Customer Reviews

Total Yoga:Original

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I originally reviewed this wonderful program (VHS version)in June of 2002. Since then I have continued to practice daily and because I like variety in my practice, I've gradually amassed over 80 yoga DVD's and VHS's (which is not as insane or expensive as it sounds since a lot of them came in packs of 3 or 5 :)). That being said, I just did this program this morning and thought I'd share my updated point of view. Well, even after all these years it still stands up as a fabulous and well rounded practice! In fact, I bought it on DVD today.

If I was to compare it to the "Flow Series" programs in terms of difficulty, I'd say it's perhaps similar in terms of level to the "Water" program, though it does have a more intense inversion section with a long "Plow" and "Shoulderstand".

Someone brand new to yoga would probably be better off starting with something like Yoga Zone's "Yoga Basics" (in fact I would recommend getting either their "Yoga Basics Five Pack" or "Ultimate Collection" which is a six DVD set. Each of the DVD's in either collection have two-twenty minute self contained programs.

At that point you can easily move into Total Yoga's Flow Series "Earth" program and then maybe the "Water" program before this one because it has a half shoulderstand rather than a full version of that pose, that would be a good preparation for this.

Either way, I've written out the sequence and thought this might help those interested in seeing exactly how this program is put together.

Total Yoga: Overview of Sequence.

Ujayi Breathing/Three Part Breath

Half Spinal Rolls/Full Back Rolls/Bent legs spinal twist

Clasped forward fold then come up to Tadasana

"D" Series Salutation (5 x's) (which contains rolls and leg raises)

"C" Series Salutation w variations (12 position Sun Salutation w/lunges "Sivananda style")

Modified "A" Series Salutation (without Chaturanga (low pushup position)

Triangle

Pyramid Pose (parsvottanasana)

Standing Knee Balance to King Dancer Pose (Natarajasana)

Down Dog w/ extended leg to Pigeon Pose

Bow sequence (Hands clasped behind back, chest lifted/Bow with head down and legs up/Full Bow pose)

Embryo (child's pose)/Neck Release

Pose of Nobility (Gomukhasana: "Cow Face" Pose with arm clasp variation)/Spinal Twist

Half Spinal Rolls

Janu Sirsasana (One leg forward bend)

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Lying Spinal Twist

Knees into chest to Back Release Position

Plow/Shoulderstand Sequence

Fish Position

Seated Breathing

Savasana

Seated Meditation..... Namaste

This is an absolutely wonderful practice. You will learn how to use Ujayii breathing in your yoga practice. My lungs felt so good afterwards!!!!

There is a introduction of ujayii breathing for those who don't know what it is, a warm up, sun salutations, triangle, dancer, pigeon, bow, spinal twist, forward bends, inversions, and fish. It ends in a very long final relaxation.

It runs 1 hour in length. I think this is a perfect yoga workout since you get good warm up with breathing and spinal rolls before heading into the salutation series. The deep floor poses come after the warm up and then a long relaxation at the end (which is rare on DVD's).

I would recommend that you have some previous knowledge of yoga postures as detailed explaination of the postures are not included. As an "advanced beginner" or intermediate this is a perfect practice and well worth the money.

Check my other reviews on amazon for yoga and meditation.
Namaste'

I have been wearing this video out for years. After going through four VHS copies I discovered it has been rereleased, along with the Total Yoga, The Flow Series on DVD. The bonus workout included in the DVD from Fire of the Flow Series is a wonderful addition. The best Yoga VHS has just become the best Yoga DVD.

After you tried all the "travel log" videos that focus as much on the background as yoga instruction try this one.
Its clear concise instruction matched with a beautiful photographed presentaion(shot at all angles) make this my favorite.
I really appreicate the varations Tracey and Ganga use that make this appealing to every yogi of all leavels. I've been practicing yoga for fifteen years and get a full and complete workout. My wife just started and will only practice with this DVD while giving up the other tapes and dvds that we've tried in the past..
Total Yoga starts with breathing instruction that moves into sun satuations and flows from one movment to another that seems to cover every yoga poise right into deep relaxation.
A true winner that I would recommend to everyone. I can't wait for more.

I grew very fond of this yoga workout when it came out on VHS years ago. Of all of the yoga programs I have used (both live and on VHS or DVD) this one makes me feel the most relaxed, the most flexible, and the most satisfied when I am done. My only complaints: it is dated--the costumes and style of explaining poses are a tad new-age of the 90's--and it is long. You must commit about an hour of your time to get the full workout.

This DVD will give you a great basic and complete workout. The pacing is perfect. I like that many of the postures have an optional pose that is more challenging. I feel wonderful at the end of this routine.

This dvd is a great start for anyone. She runs through all the poses in basic move and some will be shown in a harder version as it progress's. This is a great stretching dvd. People looking for a fast pace should try something else. You will not sweat much here after you get used to this dvd. I love this dvd and all the others from this series. You will learn the basics of terminology and poses. Great dvd!

First off, Yoga Dad did a great job telling you the sequence of the poses done. The only thing I can add is that there is a locust before the bow pose.
The menu options include:
Intro - on how yoga is beneficial showing Tracey & Ganga's doing very advanced yoga positions.
Poses - shows you pics of all the poses done & brings you right to that spot on the workout
Total Yoga Fire - 15 min of part of their Fire dvd

The music in this dvd is VERY light, almost non-existent, but other times can be heard & is relaxing. The beginning Ujayi breathing lecture was well done & relaxing. In my opinion, there was too much repetition of yoga rolls (like a little kid rolling back/forth on spine), leg lifts & too many forward bends at first which unnerved me & I fast forwarded this portion. Once I did, I enjoyed the rest. Because I hadn't done yoga in a while, I enjoyed the relaxed pace to really feel the stretches. There is time to take several breaths for each pose as well as a calm emphasis in getting in & out of poses. I was particularly happy with & what I love is the reminders not just to breath, but Ujayi breathing which really helped me. Also since Tracey does all the poses & the voice over, Ganga only is shown briefly showing the very advanced form of the poses as well as tell you the organ/endocrine/muscle/bone benefits of each pose to keep you going knowing what great benefit you're giving your body.
Since the sun salutations A are modified, the B are not done, there are no warrior poses or side angle & only a twisted sage pose but with the knee down, this is dvd is not emphasizing fitness strength building. This is a great way to relax for a light day for people in shape or good workout for beginners who already know how to do poses. There is not enough instruction for those who are true newbies, though the instruction here is more body/mind, not western body part emphasis which I love.

This workout is good for beginners and somewhat experienced Yoga enthusiasts. The positions are held longer than some basic tapes and modifications are shown for more experienced users. This is the next best thing to "live" Yoga class. It is great if you are just learning because you can relax in the comfort of home while you learn the positions. Just be sure to secure curious pets in another room - they can really ruin final relaxation.

My very first VHS yoga tape, I've always loved this practice for being so well rounded, truly living up to the title. After seeing it languishing on my shelf for the past several years, I decided to go for the DVD version. Today I arrived home in a snowstorm and rather than attend my usual Tuesday night yoga class, I popped this in my DVD player and fell in love again! The vinyasa flows are still fantastic and I felt rejuvenated after a bad drive home.

This is the first yoga video I purchased, originally on VHS. I just replaced it with the DVD version that includes a bonus workout from the Total Yoga: Fire series. Total Yoga: The Original is a thorough and expert practice, demonstrated by Tracey Rich and Ganga White. It is more for intermediate-level practitioners rather than absolute beginners, because it does move quickly through the poses with no explanation. If you have some yoga under your belt, i.e. perhaps have done some of the Yoga Zone tapes or DVDs, you should be very happy with advancing your practice with Total Yoga. Although I do have other yoga DVDs (including the aforementioned Yoga Zone), after all these years Total Yoga is still my favorite. A fabulous stretch for the body, and a calming effect on the mind.