Customer Reviews

The Power of Hatha Yoga [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been searching painstakingly for a "power yoga" style video that provides a great, strong workout without annoying me. I've read other reviews on a few of the "power yoga tapes" out there, some with weak workouts and others with irritating instructors, so I couldn't resist the rave reviews on the Power of Hatha tape and its inspirational instructor, and bought the tape on those recommendations.

I agree with those reviews: I love the instructor, the ambience of the tape, and his calm demeanor guiding you through the poses. The music isn't wacky and the poses are strong. This is great, straightforward yoga.

However my only complaint was a personal preference thing: I prefer flow style yoga, and as another reviewer mentioned, this is NOT flow. This is a tape of individual poses laid out consecutively. You do get into and out of each one properly and hold each for an appropriate period of time, which should be a great challenge for anyone who enjoys practicing by doing individual poses. However, I prefer flow style ashtanga where each asana is approached via Sun Salutation movements, etc.; constantly moving, no stopping till you drop (or until it's time for floorwork.)

If you prefer to do flow, like me, you might want to think twice about purchasing this tape; I resold it within a day. However, if you're not partial to flow (or you like to vary your practices), or if you just want to add new poses to your arsenal/practice your favorites at home, or even if you just want to tune in for a few poses, my guess is you'll really enjoy Naader Shagagi's style and this nicely produced work.

I must first begin by saying that this video is long-- approx. 1 1/2 hours. All of the basic hatha yoga postures are included in the video, beginning with sun salutes, triangle poses and the warrior poses, but the breaks in between each pose (during which the instructor relaxes and rolls his shoulders) break the flow of the movements. The standing poses are excellent as a warm-up and stretch for a vigorous workout (i do these before running or jumping rope). The floor exercises, which follow about a 3 minutes period of "dead body pose" are challenging, but dangerous. Without the assistance of a live instructor or, at least, more guidance from Naader, many of the floor poses can have a detrimental effect on one's back and neck-- especially the inverted poses.

In short, this video is not necessarily a workout unto itself-- unless you're only trying to increase you flexibilty and balance (both skills that are certainly well addressed by Naader). The movements don't flow together at all, resulting in a session that is more choppy and less physical, graceful and rejuvinating. If you're looking for the latter, try Yoga Zone's Yoga for Weight Loss-- an excellent, physical, graceful, and shorter (30 minutes) tape.

Naader was my first yoga teacher. When we moved out of state, this video was my link to the best yoga routine I have ever done. I tried other instructors and other videos, but Naader's approach is the best -- a balanced mix of yoga instruction and inspiration. I have shared this tape with many friends (who then bought their own copy!) and they all agree that Naader's instructions are easy to follow and the pace is slow enough that beginners can figure out what is going on before the next pose; but not so slow that experienced students get bored. Furthermore, since he is doing the poses along with the student, he knows just when to offer that extra word of encouragement when you are about to give up! I find something new to ponder each time I listen to this tape. Naader's words are from the heart and they reach out to touch your heart as well as your body. Buy this tape and use it!!

This is a wonderful yoga video and it provides a complete mind, body and spirit workout. Naader Shagagi is a peaceful guide who not only helps you place your body in the right position but gives you insight to give your mind a workout as well. This is an intermediate level "class" and it provides an outstanding workout of the entire body from head to toe. I've only seen a few yoga videos but this is by far the best I have encountered.

This is a great video for beginners and intermediate yoga students. Naader has a calming presence and inspirational presentation. Of all the yoga videos I've watched, this is the best. I loved the quotes and music and overall presentation. This video has built up my concentration, will power, balance, flexibility and strength, unlike other videos which only concentrate on one or two. For me, this is the only one I need.

I love this video. I was looking for a yoga class and couldn't find one that would fit my busy schedule. So I decided to purchase a tape that I could do anytime. I went on-line and found "The Power of Hatha Yoga" with Naader Shagagi. It is a wonderful workout for mind, body and spirit. To achieve maximum benifits of any exercise program I believe all three of these elements are essential. Naader is awesome. He explains everything very thoroughly and also how the postures are helping your internal organs. I look forward to my workouts with Naader. He epitomizes Hatha Yoga and what it can do for you...

Naader Shagagi is a gifted and gentle teacher. He leads you through the exercises very slowly. Naader, will lead you through 35 clearly instucted postures and two breathing exercises. This video requires about 90 minutes to do, and it is not for beginners.
However, I look forward to the weekends so I can devote that much time to yoga. This tape really helps increas your willpower and will help you develop flexibility. This is truly a very beatiful tape. This tape helps recapture lost youth and vitality

This is a great video for beginners and intermediate yoga students. Naader has a calming presence and inspirational presentation. Of all the yoga videos I've watched, this is the best. I loved the quotes and music and overall presentation. This video has built up my concentration, will power, balance, flexibility and strength, unlike other videos which only concentrate on one or two. For me, this is the only one I need.

I have been practicing yoga for 12 years and recently my schedule required me to practice on my own. I found Shagagi's tape online and I couldn't be more pleased. The poses are strong and the breath coaching is the best I've seen in any video. I love that the video follows the basic tenants of classic hatha yoga and holds to those principles.
Even better, I have had occasion to practice with my elderly neighbor who also found the tape doable. She is new to hatha yoga but was able to follow Mr. Shagagi's instructions for modifications. She also found his voice soothing, his words encouraging and inspiring.
All in all, I find this the BEST video for hatha yoga out there!!

Naader is my first and only yoga instructor. His classes provide a great physical workout and a spiritually uplifting experience. This video is a great resource for the times I cannot make it to class.