Customer Reviews

HeavyWeight Yoga 2: Change the Image of Yoga

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I ordered HW2 because I loved HW Yoga and I wanted a new routine to choose from. I was disappointed that HW2 was not a completely new routine. This is an improved version on HW Yoga. Easier to understand the selections and I liked that you got to see her class and the different adaptations made by her students. For the most part the routine is the same although she has added some wonderful hip stretches and the balancing pose is different. If you had to order one of the DVD's get HW2 but if you already have the first you might not want to get this one because it's not that different from the first.

As a plus-size person with a history of chronic back pain (slipped disc) I have tried just about every fitness trend out there and have found yoga to be the perfect practice. I use yoga to build core strength, tone and relax, and am so happy with the flexibility and calm that it has brought to my life. However, I have never been impressed by the DVDs and videos available on yoga, they rarely go beyond basic poses and many of the poses are improbable for the everyday person, much less a person of size, or one with chronic pain from past injuries. On a purely personal note, I also find it disheartening to try to mimic the actions of professional athletic models who are ½ my size. :(

This DVD is a godsend. Centered around a Kripalu yoga practice, Abby Lentz and her students provide an excellent, inviting work out that makes yoga accessible to everyone. Abby places safety and comfort above all else and she knows the unique concerns that face people of size and those living with (or just wanting to avoid) injury. Modifications are demonstrated among the class members, and the class is truly made up of a variety of people of all ages and sizes who each bring different challenges to the mat. (There is a neat interview section where you can learn more about the class members.)

The poses can be relaxing or challenging depending on how you use them, and Abby talks you through each, explaining not only what she is doing, but the small details that are often overlooked in group exercise which make you feel like it is a one-on-one session with her. Each move is achievable, regardless of your size, Abby goes beyond the call of duty to bring yoga to every person. Both Abby and the class members make you feel that you can enjoy the benefits of yoga NOW, regardless of your size.

Best of all, Abby's nurturing, relaxing personality shines forth throughout the DVD. You hear it in her student's interviews, how much both yoga and this yogi have changed their lives. Abby does not push weight loss, or any new age ideas, instead she simply encourages you to love the body you are in and make it stronger, more flexible, and to gently go past your own limitations. In a word, Abby is acceptance.

The workouts are a great balance between a livable weekly routine that does not get annoying after repeated viewing (although I do sometimes mute the voice and just listen to relaxing music) and gentle instruction for the absolute beginner. I recommend watching the entire DVD once, and then trying out the poses, that way you can have any props you need at the ready, and have no intimidation about a pose, or what comes next.

In conclusion, this DVD allows you to set aside an hour of quiet time just for you, in the privacy of your own home with no fear of judgment or injury and with the help of a few simple props that you can find around your home, bring the world of yoga into your life. Anyone can do this, and everyone should!!

I really like this video for many reasons. The most important for me is that it is like being in a real yoga class specifically designed for people with larger, rounder bodies. The class begins with breathing, moves to warm up, then yoga postures, then relaxation. It follows a vinyasa type flow by coordinating breathe to movement. Then movement is followed with a rest period to reflect upon the results of the movement. This is how I originally learned yoga. Because the instructor is Iyengar certified and a big woman, she knows how to provide the instructions that are important for larger bodies. There are no references to weight loss. Instead focus is on appreciating the body as it is. I enjoyed the diversity within the students and enjoyed the section of the video where each describes their yoga journey. Soft music accompanies the instruction. I bought the instructor's first DVD but I like this one much better. You will feel relaxed and energized.

As an avid fan of Abby's first video, I've been looking forward enthusiastically to this one. Once again, it is wonderful. For me, the best part of the video is seeing how the postures look for a variety of people. The gentle, non-judgmental atmosphere that is part of the class comes through very well in the DVD. Both of these videos have been invaluable to me in relieving tight muscles and improving flexibility.

Another thing I really appreciate is the opportunity to watch the class with and without commentary. The commentary is interesting, but would detract from the atmosphere of the class itself.

There are some familiar postures in this one, and some new ones, the music is relaxing, the teacher inspiring. I agree with the previous review and recommend watching it through once before trying it, but as with the previous DVD the instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

By the way, congratulations to Abby, she's a new grandmother!

i wanted to do yoga but everytime i went to the free yoga channel on my television, it was skinny girls doing things that i just couldn't get done with my body type. for reference, i'm a size 22, 5' 7", and quite well-endowed. some of those poses are just impossible without suffocating myself or losing circulation to important parts of my body, like my brain. so i went on a search for plus-size or 'big girl' yoga - and this is what i found. and i'm glad i did.

as other reviewers recommended, i watched it through once before attempting and am glad i did. it was good to be able to pay attention to the moves and how each different person did the. abby, the class leader, is probably about the same size i am, but a bit shorter. there were more normal sized people in the class who did the more advanced poses, a larger girl who did the moves with some modifications, and some others who were shown doing modified poses. by watching it through once i was able to see the different modifications. the first time i did the routine, it was NOT easy but i felt the stretch right away. i also felt relaxed and kind of delicious - pushing a bit further every couple of days and working muscles that i've never worked before really feels good.

i am not doing this for weight loss, although there are some calories burned for certain. i was looking for something low-impact to do instead of my recumbent bike that would burn a few calories and make me feel better about myself. and i do - i kind of feel more confident and a bit healthier all around. i follow a sort-of low fat, restricted calorie diet and have also incorporated more fruits and veg into my diet, so this was part of a lifestyle change. i highly recommend this to anyone who thought 'i'd like to do yoga, but it's just not for me' - because whether you're a big person (read: plus size), have special considerations like arthritis or other injuries, or are just not ready for the yoga classes outside of your home, this is a great place to start.

as far as props: i have a 1" mat that i use for floor exercising and yoga, and you will want either this or a standard yoga mat. a folded blanket can help prop up your bottom in sitting poses. if you are plus size or very tall (like my husband is) i recommend a 9' strap, they are available online or in stores - or go to the fabric store and buy your own strap material and buckle like i did :D i also have two blocks that i use to support my arms and in some standing poses. i think depending on your size and flexibility, the blocks are definitely optional but i highly recommend having a strap at the outset. happy yoga :)

I have been wanting to try yoga for some time. Unfortunately, with a few extra pounds after pregnancy, my body just didn't go into the poses correctly in other dvds or classes. I was skeptical to try yoga again until I found this DVD. The reviews seemed good, so I thought I would give it a try. I ordered it and am sad to say that it sat on the shelf for several months. Boy am I sorry I didn't rip it out of the case as soon as I got it!! I was really impressed from the first time I used it. This DVD is everything I needed to get started with a safe yoga practice--and then some. The real selling point to this DVD is the instructor. Abby really is a fantastic teacher. She really knows yoga, and she also knows how to motivate people. She is so personable and kind. I love the poses she shares, and the dialog she offers. The little tips she shares stay with me throughout the day. I'm able to apply her words of wisdom in everyday life, allowing me to approach things in a calmer state of mind. Doing this DVD is therapeutic, and far more cost effective. Abby actually uses techniques to teach self soothing, self esteem, and challenges us to change our cognitions of ourselves to become more self accepting and confident. When I do this routine, I feel inspired. In this DVD, Abby offers a really precious gift, and I feel better and stronger each time I use this DVD. I have an inner peace that I have searched for in recent years. I am so happy that I found this item on Amazon. I would highly reccommend this DVD to friends and family. If you are on the market for a great yoga DVD, try this one. You will be glad you did!

This video was made for beginners and it met my expectations in that area. However, after the first viewing I would have loved to have less explanations and more doing.

i am overweight and am happy to find a yoga tape that i can actually use. the instructor is clear and not condescending or overly sweet. people doing variations of the poses are clearly shown. high quality session. i would recommend this to a friend.

I love this video. I absolutely love being able to do the poses & not feeling like I can't reach, aren't stretching far enough, etc. It accomodates my imperfect body & doesn't use poses that seem impossible for me to get into. I always feel really good after this video & it has become the one in my collection I reach for most often.

MY SISTER AND I STARTED THIS FIRST OF THE TWO YOGA PRATICE CD'S AS A PROMISE TO GET IN SHAPE. ABBY IS WONDERFUL. SHE INCLUDES MANY OPTIONS FOR ANY LEVEL OF PRATICE. I HAVE A BROKEN ANKLE AND MY SISTER HAS A BACK PROBLEM. WE WERE ABLE TO DO A NICE WORKOUT AND ARE FEELING THE BENIFITS OF IT ALREADY. THANK YOU FOR THE PROGRAM. WE RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE.