Customer Reviews

Yoga with Linda Arkin [VHS]

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

 

 

I specifically ordered this video because of the reviews which said it was simple for beginners. I must say it was worth every penny and more. Linda's instructions are clear, her demonstration is taylored to even to those of us that are way out of shape. I will be purchasing the rest of the series.

This is a "no pressure" set of Yoga poses for folks that have never tried yoga before. Very easy to follow, simple stretches that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

This was the first yoga tape I worked with. I think it was a very good introduction to this type activity. Linda explains a lot and is extremely good at talking to you about how to attain an asana as well as what you should be looking for as far as the feeling each one should give you, and what it should not. There are two weaknesses. First of all there is no cool down at the end which is as important as any of the other positions. The other is the neck roll. On Linda's later tapes she says this is not done anymore. But this was my first exposure and it drew my interest into yoga by not being too intimidating. And for that, it is important. She does not require any props which I like also. The tape is 45 minutes long but she talks a lot and after I became familiar with her method I can now do the class without the tape (isn't this our ultimate goal) in about 25 minutes so it fits into my busy schedule and I can play my own music for backround. This class leaves me feeling balanced and exercised without being worn out. I still go back to this routine regularly although an advanced student may find this tape boring. It is for a beginner.

Pros: Very good stretches, including lateral stretches not seen on a lot of other yoga videos. Clear instructions, nice scenery.

Cons: Linda says to use this tape 3 times a week for maximum benefit. To me, she talks so much that if I were to use this tape on a regular basis I'd be standing there with the remote in my hand to fast forward all the inactive time, which is considerable.

Also, when she says to repeat something, it's just a rerun of her first demonstration. That's okay until she does sun salutations, and if you follow her, you do the right side twice and the left side not at all.

I would much prefer her doing a voice over while the poses are being demonstrated rather than forcing the viewer to sit and watch her talk. Some of her comments are more chit chat than instructional.

I would buy this tape (I borrowed it from the library) were it not for so much yak, yak, yakking.

Linda does a good job of teaching and the positions are all enjoyable. There are a few times when you aren't looking at the TV and she fails to cue you out of a position. I was hoping for a good routine I could do repeatedly. Unfortunately, she does so much talking that a full 1/3 of the time is wasted while she speaks. I solved this by making a copy and cutting out all idle time. But, it was a lot of trouble and I lost tape quality.