Customer Reviews

Yoga for Longevity [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first tried this video, I didn't know what to expect; my only previous experience with Rod Stryker was in the Kathy Smith yoga series, which I did not like. But to my pleasant surprise, I found that Rod teaches in a relaxed, easy-going style that was a perfect fit for me. The DVD actually contains two practices, each just under 30 minutes, that can be performed either separately or combined for a longer practice (this format as well as the general feel of the practice is very similar to Kripalu Yoga Gentle). Rod and a student, Ingrid, perform the practice in a pretty mountaintop field area overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Rod instructs via voiceover, and Ingrid frequently displays modifications of the poses. In general, Rod performs several flowing repetitions of each posture followed by a longer hold, which gave the practice a viniyoga feel to me.

The first practice, which is about 28 minutes long, begins in a reclined position with a focus on breathing. Some simple stretches follow, including knee-to-chest, revolved stomach pose, cat/cow, and a kneeling shoulder stretch. Rod continues with a few more stretches in a standing position: standing forward bend, arm circles, and a neck stretch. He then moves into a standing pose series, returning to mountain pose for stabililty between each standing posture. The poses consisted of triangle, warrior 1, a wide-legged down dog/standing forward bend combination, and modified revolved triangle. He then returns to the floor for additional cat/cow stretches, down dog, a rest in child pose, and then final relaxation. During the relaxation, which lasts for several minutes, Rod asks you to meditate on the number 12 and then slowly count backward, with each number bringing you closer to perfection.

You can either stop your practice at this point or continue with the second practice, which flows right into bridge pose. Next, he moves into a lying face-down position for some back extension work and then back to a reclined position for hand-to-foot pose, lying twist, and reclined bound angle. Transitioning to a seated postion, you'll perform a seated forward bend, bound angle, and then move into relaxation pose. This time, Rod asks you to visualize various parts of your body smiling, eventually moving to imagining your entire body smiling; I found these visualizations to be beneficial. The relaxation again lasts for several minutes, and then the final six minutes of this practice is devoted to pranayama (breathing) and seated meditation. From a seated position, you will first perform a variation on alternate nostril breathing and then spend several minutes just sitting quietly, bringing the total time for the second practice in at about 26.5 minutes.

Options on the DVD include selecting chapters, choosing to perform the practice from the modified perspective, and an interview/biography of Rod. I enjoyed Rod's gentle teaching style, and even though I was already very familiar with all of the poses included in this video, I found his alignment reminders to be helpful. All of the postures on this DVD would be accessible to beginners (although prior familiarity with the poses would be helpful), but I think that all levels of yoga practitioners will find something to like in this soothing, relaxing practice.

I am a major fan of Rodney Yee's yoga tapes and Rod Stryker's measures up to the master! This video gives you a great workout, meditative and restorative breaks, and breath training. This tape has the most positive effect on mind and mood of any tape I have. It takes approximately an hour to do the entire routine, but there is a convenient break point if you have less time. This tape has really caused me to appreciate the beauty of the movements, the peace to be found in even brief periods of meditation, and the joy of breathing and living. Stryker has an assistant who demonstrates modified forms of the poses. Watch the whole tape through once before starting because it is just slightly different than most, and Stryker does not always use the names of the poses in the manner to which I have become accustomed. It is not, however, difficult to catch on to his directions.

The breakdowns of what's on this dvd don't do it justice - you have to actually do the whole routine to know how good it feels!

Rod Stryker is an adept yoga master who's also an expert at meditation and breathing techniques. He has the best relaxation CDs which aren't available at Amazon but you can get them on his website. This dvd is a great starting point for those unfamiliar with Rod Stryker. He designed the routine so anyone can do it, including newbies. But it is so utterly relaxing, even long time practitioners of yoga would find it soothing as well. Postures included are designed to release tension in the areas of the body where we commonly hold most of our tension. But in the end, it's not just your body that feels lighter, but your mind and spirit. This yoga routine is pure bliss.

Rod is a true yoga master, not your average run of the mill yoga instructor who just took a course. He's done this for years and the difference shows. His manner is relaxed and unobtrusive. He's there to guide you but lets you go deep within. A truly unforgetable yoga experience and I only wish I'd discovered him years ago!

This really is an excellent routine and Rod Stryker is a great instructor, HOWEVER, Gaiam is selling the same routine under 2 different names and different packaging. So, if you have bought the longevity workout and see peak performance in a store, dont buy it! Also, the back of the DVD claims that Rod Stryker is the only student of Mani Finger's to receive yogiraj status, but I know Alan Finger (Mani's son) received that status well before Rod. I know because I received my certification under Alan. The routine itself gets 5 stars, but the shady marketing takes away from that.

I'm still a beginner at yoga and have tried different yoga video classes for years. This one for me had the right combination of poses, paces and explanation. I felt like I had taken an hour long class. Stryker has a clear and descriptive style that bears repeated listening. I'm looking forward to his next production!

I really like this video. I have been practicing yoga for about 5 years but am unable to do extreme backbends like upward bow and also arm balances such as plank pose. This workout doesn't hurt my knees, hips or wrists. The poses aren't anything new (cat/cow, forward bends, down dog, triangle, etc.) but the tape seems to move quickly and is enjoyable. Those who are extremely flexible and able to do much more advanced poses might not find this challenging enough, but for those who just want some good stretching and relaxation, I highly recommend it. The only irritating part is at the end where he tells you to "feel your whole body like one large, open, radiant smile". Yuk.

This very relaxing video is an excellent hour or half-hour yoga workout. Easy on the body, yet energizing. As a man, I enjoy yoga videos that feature men. This also features another practicioner demonstrating easier alternatives to the poses.

After the initial confusion of the class (I ordered this dvd and received one called "Peak Performance", and then realized that it was indeed "Yoga for Longevity" after all!- renamed), I really enjoyed the class.

Rod has a very calming voice and gives wonderful instruction. The music was very fitting and relaxing, and the background was beautiful. It was very professionally done.

Although I am more flexable, it was great that he had another person, Ingrid, to demonstrate the same poses in a modified way for those less flexible. He also provided a shorter version of the class, and a longer version. For those who had a limited amount of time for the class, they could stop the dvd 1/2 through after the first mini-relaxation. For those who had more time, they would continue through the mini-relaxation into more poses, relaxation and meditation.

Rod also included some poses in the longer version of the class, that aren't as often used in the average yoga class, which was refreshing.

The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, is that the poses seemed a bit rushed toward the end of the longer class. I had to keep pausing the dvd, to really sink into the poses, and feel what was going on inside. I am a believer in holding the poses to get the full benefit and integrate the mind with the body. But other than that, it was great.

The sitting meditation at the end was also great - very relaxing, relaxing music, he talked a little in the beginning to guide the student, and then there was just silence (with the music).

This is an excellent video. Rod Stryker does a beautiful job of combining the mental and physical aspects of yoga in this presentation. The scenery is beautiful without being obtrusive or overdone. The assistant who does easier versions of the poses is a big plus for beginners or those with health issues. I am a physician who treats mainly spinal disc herniations. After inital treatment with chiropractic and physical therapy I would strongly reccommend this video to my patients as well as others who are seeking a nonsurgical alternative.

I use this DVD when I want to really unwind and relax. I have some Ashtanga and Vinyasana dvd's and this is totally different. It focuses much more on meditation, which is great when you're in the mood for that. I feel like I am totally able to let go and dump all the negative energy and (...) I am carrying around after doing this.

If you have a bad back, you might want to be careful with the spinal twists. They left me hurting a little bit the next day, but this is a problem area for me.