Customer Reviews

Yoga for Stress Relief

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

 

 

I first tried this program on VHS when I was fairly new to yoga and wanted some shorter practices to perform during times when I'm time-crunched (back then, there was a lot less yoga media available on the market, and most of the offerings seemed to be longer, at least 40-60 minutes). Furthermore, I wanted something that was gentle and relaxing as opposed to a more "power yoga" style. I was familiar with Suzanne Deason and liked her teaching style, so I decided to give "Stress Relief Yoga for Beginners" (the former title of the VHS version) a try.

Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in this video, which felt rushed rather than relaxing. Although I still found Deason's voice to be soothing and thought that she cued well, she moved so quickly from pose to pose that there was little opportunity to actualy enjoy/relax in the postures. Furthermore, the use of props only hindered and further complicated this practice--if the routine had moved at a slower pace, with time allowed for lengthier holds, the props would be a nice addition, making this practice more restorative and allowing those with less flexibility to attain the poses. Instead, because the transitions were so fast, I spent most of my time worrying about where the props were supposed to be positioned--by the time I had this figured out, it was time to move on.

Currently, there are much better options on available on the market. Barbara Benagh's Yoga for Stress Relief offers a variety of practices of varying lengths, and I would definitely choose that DVD or another newer release over this one.

This is a wonderful video that gradually gets you back into the routine of doing yoga. It's only 20 minutes which is great for me since I have a young toddler running around. It had been years since I last practiced and I've found it has really helped me feel a lot better. To me Suzanne Deason has a pleasant voice that is peaceful and easy to listen to. I actually had the VHS years ago and bought this about a month ago because I enjoyed it so much then. I've been doing the workout for a month and can tell a difference in how I feel. My muscles feel much more relaxed and I am finally able to do all the poses easily.

This tape is about 20 mins long and is not strenuous at all. I like to pause the tape so I can enjoy the stretches for longer periods of time.

This is an excellent 15-20 minute all around stretch to squeeze in before work or at the end of a workout to cool down. I have been having problems with neck pain and sciatica from sitting at a computer all day at work and went to the library to find some "try before I buy" DVD's of yoga, pilates, or stretching. I used to go to the gym but let that drop when we got 2 big dogs that needed just as much daily exercise as I did.

I was an avid yoga fan long before my kids were born 12 years ago so I have several old VHS intermediate tapes that I can no longer do nor have time for. I agree that this WON'T replace a good yoga routine - for that you need at least 45-60 minutes of long slow concentrated practice. This is not a "teaching video" but it's moves aren't hard to follow for beginners. And don't be intimidated by her flexibility. This is perfect after a 15-30 minute walk, run, bike ride, or other warmup activity to stretch almost every major muscle. It feels great in the morning (and I am NOT a happy riser) and probably just as good at night (I'd rather veg at the end of a long day!).

They suggest you need a brick and strap. You can probably get away with not having the brick, though I got mine at Target and there is one back stretch that is just devine so I do advise it. As for the strap, I just use an old scarf which works fine. I certainly am not flexible as the girl in the video but that's ok. Every day I can feel my shoulders and upper and lower back loosen up a bit and the leg stretches feel wonderful after my walk. I had to return that DVD to the library today but I will definitely be purchasing my own copy!