Customer Reviews

Introduction to Yoga: Gentle, for Extreme Beginners

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I chose this DVD because I would definitely consider myself an "extreme" beginner at yoga. I'm not very flexible and I've always felt self-conscious about my coordination. But I also have a weak back and I know I need to lose weight and exercise more. I LOVE this DVD. Evamarie immediately sets a relaxed and very manageable pace. Her voice is soothing and her manner is very down to earth. She has no one-legged balancing poses or "pretzel" positions (thank goodness for me), but what she does have is sufficiently challenging to make me feel like I've had a good workout. She is very explicit about proper form and allows for plenty of options if any pose feels out of your comfort zone. The outdoor setting is pleasing to eye, and the classical music is ambient without being overpowering. I feel like I'm well on my way to finally get into shape!

I bought this for my husband, because the usual beginner tapes/dvds were too advanced for him. He actually went through the entire time, and said he felt better afterwards. Any other dvd, he would have only lasted about 10 minutes.

Then... I became sick, and didn't practice yoga for almost two months. This was a terrific practice for me, to get back into the swing of things. Not too hard, but a good stretch and flexibility session.

I'm a newcomer to yoga, and this DVD set my mind to ease about my ability to learn yoga at home (I don't have access to group classes as they conflict with my schedule). The flow of the workout is perfect, I don't feel rushed and yet her program design and instructions keep me focused. The time flies by and I feel much more calm upon finishing. I've actually recommended this DVD to a few friends of mine who have tried group classes yet felt they moved too fast for their level of ability. I think this is a great way for a person to get their first taste of yoga. It's now been a month and I'm already feeling stronger and more flexible. I'm no longer sore upon getting out of bed and I sleep much better. If you already have yoga under your belt, you'll probably find this workout too easy. But if you really are new to yoga, this DVD lives exactly up to its title.

I am a yoga instructor and I bought this DVD hoping to gain insights to teach to beginning students. This DVD is NOT a real yoga session and the word yoga should not even be in the title! What I did see was a woman who was very flexible, quite possibly a dancer, doing a workout routine that incorporated some yoga movements. In most of the movements she taught, this instructor was hyperextended and moving in very fast repetitive motion.
Pass this one up!

I too have problems with low back pain and as suggested by my physical therapist, yoga might be a good alternative since traction wasn't all that helpful. I found that Evamarie starts her warm up with a few gentle Tai Chi-type moves and eases into some gentle yoga and ends with a meditation-type cool down. I did not find the pace too rapid, and to be honest, I didn't watch the DVD all the way through prior to trying the positions. If you are terribly out of shape, the pace might be a bit fast, otherwise no problem. I found it a nice starter DVD.

I got this one for my grandmother who has never exercised since her teens. She is now doing some portion of this every day and loving it!
Evamarie has a very pleasant presence that my grandmother just loves too.
I would recommend this for any elderly individual or anyone that needs to take it very easy for whatever reason.

This video is a poorly-filmed, self-promoting, monotonous waste of money. And that's the "polite" version of my opinion. This DVD does not inspire me to do anything but shut it off before it annoys me further. It's a very long stretching session with almost no real yoga, and the "meditation" session is frankly jarring with these clanging bells that snap you out of any good place in which you might have had your mind.

Try YogaZone or any other beginners' yoga, but not this one.

I bought this video over 15 months ago to get started doing yoga, but even now, after buying several more videos, it is still one of my favorites. Eva Marie Pilapuf takes you through an hour of various warm up exercises and yoga poses. So many introductory Yoga vidoes are so challenging that they discourage prospective practitioners. Most people using this video, however, will not get outside their comfort zones doing these poses, but after the workout they will feel good about themselves from the activity and their accomplishments. Isn't that what Yoga should be all about?

This is a good non-stressful workout. Very much about stretching and reaching - no pounding or jumping. I like the exercises. The music is blah, but the outdoor setting is nice. The instructor goes very slow - this would be good for someone older as well. I like it.

I have never done yoga before. So I got this DVD as a start. The poses/moves are all very relaxing and easy. The instructor gives clear directions and goes over everything slowly. It is a good video to have if you want to learn breathing techniques and simple but effective relaxation methods.