Customer Reviews

Yoga Radiance

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This DVD, which is subtitled "Four Seasons of Renewal," lead you through four segments of intermediate vinyasa flow yoga--Spring (10.5 minutes), Summer (16 minutes), Autumn (6.5 minutes), and Winter (15 minutes)--plus includes Lunar (25 minutes), a restorative flow. Each segment features one of three different instructors (Genevieve Fischer, Ester Hillebrand, and Carolina Vivas) alone in a softly lit room with beautiful soothing music playing in the background; a single instructor (I'm not sure which one) provides voiceover cueing throughout the practice. The DVD includes a chapter menu which allows you to play the entire practice (all four seasons plus Lunar) or to select any of the five segments individually. Spring and Lunar in particular work well as stand-alone practices; the other three simply require the addition of your own warm-up/savasana.

The Spring segment begins with some simple seated stretches and then moves into a series of the traditional "B" sun salutation. This section moved a bit fast for my liking; I think a slightly gentler opening would have be more appropriate. Summer and Autumn, both of which focus on standing postures, were my favorite segments. These segments move at a slower, more measured pace, but be prepared to do many chatturanga-updog-down dog vinyasas in-between the standing poses. Summer includes basic standing postures such as warrior 1, warrior 2, right angle, and triangle plus twisting postures like revolved triangle and revolved half-moon. It ends with some more advanced postures, including tripod headstand, side crane (crow), and bird of paradise. The short Autumn sequence consists of challenging standing balances such as standing hand-to-foot, warrior 3, standing splits, and dancer's pose; it ends with variations on standing forward bend. Winter is the backbending/inversions segment, with camel, bridge, a long hold of wheel (upward bow--5 breaths!), shoulderstand, plow, and fish pose. It finishes with happy baby pose, reclined twists, and a short savasana, so you can either end your practice here (approximately 50 minutes) or go on to the Lunar segment for a longer practice (75 minutes). This final segment is very relaxing series of gentle, flowing stretches to prepare you body for a more lengthy (5 minutes) savasana; postures here include cat, down dog, a lunge series, pigeon, double pigeon, seated forward bends, reclined leg stretch, modified shoulder stand, and reclined twist. During the savasana, images of the three instructors performing asanas from the video flash on screen; there is no further instruction at this point, but the music changes once the credits begin.

As an intermediate yogi, I consider this practice to be prefect for my level. There were some postures that I couldn't do--tripod headstand is an impossibility for me, I can do crow but not side crow, and my version of bird of paradise is quite stooped and crooked--but I enjoyed attempting the more challenging postures and feel that I can grow with this practice. I especially liked the season breakdowns, as I know I will utilize these for shorter yoga practices when I have less time (Lunar in particular is an excellent stand-alone practice, especially as a cool-down after a more traditional workout). Finally, the inspiring asana displays of the three instructors combined with the beautiful music serves to make this DVD totally captivating. However, it should be noted that the sequences on this DVD form a continuous flow, with little time for detailed instruction. Therefore, although I definitely recommended this DVD, I would limit my recommendation to yogis at an intermediate level and beyond.

As a yoga practitioner who frequently does yoga at home, solo and with friends, I am always looking for NEW "classes" in which to participate. YOGA RADIANCE is an excellently narrated program. The narrator has such a calm, lovely voice and the cues are timed appropriately. The instruction is so complete that one doesn't constantly have to look up at the screen to see what the very achieved yoga teachers are doing...but I highly recommend VIEWING this DVD on occasion to gain increased perspective of HOW some of the poses are properly accomplished. The instructors move at a CONTINUAL PACE...not too fast....so that the viewer can reap the benefit of seeing how positioning is accomplished. The changing camera angle adds increased awareness of body positioning, which is extremely helpful. The FOUR SEASONS are a good practice in themselves, with SPRING being the warm up. Proceeding through SUMMER, FALL and WINTER, the body, mind and spirit will be invigorated. When time is limited one can do the SPRING warm up with another season or just do the added special restorative Lunar flow alone....but when time allows, I prefer doing all four seasons plus the lunar flow. IT GIVES A COMPLETE, BALANCED YOGA SESSION for the intermediate level practitioner. The complete practice takes about an hour and ten minutes, which for me is perfect! THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER DVD! ...and there are no alternative poses for the positions, therefore this DVD is for those who have experience in knowing how to modify positions for their own bodies. The background music is absolutely beautiful...and peaceful. There is nothing special about the yoga studio...but it's fine and is not distracting by any means. It is NOT like the fabulous coastal backgrounds of SHIVA REA'S DVDs, but Shiva Rea is in a category all by herself...THE BEST! So, if you are an intermediate level yoga practitioner and want some variety in your practice... (The same ol', same ol' gets a bit boring from time to time!!!)...I highly recommend YOGA RADIANCE be added to your collection.

this dvd is a delightful presentation of a fluid and yes, radiant, practice of yoga. it is less an instructional dvd and more an offering of yoga practice--strong, serene, and beautiful.

the practice is divided into sequences based on the four seasons plus a lunar segment. creation of the sequences is credited to two male instructors we don't see on the dvd. one of three graceful and beautiful yoginis, instructors in their own right, performs each segment. the cues are few, but accurate, and narrated by a fourth woman with a voice made of honey, against lovely atmospheric music. both the narration and score seemed to be weaved through the practice and are an integral part of it without being in the least bit intrusive. the set is simple and warm looking--either a bare room with wood floors and white walls or a studio with wood floors and olive backdrop. the lunar segment has tealight candles encircling the practice space. the photography is rich and inviting. the end result is actually a yoga film--a delight to practice to be sure, but also a joy just to watch or even listen to. you really can learn from watching these women go through the practice--they are strong and know their stuff, and you can clearly see them consciously place themselves in and work with each pose.

as for style, this is a strong vinyasa practice, building from basic to more challenging asanas, all interlaced with vinyasas (flowing sequence based on plank, upward dog, and downward dog between major asanas). vinyasas are particularly prominent in the summer and autumn sequences, but are also present in the others, in subtler form. none of the poses are modified or explained in much detail, so if you are beginner or prefer precise instruction on breathing, alignment, and movement into and out of the poses, this is not the dvd for you. the cues are more in the nature of reminders than instruction. for practitioners with a foundation in the asanas, however, it is a great complement to yoga instruction from live teachers and other more alignment focused dvds. that incredible voice accompanies you unobtrusively through a gorgeous looking, creatively designed, deeply satisfying practice. intermediate practitioners will find a good mix of familiar poses to work oneself into more deeply and more challenging poses to stretch the boundaries of practice. advanced yogins will welcome a moving meditation practice more in line with their level than the norm.

i am an intermediate practitioner, and find the practice itself powerful and challenging but not overly taxing. some poses are currently beyond my reach, but i appreciate the opportunity to either work towards them or modify them as i have been taught elsewhere, depending on where i am that day. the warming repetition of vinyasas leaves my muscles far more flexible and supple than more static practices, so i am able to work more deeply into the backbends and forward bends of the winter and lunar segments. when doing the full practice, i end up feeling as though someone had buttered my muscles and gently but deeply massaged my spine. i also like the option to do one or two segments (especially the spring and lunar sequences) if i lack time or want to add them to my personal practice sequences. my quibbles: you can select any one or all of the segments, but cannot string them together to form a customized practice. the winter segment has a short Shavasana, and the lunar segment a longer one, so you are on your own if you want to do just one of the others, but this is hardly a tragedy. while i am fine with the minimalist voiceover cuing, it is sometimes out of sync with the actual practice, or even just plain missing. this should have been attended to more carefully. overall a great addition to a personal yoga dvd library.

for those who like a detail of the asanas, here's a summary of each segment, not including the vinyasas connecting the poses. SPRING [Genevieve Fischer, 11 minutes]. Child's Pose, Seated Side Stretches, Alternate Arm and Leg Balance, Standing Forward Bend, Modified Sun Salute B. SUMMER [Esther Hillebrand, 16 minutes]. Sun Salute A, Single Legged Down Dog with Alternate Arm Balance, Warrior 1, Warrior 2, Reverse Warrior, Triangle, Side Arm Balance Right Angle Pose, Half Moon, Squat Twist, Revolved Right Angle with Hands in Prayer, Standing Wide Angle Forward Bend, Tripod Headstand, Revolved Triangle, Revolved Half Moon, Standing Split, Side Crow, Bird of Paradise. AUTUMN [Esther Hillebrand, 7 minutes]. Tree, Standing Hand to Foot Pose, Warrior 3, Standing Splits, Dancer's Pose, Standing Forward Bend. WINTER [Caroline Vivas, 15 minutes]. Side Lunge, Tortoise, Standing Wide Angle Forward Bend, Child's Pose, Hero with toes tucked, Camel, Down Dog, Single Legged Reclined Hero, Bridge, Upward Bow, Single Legged Upward Bow, Happy Baby, Shoulderstand series (including Plow, Shoulderstand, Single Legged Shoulderstand, Shoulderstand in Cobbler or Lotus, Upward Facing Padmasana, Knee to Ear Pose), Fish, Knees to Chest, Reclined Knee over Leg Twist, Reclined Cobbler's Pose, Shavasana. LUNAR [Caroline Vivas, 25 minutes]. Child's Pose, Cat, Threading the Needle, Down Dog, Hero, Twist, Modified Lunge Salutes, Hero Pose with back bend and forward bend, Shoulder stretch in Cat Pose with arms clasped behind back, Pigeon, Double Pigeon, Open Squat, Seated Forward Bend, Head to Knee Single Legged Forward Bend, Knees to Chest, Reclined Leg Stretch series, Half Shoulderstand, Reclined Knee over Leg Twist, Head to Knee Pose, Reclined Cobbler, Shavasana.

For a more complete overview and description of both the disk and each of the five sessions I`ll leave you to also read and consider at least a few of the other reviews preceding this one.

That said, following are a few of my concerns (hopefully helping explain why I`ve given this disk only a 2 star rating).

While there is a good deal worthwhile here - the yogis are each skilled and capable, and both the second (Spring) and fourth (Winter) sections do include some interesting and novel poses and transitions - both the pacing and narrative, on a whole, come across as rushed and at times forced even.

For example, at only 10 or so minutes long the warmup (Spring) is simply inadaquate (really too short) and, in my estimation at least, doesn`t nearly prepare the student for the more challenging poses soon to follow.

Section Two (Summer) does lead in with a short series of warrior poses but then quickly (all too quickly) follows with, of all things, a side arm balance with leg lift! I simply can`t imagine many students (no matter how accomplished) would be nearly warm enough yet to do this level pose at this point in the session.
I also have to take serious issue with the inclusion of the tripod headstand here (that is, at about half the way through this section).
In my many (25 plus) years of practice and instruction, I`ve yet to encounter more than just a handful of students who I felt could safely do this pose, especially as part of a flow, without also having either a spotter or support, such as a wall without any obstacles nearby, for the sake of their own well being. Including this pose here is, in my opinion at least, simply fool hardy and perhaps even irresponsible.

(The student could, of course, always choose to skip the disk forward or, better yet, continue on with their own variation of choice, even so...)

I did find interesting that the yogi chose to include the wonderful pose know as "Bird Of Paradise" also in this (Summer) section. While I would prefer it be immediately preceded by some sort of more moderate rotation (perhaps Chair With A Twist?), it is a welcome inclusion nevertheless.

The third section (Autumn) starts out curiously with Tree Pose followed by a standing side leg lift (again, where`s the preparation?) though the quick transition through to Warrior Three I thought fun. Not long after Dancers Pose comes and, sadly, goes (it`s far too hurried through).

These few criticisms aside, I`d have to say the third section was by far my favorite, though at a scant 7 or so minutes also far too quick to come and go.

Note: Because I still didn`t feel nearly warm enough and ready yet, I first stopped the disk here to do my own series of Sun Salutes and related warm-ups before proceeding.

In my opinion, the forth section (Winter) is inappropriate for most beginners.
Tortoise (what I know as Frog) Pose at the start is demanding and, without sufficient warm up, injury can easily occur as a result.
I did appreciate the way the yogi moved into Camel Pose though, and the One Sided Heroes Pose was a welcome inclusion.
One other concern here: preparation for Upward Bow (with lifted leg) was very much lacking (though again, one could perhaps stop the disk and move about and warm themselves better on their own first).

The fifth (and last) section called Lunar is one I might try another time on it`s own - perhaps at night or at the end of the day. I really don`t have any concerns or issues with anything in this section. It`s the kind of nice, calming yoga I, myself, usually include in my own restoration classes and sessions.

On a whole I`d say, my above noted concerns included, this is a fair to good quality self-instructional disk.
While I personally didn`t much care for the accompanying music (clearly made using computer "new agey"/soft computer synth sounds, with nary a single acoustic instrument to be found) that`s strictly a personal preference.
I will take issue with the accompanying narrative (at both the start and the second sections in particular). There were times when, curiously, it simply didn`t match what was happening on the screen. Whether this is a technical glitch, or simply a matter of poor design, I really can`t say.

As for who, in my opinion, should consider purchasing this disk - I`d suggest, for starters, advancing students looking for something else, something a bit different to reference to and add to their existing collection.
Those just starting out, or with only a few years experience, might also find some worth here as well. For instance, the fifth section (Lunar) could easily stand alone as a cool down or an 'off-day' rejuvenation session.

This is a DVD that simplicity makes it beautiful! The instructions are very clear through out the entire practice yet it does not give much of alternative moves for beginners. If you are in intermediate/Advanced level and just need a good session of flowing yoga practice, this is the one for you, but if you just started practicing yoga, and still have trouble to balance in tree pose, please think over one more time before you decide to buy this DVD. I particularly like to do the lunar session before I go bed, it really helps me to let go my body and mind...

Yoga Radiance is a collection of invigorating vinyasas for intermediate to advanced practitioners who enjoy the beauty of yoga as much as the energizing and healing benefits. The delicate lighting slipping through the sheer vanilla curtains and shades, shimmering wood floors, black sheets up against the wall and artist studio type settings give the workouts a classic stylized mood. An empty apartment and women who look like models exercise with precise movements.

This invigorating challenge with narration makes you feel like a dancer and the balance challenges are advanced. Cat, Downward Facing Dog, Cobra, Warrior 1 and Chair are included, but this goes much further. Crane/Crow posture tests your arm strength and the "Trivikramasana/Three-stride-posture" and "Half Moon/Ardha-Candrasana" provides incredible balance and flexibility challenges.

Each section focuses on a seasonal theme and there is also a beautiful Lunar segment with candles surrounding a mat with a bamboo plant. Cat, low lunge, pigeon provide a slower pace and yet I still found this segment to be warming.

During the Autumn section, it is helpful to know that you should first spread the toes before attempting to stand on one leg in Warrior III. The dancer's pose is also easier if you have learned this technique. In the section on Winter, the tortoise stretch and backbends provide a space in which to develop patience.

As an intermediate who enjoys trying out advanced exercises, I found this to be invigorating and exciting. If you are looking for a new challenge and enjoy "Vinyasa" or flowing yoga style workouts, I think you will love this series of workouts. Due to the inclusion of a few more complex exercises, this workout will be giving me challenges for the next few years!

~The Rebecca Review

I feel most of the poses are rushed.

I've been practicing for about 8 years and have a pretty decent Yoga DVD library. Without question, "Yoga Radiance" is one of the most artistic, aesthetically pleasing yoga videos out there. The practice is solid, the teachers are inspiring, and the soundtrack is wonderful!

If the poses weren't so hurried, this DVD would have easily received 5 stars from me. Perhaps it's me and the classes/DVDs I'm used to, but I enjoy hanging out in a pose like Pigeon for 5 full breaths...and I'm talking 5 long, relaxing breaths. "Yoga Radiance" has you in and out of poses very quickly. While I enjoy this practice, I resent having to either modify the sequence or hit the pause button in order to really sink into some asanas.

For those of you who love the more challenging, intermediate poses, try "Power Yoga For Happiness" with Eoin Finn. His practice is tough but fun, cool poses like Galavasana, Tittibhasana and Astavakrasana are offered, and his timing is perfect.

This disc presents an excellent sequence of poses which are fun and energizing to perform. The disc's major drawback is in its poor cuing and inadequate verbal teaching. There is too little in the way of verbal teaching on detailed pose adjustments or internal locks and lifts. This kind of adjustment is a crucial "value added" element of a good teaching session, and it helps you refine the poses for maximum benefit.

Verbal instruction on this disc is done in a sort of odd shorthand ("cross leg over ankle", "move legs to 90 degrees") which is probably intended to be minimalist and non-distracting but conveys too little information when you can't see the screen and ends up being merely confusing. One gets the impression that the viewer is supposed to memorize the sequences before doing the program.

Cuing for changing poses is also out of synch with the physical movements shown on the screen. If you look at the screen in an effort to decipher the cryptic instructions, the transition has probably already taken place. Sometimes cues for changing sides are left out altogether, even when the pose being performed makes it impossible to see the TV screen.

I am seldom confused by video yoga programs, but this disc did a good job of confusing me.

This disc might be good for more experienced practitioners who don't want or need much instruction during their practice. Once you memorize the sequence, it makes for a good yoga session. But why buy an instructional disc if you don't want instruction? This disc is the informational equivalent of a series of photos with minimal commentary.

I've been doing yoga for about two years and wanted a challenge beyond beginner poses. This DVD is definitely a great bridge into intermediate yoga. It includes a tripod headstand, bird of paradise, side crow balance, a challenging side plank, shoulder stand, and backbends with one leg lifted.

The flow moves quickly, without much explanation, so you have to be familiar with the standard poses. It also helps to have knowledge of modifications, since there are not any offered. For some of the poses I use a block, and I practice the headstand against a wall.

This would be a great DVD for anyone who has had a few years' experience with power yoga DVDs and classes. Since there is not much explanation on the DVD it helps to have a yoga teacher who can adjust your poses. I love this DVD; when I began it seemed daunting but it's becoming less challenging. Not for beginners.

Very difficult. Not for the beginner. I have been practicing Bikram Yoga for over 7 years, and decided to try a different yoga. This was very fast paced and the poses were much different than Bikram Yoga. If you are looking for a change, start out with a beginner yoga video and then work your way up to this video.