). There are three parts to this video, the first of which is called Prayer Wheel. It's eight minutes of slow and deliberate repeated movements that get you in touch with your heart center, which helps bring your awareness to the powerful energy within you.

Rea then moves on to the second part, Heart Salutation, which begins with gentle poses that open the spine, hips, and hamstrings, and then moves on to to deeper stretches like backbends and twists. She encourages you to flow through your movements naturally and open through the chest. I love how she'll show you a pose, and then give intermediate variations if you want to take the pose further.

The third and final section, Energizing Heart Movement Mediation, is a three-minute sequence of movements meant to rid your rib cage of built-up stagnant energy.

I really liked this DVD, because not only did the sequence of postures stretch and strengthen my body, but I also loved how the poses were focused on opening the heart center. The experience is much more spiritual than physical, and by the end I felt centered, light, and full of love.

Move it at Home: Yoga for Athletes

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Have you ever heard of Kimberly Fowler? She's got quite the story. In 1982, she got hit by a car in a bike race that left her severely injured. A physical therapist introduced her to Iyengar Yoga, and it helped her to heal and realign her body, and she began competing as a triathlete again.

She is now the NIKE Yoga Spokeswoman and she trains all levels of athletes in her Yoga for Athletes and YAS (Yoga and Spinning) classes and workshops.

This DVD called YOGA for ATHLETES, is based on her knowledge and experience with sports and yoga. It's a practice combining the elements of Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga. The sequencing of poses are carefully selected with the athlete in mind, to work your hips, hamstrings, core abdominals and upper body. She believes that these are the areas that athletes abuse and injure, so they need special attention.

I loved the difficulty of this DVD. It moved slowly, but you end up holding poses for a long time, which really challenges your muscles and your mind. The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the background rock music, which was easily remedied - I just shut off the sound on the DVD and pumped up my favorite Krishna Das CD.

This video is perfect for someone who likes to push themselves physically, and wants the benefits of yoga without the flowery spiritual stuff. I laughed out loud when I read the front cover that says: "Yoga is a Sport. No Chanting. No Granola. No Sanskrit." This DVD is all about moving, stretching and strengthening your body through the power of Yoga. Order it directly from the YAS website for $24.95.

Move it at Home: Beryl Bender Birch Power Yoga - The Practice

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Sometimes you have to stick with a winner, and even though Beryl Bender BIrch's Power Yoga: The Practice DVD came out in 2002, it illustrates Ashtanga Yoga's Primary Series beautifully. Since this series of poses never changes, this DVD is timeless.

It illustrates the poses of Primary Series just like David Swenson's Primary Series DVD, but what I love about this video is that the instructor is a woman. You won't just see her on a mat perfectly demonstrating the poses on some pristine mountainside or meadow either. The video is filmed as she instructs a class of students with all different body types and levels of flexibility and strength. That way you can see modifications for all the poses.

I had the honor of taking her Power Yoga Workshop many years ago, and Beryl's personality is so warm, kind, and supportive. She realizes that Primary Series is difficult, so she encourages you to listen to your own body and not push yourself too hard. I love that she realizes that practicing yoga is all about becoming aware and open, and not so much about how deeply you can forward bend. I'd recommend this DVD to beginner's and advanced Ashtanga yogis.

The entire practice is 90 minutes long, but you can do as much as you want. I like to pop it in when I can't make it to a class, or if I need to stretch after a run. I also like to bring it along with my laptop when I go on trips. Now I have no excuse to forgo exercise while I'm away from home. Order it from Amazon for $13.99.

Move it at Home: Power Yoga - Total Body

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Yoga DVDs are a great option when you can't make it to a class. They're great to do anytime of the day, and you really can't have enough in your home library. I am always on the lookout for good ones, especially from well-known instructors.

I came across this video from Gaiam featuring Rodney Yee called Power Yoga - Total Body. The introduction was sweet and inspirational - it talked about the purpose of your yoga practice, and how to make it as spiritual as it is physical.

The workout part of the video is 60 minutes long, so you can do as much as you have time for. The actual practice starts off slow and steady, focusing on matching your inhales and exhales with your movements. As the practice continues, Rodney begins with basic poses and gradually builds to make the practice deeper. His voice is so deep and calming, that I never felt rushed, and the gorgeous Hawaiian coastline left me feeling light and happy.

This video is in Vinyasa format, so it includes a lovely sequence of yoga postures that flow into one another, like a dance. The class incorporates a beautiful balance of forward bends, backbends, twists and arm balancing poses for a total body workout.

It's really easy to follow along because it's just him on a gorgeous mountain, with no other distractions. His instructions are simple, so this video is great for beginners. It's also great for people who have been practicing yoga a while, because if you can't make it to a class, this video will work your entire body, leaving your muscles stretched and your mind calm. Get it through Amazon for only $8.99.

Move it at Home: Together - The Art of Partnered Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I love doing yoga alone, but there is something amazing and profound about practicing with someone else. Partner Yoga is an equal exchange of giving and receiving, using the healing power of touch. It's about making a connection with yourself, with another, and with the world around you using the breath and the body. As you move in harmony with another, you share physical and emotional support, respect, encouragement, laughter, and joy.

If you're interested in learning more about Partner Yoga, you must check out this DVD called Together: The Art of Partnered Yoga by Mishabae ($17.99 through Amazon). Her explanations are easy to understand and follow, with modifications for beginners included.

In the four "Energy Sequences," she and a partner demonstrate the flow of poses with only music, so you can get a sense of the movements. If you want to hear the explanation of those four sequences (which is really helpful), there is also a segment called "Instructional Sequences," so you can better understand how to get into the poses.

The sequences are creative and inspirational, filled with compassion and serenity. Just watching these two people move together with dance-like grace to the peaceful music is extremely calming - just imagine what it will feel like when you do it.

Fit's Tips: Partner Yoga isn't just for "lovers." Any two people can benefit from practicing yoga together as a way to stretch your muscles and deepen your relationship. It's for mother and daughter, sister and brother, or two close friends. Through your combined yoga practice, together you achieve what wouldn't be possible on your own.

Move it at Home: Shiva Rea - Sun Salutations DVD

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:45:00 -0700

I'm a huge fan of Shiva Rea. I love her serene yet inspiring energy in her yoga DVD Fluid Power. So I was really excited to check out the DVD Sun Salutations.

This DVD goes back to the basics, and she demonstrates how to do variations of Sun Salutations. You can choose from 5 short video segments: "classic practice," "surya namaskar A & B," "dancing warrior 1 & 2," "dancing warrior 3 & 4," and "lunar flow." Each one is only about 10-20 minutes long so you can easily fit one into your day. They can help gently wake you up for a quick morning practice. They're also a nice way to unwind in the evening. I also love doing Sun Salutations right before a run - it helps to warm my muscles up, and focus my mind.

Shiva Rea is well-known for her passionate teaching style. She describes the details of the various postures in a way that it easy to follow. Also, the videography of her DVDs surpass all others I've seen. She chooses the most amazing sites for filming. The image is so crisp and breathtaking - I feel like I'm there with her.

I definitely recommend this DVD ($14.99 through Amazon) to beginners and people looking to relieve stress. Following Shiva Rea's unique and slow flow of postures and listening to her sultry voice and the sensual music makes me feel an incredible sense of peace and openness.

Move it at Home: Baron Baptiste - Journey into Power

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

You know I'm a huge fan of Baron Baptiste and I love his LIVE DVD, Soul of Strength. He's got such incredibly positive and inspiring energy, it made me want to check out his other videos.

After making the LIVE DVDs, he went on to write a book called Journey Into Power. A year later, he made a 2-DVD video series also called Journey Into Power - Level 1 and Level 2.

These videos are filmed as he leads a group of actual yoga students through his Power Vinyasa class. These are regular people - not yoga models - so you can see how individual body types do the poses differently.

They're a great introduction to Vinyasa Yoga because throughout the entire video, he is constantly giving tips about form and technique. He also explains modifications for poses, so they're great for beginners. Advanced yoga poses are also included, so these videos are great for experienced yoginis as well.

I just love Baron's down-to-earth attitude, and his creative sequencing. If you can't make it to a class, or want to know more about body alignment and technique, the Journey into Power DVDs are the next best thing.

Move It at Home: Shiva Rea - Fluid Power - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 13:00:00 -0800

Looking for a yoga DVD that's actually good? Then you must check out Shiva Rea's newest program Fluid Power - Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Shiva Rea is one of the most inspirational yoga teachers out there, full of energy and kindness.
Moving with natural flow, Rea’s completely original yoga style enhances vitality, agility, and creativity while building strength and flexibility. Take it from me, you won't get bored of the DVD.

The DVD contains many sections, and her "yoga matrix" allows you to customize your practice by choosing which ones you want to do. You can also choose from one of the six pre-set practices from basic to advanced, or meditative to energetic.

Filmed at the White Sands National Park, the breathtaking scenery and the unique music make this video both beautiful and soothing. Shiva Rea's dynamic movements and flow of yoga poses make it challenging and fun.

Her flow begins by warming you up with one pose and then gradually adds poses until you are performing a fluid and graceful yoga dance. I can't recommend this DVD enough. Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

Move it at Home: David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga: First Series

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:00:00 -0800

David Swenson is an incredibly well-known yoga instructor and practitioner. He began practicing when he was 13 and was introduced to Ashtanga at 19 by David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff (also very well known). Plus he studied with K. Pattabhi Jois, the master of Ashtanga.

His DVD, Ashtanga Yoga: First Series, available through Amazon for $24.95, is wonderful whether you are first learning or have been practicing for years.

There's a 30 minute intro explaining the foundations of the practice. Immediately following is the complete fully guided First Series, in the traditional flowing rhythm essential to Ashtanga Yoga. Ending with a guided deep relaxation, the series is about 1 1/2 hours long.

David's delivery of the basic principles is clear and down-to-earth. It's easy to follow along, and I love that he offers modifications so all levels of yogis will be able to follow along.

I definitely recommend this video if you want to learn First Series, or if you've already fallen in love with it. It's challenging both physically and mentally, yet very rewarding.

Move it at Home: Seane Corn - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 11:17:04 -0800

Seane Corn is one of the most amazing yoga instructors to work with. If you can take a workshop with her, I highly recommend it - it'll change your life.

I was so excited to try out her DVD, Vinyasa Flow Yoga - Uniting Movement and Breath, when it came out, so I could have her amazing energy and encouragement right there in my living room whenever I wanted it.

This is the poetic intro at the beginning of the video, and it's the most beautiful and passionate explanation of yoga I have ever heard. If it doesn't inspire you to get on your mat, I don't know what will.

Want to find out more about this DVD? Then