Customer Reviews

Yoga for the Rest of Us with Peggy Cappy

5 star:		(84)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I've been interested in trying out yoga, but my flexibility stinks and my joint strength is sub-optimum which is a real shame because I'm only 30. I saw Peggy Cappy's special on PBS. It showed her yoga class: a group of senior citizen ladies. Some were doing modified yoga exercises. Others were doing the un-modified exercises. Well, it was inspiring to me. If these ladies could do yoga and benefit from it, surely I could benefit from it too.

Peggy does a great job explaining breathing and demonstrating the exercises. It's terrific that some of her students do modified versions of the exercises, so you can keep up with the video no matter what your physical level is. The exercises are modified, primarily, by the use of a chair. So if you can't bend to the floor, no worries. Or if you're unsure of your balance, again, no worries, the chair is there to hold onto if you need it.

The video is divided into 20 minute work-outs: stretches, poses and the Sun Salutation. You can do the whole thing at once or you can do the 20 minute segments individually.

I don't think this video would be challenging for folks who are proficient in yoga or for folks who with above average flexibility, balance and strength. But I think it's great for beginners, old and young.

This is an excellent yoga video for a person who is older and/or out of shape. I had never tried yoga and when I had chronic back and neck problems I bought a bunch of yoga videos and books that promised to help me. All claimed to be aimed at beginners and very gentle. This is the only one that was true to all its promises. I have been using it daily for about 3 weeks, it helped immediately and I now look forward to it. It is especially nice as it is broken into 3 separate 20 minute segments that each has a focus. There is never an excuse for not having enough time. Definitely worth the price.

I saw Peggy Cappy on Public Television during the December 2003 fund drive. I was impressed with her ability to teach yoga to a diverse group of students. The class is primarily attended by persons over the age of 50 years that have limited mobility. Peggy uses chairs to enable students to stay safely on their feet while attempting unfamiliar ways of moving their bodies. The video covers most of the basic standing poses (tree, triangle, warrior I and II, downward facing dog, upward facing dog as well as a simple sun salutation). this is a must have for yoga teachers and for all others that have joint stiffness, limited mobility (because of age, infimity or weight). She has said it most aptly, Yoga for every body.

I have done several yoga tapes over the years and this is definitely the most basic, but that's not all bad. Peggy Cappy is not coming from a "new-agey" perspective of "mind-body-spirit" [That in itself will cause many to dismiss her]. There's not even music as background. However, if what you are looking for is a way to increase flexibility, balance, and general well-being, this will help.

The DVD features ordinary people - not models or people who can tie themselves in knots. Quite the opposite, the "Meet Peggy Cappy" section interviews older individuals with all the problems of aging. And, if you are younger - don't let this be a turn off. These people are an inspiration. {Most yoga, pilates, or aerobic videos feature perky, healthy, good-looking bodies which can just plain be disgusting when you know those days have passed and you're just attempting to stay in the same jeans size.)

This isn't going to make you sweat and if you are into a real fitness program, you will definitely need more than this. Yet, there are some real beneficial aspects to this as well. The focus on breathing is very good as are the foot and wrist exercises, things that are often missed in other fitness videos. I'm not disappointed that I purchased this; I will not use it on a daily basis, but when I am overtired or just want to take a break, this will be good.

If you are brand new to yoga, out of shape, or dealing with an injury, this video would be a great introduction. It is encouraging, safe, and motivating. It's certainly better than doing nothing.

I initially purchased this for my 85 yr old mother. She's having trouble with flexibility and balance, and I thought this might help her. Before I sent it to her, I thought I'd better try it!
I typically work out with weights and on a treadmill. I've done jazzercise, pilates and tae bo over the last few years. I consider myself pretty physically fit. HOWEVER, I've only tried yoga once or twice, so I would definitely consider myself a beginner there. I liked how Peggy led the exercises, and I was relaxed at times and very challenged at other times (e.g. keeping up with the sun salutations). I'm on line right now because I'm going to KEEP the copy I have, so I need to buy another for my mom!

Once Peggy goes through the introduction of Yoga and the positions, etc, I wish the DVD would be sectionalized so you can proceed through a routine WITHOUT all the interview clips, participant's comments and Peggy's "selling" you on yoga. It takes the attention off of concentrating on your movements, breathing and body awareness. In other words, once you have been introduced to the positions and their benefits (which only needs to be viewed once), it would be nice to be able to go through the routine with Peggy's timing and calming voice guiding you through the movements. Please redo this and other DVD's so we may truly use your gift of teaching yoga to the fullest benefit. It is hard to recommend this DVD since I feel like a light switch is being turned off and on by the disruption of interviews.

An excellent Yoga DVD which exceeded my expectations. Addressed at more older in age audience, it is I believe for all ages. Goes beyond beginners and has the best initial stretches I know.
In my top recommendation list as well as regularly viewing and exercising with.
Starts with exercises on a chair and runs through neck, arm, leg stretches, then going onto the regular Surya Namaskar on the Mat and so on.

Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Instructions: Spoken
Modifications: Shown
Location: Studio
Music:
Props Needed: Chair for first part session. For those modifying: Excerise Band.
Duration: ~45 minutes

I am a physical therapist who treats clients that fall into the over 65 age group. A copy of this program was given to me to review from a patient, to see if it would be useful. I have since used it as part of my treatment and made recommendations that it be used as an ongoing home exercise program for several patients. It is modified for those who are less flexible, and perfectly paced for the older population. It is also useful for balance and coordination skills. I tend to use the program for myself on days that I need a little extra exercise and relaxation.

This is a wonderful tape for all of us who are out of shape and no longer limber.
Peggy targets those of us who want to get started but cannot keep up with the tapes designed for the already physically fit.
It is broken into 3 sections so even the most out of shape can do at least the first part.
My 79 year old mother did the first 20 minutes of this tape with me.

Having never tried yoga, and being neither overly flexible nor a "New Age" person, I was a little skeptical about it. But stretching and balance are an important part of any fitness regimen, and yoga is the best way to do both as well as to relax, so when I saw this DVD, aimed at people who are not already proficient at yoga or physically fit, I thought I would give it a try. I have really enjoyed it, and it has been a very pleasant surprise. The 15-20 minutes of stretching at the beginning are simple but consistently effective. The standing poses offer a lot of variations depending on your individual strengths and abilities, and all of the poses and variations are presented in an encouraging, egalitarian, non-judgmental manner. The sun salutations, while accessible even for inflexible me, are surprisingly demanding in terms of endurance. The last surprise for me was how effective the relaxation section is, coming right after the sun salutations. I do this DVD at the end of the day and find it really helps me sleep well at night and face the stresses of the morning in a calm and comfortable way. I miss these exercises if I don't get to do them for a few days, and I don't get bored hearing the DVD repeatedly (as I had feared I might - although I am getting the second DVD in the series, just in case!). While this DVD isn't "high-tech" yoga with background music, lithe performers, gorgeous scenery, or all the technically correct yoga terms, it does meet people where they are - in their own homes, with something less than a perfect body or complete grasp of all that is yoga - and invite them to try more. It makes yoga more inclusive than it might otherwise seem, and if it inspires people who otherwise would shy away from any form of exercise, then I'm all for it.