Customer Reviews

Power Yoga for Happiness with Eoin Finn

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Vancouver yoga teacher Eoin Finn is a favorite among video fitness enthusiasts for his first effort, Power Yoga by Eoin Finn. His second work features some very well thought out elements that are geared specifically towards the video yogi and yogini, along with a relaxed and playful vibe, beautiful settings and soothing music. This is a two (2!) CD set that features several routines from 30-90 minutes of vinyasa yoga. The instruction is a voice over by Eion, with Eion and other models showing modifications for beginners, intermediates and "double black diamonds", or advanced versions of asanas.

For lovers of vinyasa style yoga, this CD offers a lot of variety, from the 30 minute Yoga Quickie, to a hip-opening routine entitled Magically Hips, to a challenging 90 minute, Full Happiness routine. This video does assume the user's basic knowledge of vinyasa style yoga, but again, basic modifications are plentiful and easy to find, as are more advanced poses such as Tittibasana and the jaw-dropper Eka Pada Galavasana.

Eion's sense of humour is irrepressible, whether featuring a canine member of the cast with his own purple sticky mat, to the chapter points that describe Sun Salutations "eh" and "B" (the group is from Canada). For me, this is a refreshing change from the rather rarified quality of so many other videos on the market today. And the routine is just great, a wonderful balance of strength and stretch for the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.

The only thing missing from this fantastic CD is a "zen" soundtrack that was originally planned--a soundtrack that features minimal description and basic cuing, a great option once you are familiar with the poses and the flow of the routines. No biggie, though, as it is very good to hear the things that Eoin has to say.

All in all, a great DVD, one that I know I will be reaching for again and again.

Not only is this DVD the best bargain out there( five routines on 2 dvds) but it is the best yoga dvd I have ever owned or seen.

The camera work is beautiful. The setting is serene. The commentary is perfect. Not too much talking. Just enough. Not too much whip-cracking, just the right amount of emphasis on knowing when to push and when to back off. I found it very inspirational.

I loved the music too. Not too airy fairy. It was atmospheric ,soothing and energizing at times.

There are some humorous parts of the dvd too. Overall I have done 4 of the 5 rotuines and they all left me feeling great.

I also liked that I could pick a level of each pose that worked well for me so I can grow with this one as my yoga improves.

One last thing, there is something magical about this dvd. The people in it somehow feel like your friends by the end of the routine. It feels warm and fun.

I can't recommend this one enough.

I own a number of different power yoga videos and this is my favorite. It is the perfect intensity with many variations given so the workout can be adjusted to your personal abilities or mood. Another reviewer mentioned the fact that all the routines start the same as a negative. I have to say that I really enjoy that part of it. I find that doing the same yoga routine over and over allows me to find something subtle and new each time I do it. But the beauty of this is that the same basic routine is given to you in several different lengths so you can fit it into your day perfectly no matter how much time you have.

Eoin is a very soothing yogi, and the practice is well rounded with many levels of each pose for different abilities... BUT! you had better REALLY LIKE the full 80 minute practice, because all the "other" practices on this DVD are just differently edited versions of that same full practice. You aren't really getting 5 "different" practices, in my opinion, and anyone with a programmable DVD player can do what they've done here. Very disappointed in the misleading advertising.

I am not a yoga video afficionado... i much prefer a real, live class or practicing at home on my own to some good, mellow or funky music... but after viewing this video in a local store... i thought i'd give it a try... and i'm so glad i did... it is fluid, comprehensive and so beautiful to watch... the outdoor setting is great... i go to Eoin Finn's Vancouver classes and this video really reflects how he does teach... yes,this yogi-surfer really does speak that way... the routines are varied with lots of great options to choose from and it's a powerful practice and a great workout, - given my crazy schedule, i'm always happy with the yoga quickie...! I definitely recommend this video if you want to experience a great workout, positive energy and fluidity!

I highly recommend this DVD. It is probably better for the intermediate to advanced because it can be challenging. I especially enjoy having the ability to choose the length of my workout. On days where I'm crunched for time I choose the 40 minute segment. If my hips hurt, I choose "Magically Hips" for a 55 minute routine. Yes, the shorter workouts are edited down versions of the full routine--but that is okay. The scenery is beautiful & I find Eion Finn to be an excellent instructor. Enjoy!

This DVD Makes me... well, HAPPY.

Really, the routines are so nice. They flow really well. Eoin's voice is calming and doesn't make me feel like I need to overdo it.

I love the "Magically Hips" Routine in particular. It really makes me feel open and alive. As Eion says in the commentary, "when your hips loosen up, it makes you feel younger and more vital"

I think this DVD is great for losing weight too. It is challenging, but the pace is not so fast that I couln't keep up.

The people really look like they are having fun (I thought you had to be more serious when you did Yoga)and there is just such a feeling of positivity that runs through it.

It is a unique product and I can not say that I own a Yoga or Fitness DVD that I have enjoyed more. It is my new favorite!

Okay, there is some happy talk on this dvd, and normally I am one who is annoyed by that kind of thing. In this workout, it does not bother me at all. It seems sincere and real, and when it is a little over the top it makes me smile. Not such a bad thing. The workout is wonderful, well-instructed with good modifications and now a favorite of this advanced-beginner. I appreciate the sessions of different length, with various foci. It does not bother me that the basics are repeated - that is what yoga practice is about. There are core asanas that should be practiced regularly. The dvd contains sessions of 30, 40, 53 (strength emphasis), 55 (hip opening emphasis) and the Full Happiness 80 minute session. Each is a little different, but the basics are always there. I find this a very enjoyable and flexible practice, highly recommended!

Warning: This practice will make you smile, laugh, and generaly feel happy. Lighten Up!

I'll make this short and sweet (as Eion would say). This DVD is a great bargain with all of the practices you get. Allbeit they are splicings of the same workout with some new stuff thrown in, but you still get a terrific variety to choose from to fit your "Yoga Mood" for the day.

This practice is for the light-hearted that don't mind breaking their concentration every once-in-a-while to crack a smile. Yoga is meant to be fun and enjoyable and Eion is the only instructor I've found on DVD that allows you to have that mentality. OK, he's a little sticky-sweet sometimes... "This pose should feel like having ice cream licked off your body", but I laugh and relax into the pose more. Wouldn't you know it, it does feel better, maybe not ice cream licked off my body, but better.

Enjoy this DVD - It's a must-have!

I have been practicing yoga for about three years -- mostly going to classes at various studios and doing the occasional Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss at Home which has just gotten to be too easy...not challenging enough. I bought Power Yoga for Happiness because a friend had previously passed on Eoin Finn's free audio downloads of his class. This is a great video for the home practitioner who is looking to move into something more challenging and fun than the beginner yoga workouts. Why? Well, because for one thing it's not easy! On the other hand, it's not impossible and you can actually grow with this practice. He gives instruction on each pose for beginners and advanced. So you start with doing what you can, and he leads you step by step into a more advanced version of each pose. The length of the workouts means you can make the video more like a full studio class 1x a week and supplement with his "Quickie" every morning. Be aware that the DVD's do skip in my DVD player (hence the four stars), but play perfectly on my Xbox, Playstation or computer. I think it has something to do with the anti-copying device and that my DVD player is old. And yes, all the version's are cut up's of the full studio class, but despite the 'problems', Power Yoga for Happiness continues to be the best Yoga DVD to grow a practice at home, and one that I haven't gotten bored with after five months!