Customer Reviews

Bryan Kest - Power Yoga, Vol. 2 - Tone [VHS]

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I have been looking for a workout that I can do at home for a long time that makes me hurt just enough to know that I got a good workout. I've ordered Yoga tapes that are way too easy and felt like I wasted my money. This is the very best Yoga video I have ever bought. I tried it the first day and thought that it was crazy, and that I could never do any of these poses. The next morning I was aching; it felt awesome. I've done this video everyday since, as well some other cardiovascular stuff. I feel that I am finally getting into good shape. I give this tape an A+!!

At first I was skeptical of the hunky curly-headed Californian, but there is no doubt that Kest is a really great teacher. I've been a casual attender of yoga classes, so I was familiar with most of the poses he presents -- and I'd say this video is for people who are closer to intermediate than beginner. I've been working out to this video about five times a week for the past month and I haven't yet stopped feeling that wonderful soreness the next day that tells me I'm working my body. Mr. Kest is calm and not overly instructive. I'm able to concentrate on myself (instead of the TV) while he guides me from pose to pose. It's refreshing to find a video that is not geared to the straight out beginner, but offers some challenge. It ends up being accesible to a wide range of levels -- though I can approximate most of the poses, there is a lot of room for improvement. I think I'll be working this video for a long time. Recommended!

I have owned this video for a few months now, and I only use it when I cannot get to the gym once a week to take yoga from a live instructor. That said, the tape has quite a range of difficulty - there are some poses that are very difficult (or at least at my intermediate level) while most of the tape is approachable. Kest suggests alternative variations for different fitness levels for many positions. I have not found his style annoying at all and, for the most part, think he is very positive and laidback.

The focus here is on lunging and twisting, so for about 50 minutes that's what you do. By the end, you are happy to be finished, yet feeling good that you challenged yourself and completed it. I've read previous reviews that criticize Kest and his style (or the style of the video). All you need to do is follow his voice to move between poses. If you're doing the yoga, you don't see the video so any "posing" you're exposed to is when you watch the video as a prelude to what you'll be doing in your actual practice. Kest's series is great. All three videos pay attention to each area of your body, so you don't feel like you've spent too much time on one area while neglecting another. This yoga awakens and enlivens you. It's how the yoga makes you feel, more than how the video looks or sounds that's important!

If you are tired of your normal routine and looking for something different but yet challenging, this video along with Bryan Kest's Volume 3 "Sweat" video is GREAT! I am a former gym junkie who used to spend hours in the gym on the treadmill, in the aerobic studio, in the weight room, etc. After awhile, it gets old and you realize your body will not last forever if you do not take care of it. Yoga is so much better for your body and mind! Alternating Videos 2 and 3 have kept me as toned and fit as if I was in the gym! However, it is much, MUCH better for me physically and mentally. Also, it is in the convience of my own home. Bryan does not use all the technical yoga terms, which I do not mind. What I do care about is that he definitely gives you an awesome workout. I consider myself in good shape and the next day I am sore after doing his videos! He holds poses long enough for you to get a good stretch and for your muscles to really work. Yet he moves quickly enough throughout the video so that you don't get bored. He has done a fabulous job in my opinion of putting these videos together. Another aspect I like is the fact that he stresses the importance of doing the best you can, and not judging yourself against anyone else. Sometimes my mom will do part of the video, although she cannot do it all, she feels at ease with his comforting comments that we all have different bodies and we must respect our limits and respect our bodies. Try it :) I think you will like it!

Make no mistake; this is not a workout for people new to yoga. I've been practicing yoga for two years, and this workout was challenging. However, I never felt any "peer pressure" to do anything I didn't feel ready for. Mr. Kest does an excellent job presenting a class that works the body vigorously that also soothes and calms the mind. I'm very happy with my tape and would recommend it to others.

Despite comments made to the contrary, I didn't notice any strong accent in Mr. Kest's voice. I do wish I heard him more clearly at times; the sound quality on the tape is a bit lacking. This can be a bit frustrating, as many yoga positions make one face away from the screen!

I purchased this tape when I had only a beginner to yoga, practicing mainly yoga zone workouts. I really wanted something I could grow with so I went with the reviews. This tape really is great- for so many reasons. When I started, I could only do 20 minutes or so at a time. Now I have worked my way up to doing the whole workout- and even though I flow through the program, there are still many many postures that I have to improve upon and strength to gain. I have done this work out so many times, but I still look forward to Brian (he makes it all worth while) saying "this is our yoga for the day, let's respect ourselves". Quite inspiring. Finally, this production really makes you feel like you are in his studio attending his class. There are no strange lights, smoke, or unusual settings. You feel like you are right there- I find that much more enjoyable. Basically, I have bought and used many yoga tapes and this one is so far the best I have found. If you want something that will keep you interested and challenged for a long time, this is it!

This year I have purchased half a dozen yoga videos and borrowed even more from the library. This was the worst video - I hope nobody has hurt themselves doing it. If you are strong and healthy already and want something besides weights and stretching -- this would be ok, but I wouldn't really call it yoga. Videos I do recommend? Total Yoga with Tracey Rich is a great, balanced hour long session. David Swenson's Ashtanga Short forms offers three sessions on one tape (15/30/45 minute). I can't decide which is better. If you are new to Ashtanga/Power/Vinyasa Yoga then Power Yoga (stamina version) with Rodney Yee is good. (the only one my Mom can do). If you are experienced -- move on to David Swenson's Ashtanga First Series. No matter what video's you choose -- taking classes with qualified teachers makes all the difference in the world.

I have mixed feelings on this one. It's hard to take Kest seriously. It's hard to take _anybody_ seriously when they attempt to use the fact that they train "the stars" (celebrities, that is) to gain credibility.

He does not adequately explain how to get into most of the poses, and the video fails to help as the camera is often zoomed too far in or too far out. I, too, found myself wondering what the heck I was supposed to be doing. I did like some of Kest's coaching comments, especially his reminder that not all of us have the same bodies so the poses are going to look different for different people. I also like his gentle urging to push yourself to the edge.

Yes, the warehouse setting is distracting if not disturbing; the music even more so. Both seem at odds with yoga meditative environments.

I would call this "Power Yoga" an Americanized version of yoga, adapted to fit into American lifestyles with a hint of rebellion against traditional yoga principles. I, for one, think a lot of substance was sacrificed in the process.

This is probably the best power yoga video on the market, even after all these years. For me, there is no other video that so completely strengthens, stretches and releases the power of the lower body. Even after doing this tape and others regularly for several years, I still enjoy the chance this tape provides to dig deep into the legs and release the power present in our bodies. Also, while this tape is a well-balanced workout, it does not hit the upper body as hard a some tapes (most tapes seem to hit the upper body harder than the legs) so it is a key change of pace and counterpoint to tapes hitting the upper body hard. If you relax, sink into these poses and breathe deeply, you will feel a great strength and energy the whole day!