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23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
I really like the concept.........., April 23, 2006
This review is from: Dosha Yoga (DVD)
This dvd has 3 workouts each based on the doshas (pitta, vata, kapha). Since everyone is a bit different and your energy fluctuates, the idea of having different workouts to fit is great. I bought this dvd because of the concept. I viewed it and have never done it. The biggest reason for this was that the editing and cueing were flawed and I have so many wonderful yoga dvd's I just couldn't waste my time with this one. I didn't find the workouts to be as comprehensive as I like either. Also I can't really recommend this for real beginner's as the instruction is not adequate.
The setting is nice with beautiful colors, but is diminished by the home movie feel which is mostly due to the editing. On the plus side there are some unusual postures not found on other dvd's that may be a good change of pace. She also incorporates some chanting which is nice. I would recommend checking this one out at the library first to see if you like it before paying for it.
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Three Creative and Authentic Routines, August 11, 2006
This review is from: Dosha Yoga (DVD)
Dosha Yoga with Hemalaya focuses on three main exercise routines. You can choose from Kapha, Vata and Pitta. There is also a special segment about the Ayurvedic lifestyle that explores giving yourself a massage with oils before showering and explains your best times of the day for various activities. You can also go online to a site to figure out which routine you should follow. I find you can do all three at various times. Kapha seems to work best on its own, but Vata and Pitta are fun to do together.
Kapha was the first one I tried later in the afternoon and it was stimulating and energizing. Torso twists help the body relax into authentic music. The names Camel, Aligator and Swan help to bring the poses to life. By the time the routine was ending, I was quite ready to lay on the floor in corpse pose for as long as possible.
Vata was the next section I tried early in the morning after taking a nice warm bath. The warming and calming elements are enhanced if you do this first and maybe even use Ylang Ylang or put on an exotic perfume. The calming and centering aspects are immediately apparent. You roll like a ball, do an interesting frog movement (hanging over, squat and keep moving from the floor to the sky with your hips). Soon you are swaying like a weeping willow and then challenging your balance. Indian dance is incorporated with hand movements and special mudras. At times this feels a little like a Vinyasa with additional artistic appeal. Facial exercises are done while you are in Cobra.
Pitta was my favorite section and seemed very soothing and cooling. Your mind may feel like it becomes clear and awakens for the day. I like doing this exercise session in the morning because it seems to wake me up for the day. Eagle is especially fun. You start off like you are going to do a balancing pose and then lean forward, one leg behind you and literally flap your arms like bird's wings. It is an especially beautiful feeling and if you can balance on one leg, there is a sense of freedom and control. This seemed to be the most balancing for me and it allowed me to tap into my own powers of creativity.
I can also highly recommend the Yoga for Urban Living Series. They are all healing and nurturing and you may find some of the same poses from this DVD, but with less focus on Ayurveda and chanting. I think this will be especially enjoyed by intermediate practitioners of yoga who want to add fun and creativity to their sessions. What I like about the Urban Living Series is the wide-open room she works out in.
In this DVD, the room seems more cluttered (three people working out) and I missed that spacious feeling. The paintings on the floor and other icons seemed to distract just slightly from the workout because the artwork is so beautiful you keep looking at the pictures instead of focusing on your workout. But if you can remain focused and ignore the distractions, there is so much to enjoy. This is very much about stepping into another culture and enjoying the moment.
I'm a big fan of Hemalaya's workouts so I hope she continues to make more and also includes a longer relaxation section at the end of the routines (even if it is just music). You have to get your own music because right when you lay down in final relaxation, the section ends. But don't let that stop you from enjoying the routines. You just have to plan ahead and have your own CD player nearby.
~The Rebecca Review
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
ENJOYABLE, October 28, 2005
This review is from: Dosha Yoga (DVD)
I really like this DVD. It has three 20-minute (approximate) practices, each with a different focus. I like having the option to have a gentler or more energizing practice on the same DVD. I really enjoy the Kapha segment.
The practices have a "new age" feel to them, but I don't mind that. I like the music, instruction, and overall quality of the practices. Her cuing is a bit off in one or two parts, but it wasn't a problem for me.
I would suggest this for people with at least a little yoga background, since it mixes different types, and there's not a lot of instruction. She does moves from Kundalini, traditional Indian dance, even some Tibetan moves. She incorporates mudras (hand movements) throughout each practice. The final relaxation pose segment is very short on each one, and she instructs you to continue it on your own.
I like Hemalayaa, and have her Yoga for Urban Living. She is a wonderful instructor.
If you're looking for a different type of yoga practice, this is worth a look. Namaste.
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