Product Details

• Format: Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Live / Artisan
• VHS Release Date: August 22, 2000
• Run Time: 47 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0784017972
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,604 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Yoga has become wildly popular among many age groups because of its immense benefits to the skeletal and muscular structure (not to mention the meditative calm that can be achieved through practice). Denise Austin: Xtralite, Beginner's Yoga Essentials delivers a basic workout that explains the core postures and functions of yoga. If Denise Austin is one of your favorites, this format and approach will suit you well. Austin exhibits the energy and enthusiasm that she is known for while teaching this session in an approachable and uncomplicated manner. The 40-minute workout comprises four sections that range in difficulty and focal points. The first of these sets spotlights floor postures with a range of movements from back bends to forward bends. These poses lengthen and limber the hamstring and lower back muscles while putting minimal strain on the joints of the legs. The second segment works on standing postures to increase strength, stamina, and balance. The mountain, triangle, and tree poses are demonstrated here and concentration is essential to keep steady grounding. Cueing lacks some important safety info here (example: not extending the knee over the toe while in lunge position), but with some attention to Austin's body alignment, even the true beginner should be able to pick up the correct form. The sun salutation combines 12 successive movements within the third set and will make you sweat with the constant motion and deep poses. The final portion teaches relaxation and breathing techniques that are central to any yoga practice. Terminology throughout this workout may differ slightly from other yoga classes, but the basics of the practice are provided with that straightforward Denise Austin energy. You will need a mat or towel and a strap. --Olivia Voigts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perky, enjoyable, changes body and attitude, March 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Denise Austin - Xtralite:Beginner's Yoga Essentials [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is an enjoyable introduction to yoga. If you don't like an instructor giving verbal encouragement ("You're doing great!") you might get annoyed with Denise's perky comments, but many people like me appreciate any positive feedback they can get -- even from a video!

Because I have neurological problems that cause significant balance problems, I cannot keep up with her fast pace when she is doing the sun saluations. However, I can still do them (slower!) and I appreciate other modifications she gives which help those who need modifications. Even using the modifications I am seeing changes in my body and am excited about how yoga helps me feel calmer. Definitely worth the money!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Feels Great!, July 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Denise Austin - Xtralite:Beginner's Yoga Essentials [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is an excellent yoga tape for beginners. The moves are not to hard and not to easy. Even if you are not a beginner this tape is nice to use. If you are a fan of Denise you will enjoy following this tape (the moves are easy to follow) and get plenty of her encouraging and motivational words. Again, if you are not a fan of Denise or find her perky attitude annoying, I would not reccomend this tape. I, however, appreciate and listen to what she's saying in all of her workouts because they keep me going and motivated. Luckily, I didn't have to buy this from Amazon, I found it at a thrift store...!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good starting place, February 17, 2001

By 

M. Manning - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Denise Austin - Xtralite:Beginner's Yoga Essentials [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a very good place to start if you're new to yoga. Denise covers the basics and takes her time with the stretches. Sun salutation is a good way to end the exercise. The only drawback I found is her patronizing way to say you're doing "wonderful" and everything is "beautiful". How can she see me? I don't look that great!