Product Details

• Actors: Sara Ivanhoe
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, Spanish
• Dubbed: French, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: ANCHOR BAY
• DVD Release Date: September 24, 2002
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (147 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00006FMB2
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,996 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The name may suggest a bedtime yoga routine, but these deep stretches and restorative postures are also appropriate in conjunction with a cardio or strength training workout--or as a stress buster at any time of day. Instructor Sara Ivanhoe has a soothing, encouraging manner, but dispenses with the pseudo-spiritualism of some programs (as opposed to the real Eastern philosophy espoused in more serious efforts). She takes the time to explain the essential yogic breathing and each posture is clearly demonstrated--including modifications. After seated stretches, she teaches a series of kneeling cat poses, launches into down dog, and a standing twist. For balance: tree pose, then lunges, forward bends, and a butterfly stretch. This 43-minute practice isn't particularly advanced or strenuous, so beginners will be fine. Also included is a 16-minute "wake-up" routine, intended specifically for energizing in the morning with a standing cat stretch, pyramid pose and a squat. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Product Description

Soothing Yoga for Stress Relief and Relaxation Welcome to Crunch Fitness. You'll unwind and drain your tension away with this soothing, restorative yoga program. In just thirty minutes, melt anxiety into tranquility with yoga postures specifically chosen to release tension, increase strength, improve balance, and enhance flexi-bility. Don't let the candles fool you; you can do this workout any time as a personal "pick me up." The emphasis on breathing and meditation will help you feel recharged and renewed; it may even help you sleep better. There is more to health than being thin or fit. A little yoga every day is the best R & R you can wish for. All fitness levels. A yoga mat or a non-slippery surface and bare feet are highly recommended. The CRUNCH Philosophy: The CRUNCH fitness program welcomes people from all walks of life regardless of shape, size or ability. We created a workout environment that is not competitive or judgmental. Enjoy these favorite classes with imaginative instructors in an atmosphere that makes working out fun. Meet the instructor: Sara Ivanhoe, Los Angeles. Certified yoga instructor. Fitness philosophy: Yoga is like a marathon, not a sprint; slow and safe persistence gives you the best results. The main thing is to have fun and keep your sense of humor. Enjoy and you're more likely to stick to it. Favorite binge food: pasta. Please consult your physician before beginning this or any other exercise program.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

87 of 90 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the most soothing stress relief ever January 27, 2003

By A Customer

Format:VHS Tape|Amazon Verified Purchase

This video is FANTASTIC. While I was doing it I truly had a sense of peace and well-being, in my mind AND in my body. The instructor is amazing. She does an excellent job of guiding the breathing, something I have trouble with because of my asthma. My breathing can get more hiccuppy than smooth, and her constant reminders helped a lot. The series of poses is flowing and exceptionally relaxing, and the instructor guides you through various modifications for all levels of flexibility and yoga experience. I don't know the names of every pose, but there are twists, forward bends, the famous downward facing dog(don't do it in front of your boyfriend!), and balance poses. She does an excellent job of guiding your form and constantly reminds you to relax, not to push yourself, and proper breath technique. I felt that this tape was accessible to anybody and I LOVE it. All the elements came together...lovely set, incredible instructor, soothing music, and constant encouragement and reminders to stay relaxed. To give you some idea of my fitness level, I work out 5 days a week, do cardio and weight training(for about 2 years), and consider myself definitely a novice at yoga, although I do have good natural flexibility. I'm telling you this because often with reviews when someone says something is too easy or hard, or just right, you have no idea how your fitness level would compare to theirs and it's not as helpful. That said, I truly believe anyone can use this tape and benefit, as there are excellent modifiers in both directions and she continuously emphasizes them, and the purpose of the video is purely stretching and tranquility. If you ever have stress, tension, or body soreness from a long day at work or an intense workout, GET THIS VIDEO. It will blow your mind. I also recommend Crunch Fat Burning Yoga, which is the same great instructor and a faster paced style of yoga.

90 of 96 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Relaxing Yoga for the Evening January 16, 2004

By Rebecca of Amazon HALL OF FAMETOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This workout is visually stunning. Fuchsia mats have been spread around a wood floor in a room filled with vanilla candles. The candles are on the floor, up on stands, simply everywhere!

The curtains flow gently between brick walls and in the background you can see an opaque glass window. Sara is wearing a beautiful blue top while everyone in the room is also wearing colors of equal beauty. Imagine violet, lime green, lemon yellow, orange and powdery blue.

This workout reminds me of yoga in a temple. There is a spirituality about the entire workout that is different than the outdoor workouts or more strenuous vinyasa type workouts. This video tends to encourage you to relax more and look inward to encourage your inner beauty.

The purpose of this workout is to teach you to relax at will. Halfway through the workout, I was ready to just climb into bed and sleep blissfully until morning. The music and candlelight allows the tension to drain from your body as you breathe deeply.

The instructor has been doing yoga for a long time and she says learning to relax at will allows you to be in control of your energy. With Sara Ivanhoe giving you gentle instruction, you can stretch your way into tranquility. I loved her instruction, it was calming and you can see her inner beauty, calm and love for yoga.

Some of the poses include: cat pose, arch curl, side stretch, downward dog, sitting twists, tree pose, butterfly stretch. You won't have to worry about doing the Chaturanga or anything that is stressful, fast or complicated. These poses melt the body into sleep and must have been chosen to release tension and improve balance and flexibility.

You will need a sticky mat, a towel and a cushion. A strap can be used to help you move further into some of the poses.

If you enjoy this workout, you might also want to take a look at MTV Yoga with Kristin Mc Gee, Ali MacGraw Yoga Mind and Body or Bed Top Yoga, which is a tape.

A Gentle Yoga Routine for the evening before drifting off to sleep. A definite "must-have" yoga video for your collection.
As a bonus, there is an energizing workout too.

~The Rebecca Review

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best yoga DVDs by the best yoga instructor - Sara Ivanhoe February 12, 2006

By Barefoot Contessa

Format:DVD

I have bought several yoga DVDs over the years - none I like as much as anything I own with Sara Ivanhoe. This one in particular... After a stressful day, (much like a lot of days), nothing relaxes me as much as this workout - well that and a glass of wine. :-)

It really is a lot of stretching, breathing and simple poses - great for beginners as well. I also suffer from some lower back pain and I find that this particular workout does not aggrevate the condition.

Sara is such a calm and patient instrctor, always providing modified poses and urging you to go at your own pace - not to force yourself ever.

I urge you to consider Sara Ivanhoe over all other yoga instructors on tape. In particular, pick this up if you are in need of incorporating a relaxing workout into your exercise regime - you will not regret it.