Customer Reviews

HeavyWeight Yoga: Yoga for the Body You Have Today

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a heavyweight woman who just turned 50, and I've wanted to learn yoga for years. After trying to learn on my own, then trying to take a Bihkram yoga class and failing at both, I thought I'd have to give up. Then I heard about this DVD, and thought I'd give it one more try. This DVD understands my unique needs, says yes you can, and here's how. I suggest watching all of the instructional segments first, otherwise some of the details like fan folding the blanket for starting the warmups will be missed. The verbal instructions are thorough, but I'd encourage watching the long session entirely before attempting to do it. That makes it easier when the DVD is hard to see because of the position we're in. Abby doesn't move too quickly, and although it's challenging to hold some of the poses at first she encourages us to be as kind to ourselves as she is to us. It's an awesome DVD.

The instructor is probably considered obese by medical standards, yet she provides a great example of how a heavy person can also be fit and flexible. Her instructions are clear and practical, even to the point of demonstrating how to move a large belly out of the way to get the best stretch. This video is obviously designed for overweight people, but it would be equally useful for normal weight beginners or seniors. The introduction is a little bit amatuerish, but don't get discouraged. The instruction portions of the video are excellent.

As a yoga teacher, I'm often asked to suggest a video students can use at home. I would highly recommend Abby's DVD for anyone interested in learning to do yoga for their individual needs. Her instructions are very clear and easy to understand. Abby's explanation of using props, and her demonstration of postures make yoga accessible to those new to a yoga practice or familiar with yoga. This DVD is a must for any collection.

I am a very inflexible woman of 55 years of age. I have degenerative disk disease w/ stenosis in my back with the added problem of arthritis through my whole body. I have been encouraged to move more. I can not walk because of my back problems. I will not join a gym to do Yoga because, as we plus sized women know, we don't quite fit in and I am embarrassed to go. So, I thought that it would be fun to see if they had any plus sized DVD's that I could do in the privacy of my own home. I can not praise this DVD and Abby enough ! I have been doing the warm up and now the Session 1 for a week now and I can already notice a change in my body. My abdominals are strengthened and I have more energy. Please order this if you are at any level of 'Plus Size'. Abby makes it easy to accommodate any size and she makes me feel so good about myself. I have NEVER done Yoga in my life before.

I got my DVD's just a few days ago, and I must say a HEAVYWEIGHT thanks to Abby. I used to do yoga when I was younger and loved the way it made me feel, more balanced and lighter. I have done 3 international moves and had 2 boys, not to mention my husband deployed to Afghanistan twice, and have put on a ton of weight in the last 8 years. I still wanted to get back into yoga. I tried a few videos and classes unsuccessfully because of my weight, I thought they were physically impossible... Abby proved me wrong! With something called the belly well Abby proved there is no excuse for not doing a pose. However this is no lightweight yoga. She really kicked my but on some of the poses, and I loved it!! Doing day two was easier and so on. The other thing that I love is the format of the DVD is so that you can custom build your class based on the amount of time and energy you have. She also shows modifications for people that have a hard time getting on the floor or cannot get there at all. Some of the reviews say that she is really chatty... well she is teaching something and goes into detail explaining it... once you have the moves down you could turn the sound off and turn on some music or better yet, pass the DVD on to a friend and help them start their yoga practice. I however wouldn't call her "chatty" I find her voice calming and encouraging. Thanks so much Abby for what you do... Namaste

This DVD is everything it claims to be and I was very happy with the product. As a larger lady I have always wanted to do Yoga and this DVD makes it possible. The Yoga teacher is clear consise and very good.

Abby Lentz's DVD is a wonderful way to bring yoga into your life and at your own convenience right in your own home. Abby is a superb teacher who explains everything in a calm and reassuring way. You will really cherish having her as your guide. I really like Kripalu yoga, which emphasizes doing yoga at a slower pace to reap the benefits of the breath and all the stretches and poses, rather than a more rapid, aerobic type of yoga. You will finish doing yoga with Abby and feel really refreshed. I really also like that the DVD has several different options for the type of class you want to build for yourself, depending on the length of the class and the amount of time you have or want to devote. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, and no matter your shape or size, this DVD is incredibly accessible and worthwhile. You will be so glad to have made Heartfelt Yoga a part of your life.

Regardless of size or if you're a beginner this DVD is an excellent way to learn the proper technique when practicing yoga. I recommend taking the time to first view the entire CD before actually going thru the motions. Also, really listen to your body as you're going thru the workout. I know mine speaks to me differently everyday! On those mornings when I can't get to an entire workout - I love doing the stretching portion of the DVD. It's a perfect way to start or call it a day. It simply puts me in a relaxed state that I look forward too.
Thank you Ms. Abby for a job well done!

First, I hope Abby is a therapist, she does a wonderful job helping you recognize the good in yourself and to focus on you. She is kind of chatty, but topic related, so it's not as if she's blabbing about her dog or the dishes. I would expect her to show moves with more variations if you are not able to do the poses. That is where I feel the video falls short. The poses are relatively easy, but adding a chair, the wall, etc to make it do-able for some folks would have made this a 5 star video.

The routines on this dvd are harder than ones on another yoga dvd for "normal sized" people at the beginner level! I just started doing yoga again after a break of 6 years, and I have been very sedentary during that time. This dvd kicks my butt! It's done by an instructor who is more than just plus size, so no matter how fat you think you are, the forms are demonstrated in a way that takes this into account. If I weren't in such poor shape, I would have a much easier time of it, so it will last me a while! It was a very good purchase!