Customer Reviews

Ashtanga Yoga, The Practice - First Series

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This video is a great argument for looking for all your yoga workouts on DVD. David Swenson has a wonderful understanding of ashtanga yoga, and the first 45 or so minutes of the video is an introductory section of him explaining each movement and showing alternatives for those at different fitness levels. It's great, but I get VERY tired of having to fast-forward to the actual beginning of the practice every time I want to use this tape.
Having said that, the practice itself is great, and Swenson challenges yet encourages and reassures at the same time. I'm waiting for his practices to come out on DVD so I can chuck the video and continue using this for my daily practice.
Also, the practice is fairly long (over an hour) so it's great for when you have time to do a concentrated session but I don't recommend it for people who only have time for twenty minute practices inbetween other activities. If you do have the time, though, it's wonderful; it's the only tape I have that leaves me feeling as limber and challenged and calm all at once as an actual yoga class with a real teacher.
This video also wins me over by avoiding one of my major pet peeves: there's no crappy, New Agey soundtrack in the background drowning out the teacher, and I can play my own music while I practice. Big big plus.

David Swenson gives a great explanation of the primary series in this video. He's very gentle in his approach. He even gives alternatives for people who can't complete the asanas. I do wish he gave more info about how to work your way into certain asanas as opposed to just sit and wait. I think this is a great accompaniment video for anyone who already has an ashtanga practice or is just beginning but going to a class as well.