Customer Reviews

Living Tao: A.M. Chi for Beginners [VHS]

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I found this tape in a discount bin somewhere and bought it because it was cheap and I wanted something to alternate with my Ali McGraw Yoga tape. This tape is geared towards beginners, but it is really suitable for anyone who wants to add a light stretching routine to their morning. It's very brief, but gives you just enough to get your blood going. You won't be panting or sweating, but you will find a feeling of relaxtion and peace to start your day. He combines basic yoga with stretching and "active meditating" for a really nice morning wake-up. The music is lovely and very hypnotic and the scenery is breathtaking (beach scenes). It's a well done video- no cheapo production values here, and Rodney does a great job of clearly explaining everything in a soothing yet inspiring tone. I highly recommend this for all levels, especially for people who have a hard time working out in the morning or just waking up. It's only about 20 minutes total, only 12 of that is active yoga. For beginners, this is a terrific tool for being introduced slowly to yoga - which is sometimes intimidating or daunting. A beautiful tape.

A.M. Yoga provides a peaceful and relaxing routine to start your day. The beautiful setting, soothing narration, and quiet music enhance relaxation while the gentle movements and stretches limber the body. Most of this easy routine involves seated or supine positions, with nothing more "strenuous" than the downward dog pose and supine hamstring stretch, so if you are looking for a more advanced morning yoga program, you would be happier with a different video. Also, be aware that you will spend only 12 minutes actually moving, with the other five divided between conscious relaxation and guided meditation (the video clocked in at 17 minutes rather than the 20 claimed in advertising). This brevity is perfect for busy schedules, but an extended version for those of us with more time would have been a worthwhile addition. Finally, although the title says "A.M.," this video would be appropriate any time of the day you need to relax.

I am a regular with yoga, I go to yoga class 2-3 times a week, as well as practice on my own and with various tapes. This is a very short and easy tape, so don't buy it if you're looking for something vigorous or if you want to be a pretzle. This video helps to calm the mind, I like to use it in the morning before going off to work, but more often I use it when returning home, or in the middle of the day when I feel stressed and just need some calming. I bought this as a set with the P.M. tape, and I actually prefer to use the A.M. tape in the evening over the designated P.M. tape. The fact that all the tapes in this series are filmed in the beautiful Hawaiin islands with absolutely superb camera angles and talented camera person, certainly adds to the enjoyment of the tapes. I usually do yoga with eyes closed for a more intense mental workout for balance, but when I open them and see the ocean waves and virgin beaches, it takes me right back to that aloha spirit I love. Namaste Rodney , and Pactricia Walden! Also if you have someone to practice with, check out the yoga for partners tape with Rodney Yee and his wife.

I love this video! I do it every morning (or try to, anyway!) and I find that it really does prepare and center me for the day ahead. It is not too hard to do, but I feel very stretched and good when I am done. It might be too easy for someone in fantastic shape, but it's perfect for anyone who wants a nice relaxing way to start the day. Rodney Yee's voice is very soothing and the setting--the beach at daybreak--is very beautiful. Namaste!

*THE INSTRUCTOR: David Dorian Ross is a fantastic instructor! He is very calm, focused and uses perfect form. His soothing voice and pleasant and attractive appearance make this video all the more enjoyable for anyone.

*THE WORKOUT: To me, it isn't as much a physical workout as it is a Meditative, Cleansing, Balancing, Special time I look forward to doing first thing in the morning. I feel the moves physically and mentally. It is wonderful, I'm telling you!

**THE SCENERY AND MUSIC: Top Knotch. David's soothing voice along with the incredibly beautiful Hawaiian waters, breathtaking sky and lovely beach transports me there with him. The music is a soft, slow Chinese and the waves are also crashing so those alone add so much to this video!

*THE MOVES: Simplicity at it's finest but in no means boring. David explains what each movement does for you and gives you things to imagine as you are doing the movements. I love this-great for visualization and insures proper alignment, breathing and form.

*THE FEELING AFTERWARDS: I feel like a million bucks! Relaxed, calm, focused, centered. My mind and body are balanced together. I wish I felt this way all the time! As I continue to do this daily and advance, I know I will feel it more and more. It truly is a cleansing of your mind, body and spirit. It opens the heart so that you are ready to face the day's events with a joyful and peaceful heart. Try it! You don't have to break a sweat to feel fantastic! And just 20 minutes! Yes! You won't believe how great you'll feel!

This am yoga tape, starring Rodney Yee, is a real joy. It is very easy to follow for a beginner. It makes you feel peaceful and focused. I bought both the am and pm yoga tapes, but find that I only use the am tape - even at night. It is good for relaxation anytime. I found some of the poses on the pm tape a bit challenging, but still reasonable for a beginner. My one complaint about this tape (and reason I didn't give it 5 stars) is that there is not enough time for relaxed meditation afterwards. I wish there were more music and ocean waves to meditate to instead of Yoga Journal commercials.

Applicable to beginners and more experienced yoga enthusiasts alike, this tape is especially good for those who may feel intimidated about starting a yoga program. Rodney gives great cues and takes care in explaining every move and gives deep meaning to each pose and every breath. The scenery is stunning and the background music perfectly relaxing. As a lifelong practitioner, I found the movements to be easy, but it's still a wonderful way to ease into the morning. Definitely worth the purchase and something almost anyone can do and will love.

I have never exercised at home before-- let alone taken a yoga class. When I decided to buy an exercise video I discovered the rave reviews for this one which seemed, from the description, to be a nice way to ease out of lethargy. Success!! This tape is a wonderful way to begin a real, personal workout regimen at home. It's both extremely gentle to beginners and interesting for those who have gotten addicted to it and use it daily. I acually look forward to the mornings now because I enjoy it so much. Also, I have, for the first time in a long time, a renewed and genuine interest in the state of my body and its health... Give it a try, I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

This is a great video for people on the go. The tape is approximately 15 minutes and easy to incorporate in your daily routine. "A.M. Yoga" offers a very basic and relaxing yoga routine. The beautiful scenery, voice-over, and music will calm your mind, while the gentle stretching poses will relax your body. Rodney Yee's yoga routine mainly consists of seated positions and hamstring stretches. Please be advised that he uses a yoga strap for the hamstring/leg stretches, but a piece of fabric or belt could work as a substitute. There is also a nice, relaxing meditation at the close of the routine--which could easily put one to sleep. =) My only complaint is that he does NOT hold the poses very long for a thorough stretch and the routine does seem a bit rushed. In a yoga class, you would normally hold a pose for 2-3 minutes.

I found the routine straightforward and easy to integrate in my hectic daily schedule. After using the video, I always feel energized and ready to take on the day!!! After three weeks of practicing this routine, I NOW feel motivated to continue exercising and to seek a more advanced fitness routine. For me, this video was the perfect starting-place!! I would recommend A.M. Yoga for *beginners* and those who just want a quick stretch.

I recently started exercising religiously and found that my muscles (and entire body) were sore and stiff in the morning. This is the perfect way to get a deep stretch in the morning as well as calm your mind and body in preparation for the upcoming day. Before using this tape, I was always tired in the mornings, but now I feel ready to meet the day with a smile. I love feeling this way (even if if does cause annoyance to the people around me!) I think that everyone needs to take some special time for themselves each day. What better time than first thing in the morning?

The tape itself is extremely well-done. David-Dorian Ross has a calming voice, the scenery is beautiful and the music sets a great tone. I think that these exercises are accessible to anyone and very easy to do. Their effect is enormous.

One note: do not purchase this tape thinking that you are going to get a cardio workout. The purpose of this tape is to leave you mentally and physically energized all day and is an excellent supplement to an exercise routine.