Customer Reviews

Yoga in Nature Series: The Sun Salutation Survival Kit - Intermediate [VHS]

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

 

 

I couldn't believe the 50 minutes went by so fast, but boy, did I feel the muscles on the back of my arms! I've been doing yoga for a couple of years now, and was surprised at just how much of a workout I received. Ditto for the low back, which is good because I tend to be weaker there. A tip to those trying the tape for the first time: take full advantage of those gentle reminders to modify the degree of difficulty based on what's comfortable for you, especially for the Cobra stance....trust me, you'll still get a great workout. And while I was thrilled to feel my leg and arm muscles working, I equally enjoyed the subsequent "cool down" section of easy floor poses and of course the final relaxation/meditation. I also found the bonus post-workout program extremely helpful-I'm actually using a few of the "Park Bench Yoga" stretches periodically at my desk! Overall, a challenging, nicely instructed yoga workout, with plenty of information besides. This video will definitely keep me busy for a long time.

Just as in her previous video, which I love, Evamarie gives great instruction. Plus there's the gorgeous scenery, lovely soundtrack - which doesn't drown out her instructions - and an innovative workout - it's not just sun salutations but a well rounded workout. She shows how to safely approach the poses, and her instructions are very detailed and clear. She also mirrors the poses - which is quite unusual in yoga videos - I personally find it very confusing when instructors don't do this. There's a nice relaxation at the end of the workout too which is always welcome! After the workout she gives further instructions to answer any more questions one might have, and a great extra - park bench yoga - a routine one could even do at the office. Very useful!

Evamarie's teaching style is unique and lovely; she guides you fluidly through the sequences, emphasizing flow and proper body dynamics over strict form. I was struck by the way she never stops moving throughout the entire class. For those who like a stiller approach, this is not the tape for you! In the warmup, she guides you through a series of wrist and hand exercises that feel like a prelude to a bellydancing class. The sun salutation she teaches is broken out into steps more like one might expect from a beginner's lesson, in fact, I'd place the difficulty level of this tape somewhere between beginner and intermediate. I only give her 4 stars because I think the breath, an essential element of flow, was not given sufficient emphasis, and because there were two occasions when she seemed to proceed without telling the listener, a slight problem when you're doing the yoga and not watching the tape. Aesthetically, the tape has nothing lacking; nice outdoor setting, and Evamarie's voice is low, soothing and easy to listen to. I even found her foofy costuming a pleasant contrast to her personal style which is entirely down to earth.