Flexibility & Stress Release -

As a beginner, there was one pose I was unable to do (I believe the 'Raven' pose), but most of the poses are do-able, some quite challenging. I liked the medium speed of the workout -- he doesn't shift too suddenly from one pose to the next, nor does any pose grow tiresome.

The women in the tape are both instructors in their own right, and one is his wife. They both do a great job at demonstrating the poses, both in advanced and modified positions, and neither is distracting from the focus of the practice.

Again, the relaxation portion of the tape is outstanding, utilizing some creative chakra mental imagery. After this workout, I feel so content, flexible and relaxed. I think the tape clearly achieves its title's goal...

I've been doing Yoga daily for about 7 years and now have close to 70 videos (and study with an amazing teacher) and I really loved this program.

Though I have about 10 Yoga Zone tapes in my collection, this is the first one that features Alan Finger as an instructor that I have practiced with. He is a really special teacher. His instructions are crystal clear and he exudes a real open and friendly presence that comes thru the tape. There is a wonderful and open realness that he radiates along with his genuine love of yoga.

This particular program is a longer tape than the other shorter Yoga Zone tapes that I have. This program is about an hour or so long compared to the others which contain 2-20 minute programs (which are also quite excellent and easy to fit in for those who have schedule constraints).

It's paced beautifully, never rushed and you really have a chance to explore the postures and breath.

While I found this tape to be mostly on the gentle side, it certainly has some challenging poses (such as Raven (aka Crow), Twisted prayer side angle pose and a series of not too intense Sun Salutations (the last one though is pretty tough where you have a lunge with your arms over your head). Of course, you can always modify poses to accomodate either your level or experience or energy (The modifications are demonstrated by one of the teachers on the tape). In fact, you can even modify the Sun Salutations by using the Sivananda plank (in which you come down to knees, then chest, then head) rather than lowering straight down. This variation opens up your body without putting tremendous strain on your arms.

There is a long guided relaxation at the end with focus on the different chakras and the tape finishes in a seated position (first with a gentle crossed legged forward bend which is a wonderful way to adjust into sitting).

This is a very thorough practice that I will certainly use to alternate with more intense practices (check out the Yoga Zone "Power Yoga for Strength and Endurance" if you want to get a very challenging practice, also an hour or so long and it's pretty intense).

I highly recommend this program (and as someone else had mentioned in one of the previous reviews of this program) I will certainly be getting more programs with Alan Finger as the main instructor, he is exceptionally knowledgeable, clear and even has a subtle sense of humor which I found very refreshing:)

Namaste --This text refers to the DVD edition

As of yet, I haven't worked with a male yoga instructor I feel especially comfortable with in any class, but I think I'd be comfortable with Alan Finger. He's really good. Suzanne Deason's voice and tone can get a bit annoying, though her "Yoga Conditioning for Weightloss" is excellent (four levels to watch!). He reminds you to breath carefully and the quality of his verbal instructions for each pose are easy to follow and not cheesy. I like that he's competent and relaxed without seeming stuck on himself or lofty--like he cares about what he's doing and what he's sharing with you. And, very importantly, he reminds you often to only go as far as you can go--I'm not all new agey (not that I have anything against people who are, it's just not my style), but I recognize that yoga is a lifestyle commitement that takes time and effort, and not just when you're actively in a yoga posture--so take your time and enjoy it! Like any skill, yoga takes time and effort.

If you don't take a class, I recommend supplimenting any yoga video with a descriptive book--pictures and text--from a library. (Yoga is for everyone and requires no money if you're on a budget. Many props can be made from household items, which Alan Finger does suggest--another thing to like about him). I recommend a book to read and pictures to go along with any video because no video instructor on any video I've seen has given a full enough description of the right posture for the poses. Maybe it would just take too long. Once you've read about them, you have the poses in your head and can get even more out of any video by adjusting to fit your body and skill level.