Customer Reviews

The Yoga Bootcamp Box: An Interactive Program to Revolutionize Your Life with Yoga

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

 

 

I have been using Baron's Videos and DVD's for years and he's definitely my overall favorite instructor out there (I have over 80 Yoga programs on Video and DVD so I am very familiar with a good deal of what is out there).

My main purpose for purchasing the Bootcamp box was for the Yoga flows. I have been practicing yoga 7 days a week for about the last 8 years and am always looking for more short practices to use along with my longer practices. The three 20 minute flows "Vinyasa Flow", "Hip Flow" and "Core Flow" are wonderful sequences that anyone can fit into their daily lives. The Yoga Cards that come with the set are excellent for helping you learn and remember the poses along with the verbal instruction on the CD's.

I haven't done the 75 minute practice yet but I am looking forward to it because I have done Baron's longer video practices such as "Soul of Strength" and "Power and Precision" and they are really great (and really tough).

Still, if you did nothing else but rotated among the three different 20 minute flows on a daily basis, it would be enough to keep you strong and flexible from head to toe. As Baron even stresses in "Journey Into Power", "A little bit of yoga done a lot is better than a lot of yoga done once in a while".

Also, I would HIGHLY recommend getting Baron's Video called "Transform Your Life, Yoga with Baron Baptiste" which is from a PBS special where he takes 40 students through a week long bootcamp. It is very inspiring and also has a bonus 20 minute "Power Yoga Basics" practice after the feature. It's a great routine and very easy to fit into any morning.

The overall Bootcamp concept is very interesting and I would love to go one one of his actual bootcamps someday, but for a very small price one can implement much of those practices right now at their home. Even if you can't devote yourself to the complete bootcamp experience, just incorporating his basic principles of eating and the yoga flows (and meditation) can make a difference in your daily life from the moment you receive the Bootcamp Box forward for the rest of your life.

The great thing about a home Yoga practice (especially a vinyasa power yoga approach which will eliminate the need for weight training) is that you NEVER have to miss a day of doing your practice. It doesn't matter what the weather is like, you don't have to drive to a gym or class, you can't make excuses for not having enough time (since anyone can spare at least 20 minutes). Just roll out your mat before you eat and shower each day and you are ready to go :)

I have even found it possible to squeeze in 20 minutes of yoga at home when I've had to be at the airport at 6 AM (which means waking up about 4:30 AM and starting my practice at about 4:40 AM :) ). The microscopic amount of sleep you sacrifice by rising a bit earlier will be nothing compared to the benefits in terms of well being and energy you will reap from the 20 or so minutes of Yoga. I have also found I can always bring my mat with me on trips (by folding it flat a few times rather than rolling it) and have even practiced in tight spaces in Hotel/Motel rooms.

I'm only writing all this for the purpose of emphasizing just how realistic it is to have some form of daily yoga practice under almost any circumstance.

Even if you're not up for a more physical Vinyasa practice, I'd recommend trying some of the "Yoga Zone" basics tapes (all have Two-20 minute routines which are very good, or Suzanne Deason's "Stress Relief Yoga For Beginners" which is about 20-25 minutes and will put you through a full range of movements. In the least you can do Rodney Yee's AM yoga which is about 15 minutes long, his Power Yoga Set is also quite excellent, less than 30 minutes each, "Stamina" is my favorite of the three).

Along with many of his Video/DVD programs, I also have both of Baron's books, "40 Days to Personal Revolution" (his latest) and "Journey Into Power" (my favorite of the two). I would highly recommend purchasing "Journey Into Power", it is very comprehensive and inspiring, it also has a section on a "Cleansing Diet" which if followed will not only help you lose weight but give you tremendous energy.

Since using his approach to nutrition (which is really very simple, it's based eating whole fresh foods, staying away from processed foods) I have been able to up the level of intensity of my Yoga practices, only rarely having to do a more gentle practice. This has increased my strength considerably and has built a lot of lean muscle.


So, lose the excuses, roll out your mat and jump start your day and your life!

Namaste

This was a great purchase-4 yoga routines and a meditation. One disc has 3 twenty minute routines, perfect for busy days. A 20 min. vinyasa flow that covers the majors. A 20min. that works the core like nothing else-it burns but not in a "please stop now" kinda way. A 20min. hip routine that feels so good. And lastly a 10min meditation that is great for developing a practice. Disc two has a 75-yes, 75 minute class. This class works you top to toe. The audio format does take some getting used to especially if your practice is usually in a class or video. Familiarity with the poses is a must! The set contains flash cards which detail the poses and their modifications. The book is basically a cliff notes version of Baron's books.

This is an awesome package!! So nobody is confused: this package consists of a small paperback book, flash cards, and 2 AUDIO CDS (not DVD) with 4 yoga programs and 1 meditation practice. I love it and use it all the time. I have looked at other reviews here and found that I disagree with most of them, but I think it is because you will view this package differently based on how much yoga you know. If you are a true beginner, it will be too difficult to understand the poses just from listening. If you are a beginner, I highly recommend "Journey Into Power: Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, Level 1:Beginner" (it is a DVD that also has the extra benefit of showining 9 of the basic poses in detail on a pose tutorial). Once you get comfortable with the poses and the techniques, movements, and breathing, then this CD set is really awesome!!! I find that it is very easy to use. For me, now that I know more yoga, it is more distracting to keep looking at a video screen to see what is comming next. As far as the cards go- they are very helpful. I found that they are completely in the proper order and are very helpful. The best thing is not to spread the whole deck out in front of you. Go through the stack a couple times before the practice to familiarize yourself and then take the stack and put it at the front of your mat and flip to the next card for each pose. This way you won't get confused. The first couple times you may fumble around a bit until you get the hang of it, but this is certainly no reason to give up. The rewards are great because this set helps take the yoga more into yourself and away from a video screen or other people. Only then can you see the true benefits to yoga- the inner self and inner peace. I have found that now that I have used this set for a couple months, I do not even need to refer to the cards and now I am really able to get a good yoga practice because I have no distractions. I highly recommend this. If you are a beginner, please try the DVD I recommend and when you feel like you have mastered that, then come back to this set.

I bought this set because I didn't like having to crane my neck to look at the TV during yoga videos, so it seemed like an audio guide would be a good idea. However, I find the routines hard to follow - you really have to go through the flash cards and memorize the poses and their names beforehand. Otherwise Baron Baptiste will say "now, chatttarangadanda vinayasana" and you are like WHAT? And you have to scramble through the cards, which kind of breaks up the flow. Also, maybe I am slow, but having done each of the routines about three times, there are still points where I miss something and suddenly I am supposed to be standing but I am laying on the floor. This makes it very hard to maintain the rhythmic breathing. If only they would include a list of the poses in order for each routine! This seems very simple and I can't believe it is not included. I also like being told when to inhale and when to exhale - the Yoga Zone DVDs (for example) are very good about this and I miss it here. HOWEVER, I find the routines to be very nice, and the cards are lovely and include modifications of the poses for beginners. I think that once you know all the poses and have some idea of the flow of the routines so that you're not scrambling to keep up and can relax enough to focus on flow and breathing, this set will be super. But it's not something where a beginner can just open the box and have a satisfying experience.

Also, the set is meant to be used as a three-day intensive experience where you change your diet and devote your weekend to yoga and meditation. I have not done this but it seems like an interesting idea.

Prior to pregnancy and having my 6 month old daughter, I was a regular practicer of yoga. I was used to going to intense heated power yoga classes and because of time was looking for something intense yet doable with my unpredictable schedule. This was exactly what I was looking for -the yoga practice is intense yet invigorating. The CDs are perfect and so much better than trying to watch a TV screen. It allows you to get more into your practice as if you were in a class. The 20 minute programs have been my favorite and no matter what kind of day you have had you can fit 20 minutes into your day. For me it has been the perfect thing to do right before bed. Baron's voice is slightly annoying but you quickly forget and then don't notice it. The 75 minute CD is good and thorough like a normal class. I would recommend you are familiar with the poses and their names prior to getting so you don't even have to bother with the cards but just jump into practicing. I would highly recommend this product to people familiar with yoga and looking to practice at home.

Like the OM Yoga in a Box, this one suffers from a bit of over-marketing. If you get it, get it for the CDs and don't get too excited for the stuff in your new "kit." It does come with helpful flashcards.
I skipped the "bootcamp"described in the booklet and just use it for the vinyasa class on CD.
Be warned: it isn't really for beginners. You should be comfortable with the vinyasa flow of plank-chaturanga-up dog - down dog in order to do this class - he doesn't really "teach" that. He also doesn't give a whole lot of information on how to modify with props, so it works best for those who already know what they need.
It is a vigorous workout, probably harder than the OM Yoga Intermediate by Cyndi Lee.

What an amazing concept. After watching many a video of Baron's, I thought I would give the Bootcamp box a go. I love it! It really goes into detail everything you would ever need for one of his bootcamp classes, minus the great instructors.

Please keep in mind my perspective is from a Yoga Instructor stand point. This may not be for you, if you have no experience with Yoga at all. Great for those that are familiar with the basics.

OK. I haven't shut in for the 3 day bootcamp but I read the book "Journey Into Power" (which I ordered also and it is very good) and I use the c.d. 70 minute flow. I love this c.d. because it is just you and Baron in the room like you are having a private lesson and he is so calm and encouraging. There is a 20 minute meditation cd and I found it to be really helpfull. Also included are really nice flashcards and 2 short 20 minute cds. I love Baron Baptiste not only because of his philosophy and easy access to the spiritual side of yoga but because of his natural warmth. He has remained my favorite teacher. The bootcamp box is an excellent value. Buy it.

I downloaded the Bootcamp cd's on my Ipod and I can now take my practice with me wherever I go. I was familiar with Baron Baptiste's book "Yourney Into Power" so I was able to follow the poses without any problems. I consider myself an intermediate yoga practitioner and found the bootcamp practices appropriate for my level. The short practices are great for days when time is limited or for doing after a run.

I have really enjoyed these dvds. They are not videos - you only hear Baron speaking. I haven't used the cards as I know the names of the poses. 20 minutes each and they are a great quick workout. I haven't done the 75 minute dvd but as soon as I have free time I will! The idea behind the videos is great and I look forward to having a 3 day weekend to spend doing yoga!