Product Details

• Actors: Ali MacGraw, Erich Schiffmann
• Directors: Claudio Droguett
• Producers: Ali MacGraw, Larry Perel, Rob Newman
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: October 19, 1994
• Run Time: 53 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (274 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303243606
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,141 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Clean white sand and a cool predawn sky are the backdrops for this stunningly produced video, complete with an upbeat New Age soundtrack. Don't be put off by the MTV-like camera work, as this video constitutes an excellent, well-balanced workout. Ali MacGraw and a supporting cast of something-for-everyone models work through this 50-minute routine, overseen by yoga master Erich Schiffman. The first minutes focus on ujjayi breathing, then MacGraw leads us through a complete practice of shoulder stretches, sun salutations, back bends and twists, and standing poses. No equipment is required, but a sticky mat is recommended. Unlike other videos targeted for beginners, Yoga Mind & Body does not offer modifications for difficult poses and so is best suited for practitioners with some previous experience. --Jhana Bach

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

150 of 154 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars visually beautiful full yoga practice, June 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Ali MacGraw - Yoga Mind & Body [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This was the first yoga video I ever bought. I had a hard time following it at first, but after a few months of a regular group yoga practice I could do every asana with reasonable grace. If you buy this video (and I think you should), I recommend that you watch it at least 3 times before trying any of the poses. It helped me to write down the sequence of the poses so I could remember what came next. Please go slowly if you are a beginner. Start with just the sun salutation series and learn it before you move on. You WILL progress through the whole video, but don't push yourself too fast. The video rewards you with great music, beautiful visuals and a logical sequencing of yoga poses. It shows a gentle sun-salutation series. When I need more upper body conditioning, I add a yoga push-up and change the cobra to an up-dog. The only complaint I have is that it is hard for beginners to see a full pose on the screen from beginning to ending -- especially during the sun salutation series. The camera cuts from actor to actor doing the same pose, and I became confused as to exactly how to move through the whole pose. I ended up looking at books to figure it all out -- alignment is so important, especially to beginners. Having said that, once I knew what I was doing, I enjoyed seeing the cut-away shots of the sky, sand and trees. Some other videos are boring because you only see a full shot of a yoga instructor going through the poses. This video is never boring, even after 4 years of watching it. I sometimes watch it just to relax, without doing any yoga myself.

86 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Please don't believe the bad reviews..., July 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ali MacGraw - Yoga Mind & Body [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I was saddened to see a few bad reviews for this wonderful video. Of course everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but as someone who has been a student of yoga on and off for years, and as someone with terrible chronic back problems I find this to be a safe, effective and challenging session. It seems like it's over so quickly but it really does stretch and tone the entire body if done correctly. I have to wonder if those who found it too difficult might have been pushing too hard or trying to match the level of the people on the tape. And for those who find it boring, they may not be comfortable with meditative arts like yoga and tai chi. Some people find it frustrating and difficult to slow down and hold postures and prefer more traditional exercise classes. But please be assured that this tape has been praised by so many for a good reason. The instructor is wonderful and passionate, but calm and guides you into a state of having a clear mind and a fulfilling practice session. The poses are good for beginner to more advanced students; beginners will find it very challenging, more advanced students will find it very relaxing. I certainly hope they follow this up someday with another video.

66 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and inspiring, July 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ali MacGraw - Yoga Mind & Body [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I did a yoga class over 5 years ago and loved it. I bought AM/PM Yoga and have been doing it daily, finding it deceptively simply but very effective for my upper back and neck pain, and my posture. I am one of those people who find my shoulders up around my ears in times of stress. At the same time I ordered this tape, based on the reviews, thinking I would have it when I was ready to move on to a little more challenge and a longer "workout" than either AM/PM offers. I watched it through completely and felt daunted, but it was so beautiful, and I knew that when I was a little more flexible I would try it. Today I tried it for the first time and it's so amazing. Not as hard as I thought, especially if you are easy on yourself and do what you can do gently, as the instructor advices. By the time we got to the meditation/relaxtion at the end I couldn't believe the time had passed so quickly. I also experienced a powerful energy in my chest area, and understood what is meant by yoga being for your soul as well as your body. That was completely unexpected for me, as I was really only initially interested in feeling better, more toned and flexible physically. Like many of the other reviewers, I would love if they or Eric Schiffer would please do another video. The guidance through is wonderful, the music and scenery as well. This is a beautiful tape that I feel would be hard to tire of.