Customer Reviews

Mantra Girl Presents - Advanced Kundalini Yoga for the Spiritual Warrior

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

 

 

Having practiced ashtange yoga for some time, I thought I was strong and fit. Doing this practice made me realise that I was overestimating myself, but in a very good way. I had heard a lot about the kundalini style of yoga before, but hadn't tried it, and I was shocked at how aerobically demanding this is. If you are more of a fitness fiend than a yogi, then it might help to know that this practice works a little like interval training, with short sections of very very very strong activity followed by less frantic, more gentle stretches and then back to the frantic activity again. I now do this session twice a week and I am sure that I am 'fitter' for it, but I wouldn't give up my ashtanga or hatha practice.

I ony give this four stars rather than five simply because I feel it would be quite easy to injure yourself using this, even if you follow the modifications; partly because some of the movements are very fast and if you don't know how to position your body correctly you could end up wrenching something vital; and also because, as is the sad norm with any exercise video, the modification models are tucked away at the back and don't seem to get the same amount of camera time as Ms. Kamler or those demonstrating the full, advanced versions of the moves. Maybe some day someone will give prominence to the less advanced practitioners.

So it's tough but good. But proceed with caution, and remember that a)you can always move a little more slowly than the models do and b) you can ignore Erin Kamler when she tells you that it's only your mind that tells you to stop, because it could well be a muscle injury developing!

If you want the zenith of detoxifying, aerobic activity matched with a true test of strength, will power, and endurance, this is the DVD for you. First, understand that Mantra Girl is giving you the exact, original Warrior Workout handed down to us from Yogi Bhajan, who obviously received this from his yogi. I originally discovered this sequence in Ravi Singh's book, "Kundalini Yoga For Body, Mind and Beyond," published in 1988. As hard as this challenging sequence is, Erin actually reduces the time of running in place from five to roughly three minutes and reduces the amount of frog and piston poses from 108 reps to roughly 70+ reps. Despite these slight adjustments, this is virtually the truest representation of how this amazing test of strength and will is actually performed. For example, there are no breaks, no intermittant meditations between each exercise. This set is for pure detoxification and designed to target the heart chakra like nothing else. Yes, there are precautions necessary to safely accomplish the highest degree of dynamic tension between the mind and body. You must purchase a sheep skin rug. Do not try running in place or hopping up and down without using your hands unless you have the cushioned support this essential piece of yoga equipment affords you. This is not, I repeat, not a mat workout. This is perhaps why Ravi Singh and Ana Brett replaced the bombastic running with marching to facilitate more widespread, perhaps more do-able, use of this diamond of all kriyas. Whatever the reason, this version is the original version and it is obvious that it is perhaps the only workout I have ever done which borderlines on being scary. It is essential that you are well rested and absolutely calm before undertaking this trial. Just like extremely hard single leg standing poses in ashtanga, this entire kriya requires complete concentration so the supposed limitations of the body can be overcome. People who think this isn't yoga fail to understand that the number one principle of yoga isn't its form, but one's ability to maintain a meditative focal point no matter how hard a physical sequence appears. Having said all this, I will now proceed to review Erin Kamler's actual DVD. The number one aspect of this DVD is that it is made of a continous sequence of action, not assembled in post production. Therefore, one can marvel at how Erin and her friends actuallly move through this body/mind challenge in real space and time. The music used is fantastic, driving me on to push through each exercise no matter how hard it is. The only thing she says that I question or I think has been modified for American audiences is that this is for the "spiritual warrior." I am under the impression this type of workout, like a marine drill, was actually done before Sikh warriors went into battle. Besides that, Erin is a simple, no-nonsense instructor who gives encouragement and adds incredible life to the task at hand. I love the Adi Shakti chant at the end and when I am done, I feel like I have performed on a stage for two hours. This workout produces a sensation of internal invincibility no other workout, not weight training, not even the ashtanga primary series touches. Again, realize I do not do this workout all the time. It is something to build up to and I do think that Ravi Singh's and Ana Brett's Warrior Workout is definately a great maintenence DVD by comparison. However, for those who enjoy a real challenge, who want to plant the flag on Mount Everest, this original version is the king of kundalini kriyas.

Everyone I know who's tried Erin's dvds loves her. She's an inspiring kundalini yoga instructor and not at all pretentious. She doesn't wear a turban or pretend she's your guru. She does the exercises along with you. She's far better than most kundalini yoga teachers you see on video and dvd (well, better than most of the males I've seen, but I won't mention names)... The production values on this dvd are very high. But you should know before ordering it that in this case, advanced means advanced! It's a tough workout!

I enjoy kundalini yoga but prefer not to work quite this hard. This one will test your strength and endurance like few kundalini yoga workouts. Erin's excellent, but I will stick with her first dvd (even though introductory is in the other title it's a good one for intermediate levels as well, or advanced levels wanting a less taxing day).

I hope Erin will come out with more dvds somewhere in between volume 1 and 2 for challenge. Or more like volume 1 even would be nice. This one is so tough I might give it to one of my friends who is a fitness addict who doesn't feel she's working herself unless she suffers. (But then she's also in her 20's so her body can take the heat). Loved the music though (same as on her introductory dvd, only more of the fast tempo music). And the outdoor location (also shown on the introductory dvd) is pretty. I don't want to say anything negative about this dvd, because you definitely get your money's worth and then some, and it's wonderful in so many ways. But I think most people looking to do kundalini yoga will be more drawn to volume 1 unless you're like my friend, the fitness addict who won't settle for anything less than a super challenging workout. Or if the only yoga you do is power yoga or ashtanga, this one may be for you. Just be prepared to work hard.

Besides volume 1 I recommend Erin's CD with her songs. This girl can sing!!

I recently got both of Mantra Girl's kundalini yoga dvds, "An Introduction to Kundalini Yoga & Chanting" plus this more advanced routine. Of the 10 kundalini yoga videos and dvds I now own, these two are by far and away the best.

They're a lot of fun to do. The music is terrific (very pretty) and I love the gorgeous outdoor setting by the water. Aside from being a yoga teacher, Erin Kamler (Mantra Girl) is also a recording artist and her music is the best I've heard yet on any kundalini yoga video/dvd. I'm considering getting her CD now so I can listen to it at work. She's a good instructor. She says enough to guide you, but doesn't talk too much like some others. Instead, she lets you focus on the yoga.

This advanced kundalini yoga routine is more challenging than her first dvd, of course. But even if you're very fit, if you're new to kundalini yoga I recommend getting her first dvd as well. This one won't show you how to breathe properly, as it's assumed you've seen her demonstrate on her introductory dvd. And kundalini yoga breathwork (breath of fire) is unlike that of any other type of yoga. The exercises are quite different as well, with more emphasis on movement and flexing the spine. I prefer kundalini yoga to any other type.

If you're a true lover of kundalini yoga - whatever your level - you may want to get both volumes. The first is more laid back but very effective, this second dvd is a great one to grow into (even if you're not there yet). They're quite different from each other but compliment each other really well. This advanced routine will work you hard but like the first dvd, will leave you feeling great afterward. I no sooner finish the workouts when I find myself looking forward to doing them again.

This workout is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I have been using it everyday since I purchased it and have left my other DVD's on the shelf. Mantra Girl is uplifting, fit and motivating. The workout is hard but doable for anyone. The music is great and the setting is perfect. Hope to see more from Mantra Girl in the future.

First, the bad:

You have to know what Kundalini yoga is. I had read a book about it, and someone taught me a few of the basics, like the breath of fire. Even still, there was an exercise or two that had me going, "You have got to be kidding", not because of the level of difficulty, but because it seemed really over the top and/or embarassing.

Although my opinion is not intended as medical advice, I studied movement for ten years and taught it professionally and rehabilitatively for five, so I would say that this isn't for anyone with a degenerative spinal condition because of the rotation and rolling on the spine; also, it' s high impact, so no dicey knees; finally, you should have prior experience in down dog and how to protect your shoulders if you are rolling through the basic yoga sun salutation series. Otherwise, this is not the workout for you.

The good:

The scenery is so beautiful. The music sounds like Loreena Mckennit, if she did Kundalini yoga--it makes the workout fly. The DVD as a whole isn't boring or annoying, and it's challenging; I can see doing this on a regular basis. Last, I think I finally get why people lose weight doing Kundalini: the sequencing of the workout is in aerobic intervals, but it's not impossible to do if, like me, you are clumsy, inflexible, and slightly overweight.

I loved it. I was a bit sceptical about the whole kundlaini yoga experience as Ana Brett left me somewhat lukewarm and Gurmukh downright perplexed me. It's not that I have anything bad to say about their videos, it just didn't "click". It did this time and I had a wonderful, energizing, beautiful workout looking at gorgeous scenery and listening to the most amazing music. I am a fan of Erin now and will look for other DVDs she may put out. Ah, I am buying all her musical CDs too!

This is an excellent workout!! It is harder than Raviana's warrior workout due to less rest periods between poses and the music is beautiful!(I bought the music for my ipod)Total workout time with mantra and meditation is hour and ten minutes approx. This dvd is not for beginners. I really like Mantra Girl's other dvd for beginners, also. I hope she makes more kundalini yoga dvds.

I hope this helps in your decision.
Sat Nam

My first introduction to Kundalini yoga was Ravi Singh/Ana Brett. This DVD was a refreshing change from their style. I am pretty familiar with the Kundalini yoga moves and didn't find this workout to be super intense, like some of the other reviewers thought.

Erin has a nice, soothing voice. The backdrop of Malibu Cypress Gardens was nice to look at too. Two of the exercises in the back showed modifications.

I liked the fast pace of this routine. I feel very energized after finishing.

Erin uses different terms for some of the exercises and this confused me at first. She calls "down dog" by "triangle."

It also would have been nice to have more explanation and words on the screen for the "adi shakti" meditation. I used to just say what I thought were the words. It wasn't until I did research to find out the actual words used for this meditation, that I really got into it.

A nice, quick paced Kundalini yoga practice for those who are already familiar with Kundalini yoga moves.

wow, what a work-out. She does a lot of Anna and Ravi routines, but a little more intense. The fire breath are intense and she holds her poses a little bit longer. I was sweating my butt off. I recomend this vide, and I also do Anna and Ravi dvd's. They are awesome too!!!!