Healing Yoga:Common Conditions

Lisa and Charles have a beautiful energy together, and although this DVD may be appropriate for those with some experience in yoga, or with fairly good health, I cannot imagine people with some of the 'common condiditons' they mention doing this series without struggles or perhaps injury. (I teach in medical settings, am an RN and a Registered Yoga Teacher). For example, many Type II Diabetics (most common type), and others who are overweight or hypertensive might be better off sitting on a chair to start with vs. the ground. They mention sitting on a pillow or a book-without addressing common difficulties such as knee pain or arthritis (more common in people with overweight), or how to transition from pose to pose. And downward-facing dog?? It is a good pose for stretching out various parts of the body, but there are so many others that can get you there, and the stress on the wrists and shoulders without detailed instructions can be great. Too many forward-folds without modifications often lead to dizziness...I'm sure that with the experience these teachers have, and with the hundreds of asana poses there are, they could've come up with something more creative and health-promoting than Sun Salutations!

Although they do mention the importance of doing modifications several times, they don't show progressive steps or the modifications. I have noticed that most people will imitate the teacher in classes, our common human tendency to strive and 'look right' rather than follow our own body's messages. This is mostly a physical (hatha) yoga practice, rather than focusing on healing and the integration of breath and awareness in the practice. These teachers seem kind and well-intentioned and their joint effort is nice to see, but I did find it distracting at times, especially with eyes closed, to be listening to a female voice, then after a moment of silence a male voice chimes in and vice versa.

Also, I cannot imagine my 84 yr. old mother-in-law, who is a yoga practitioner, doing this series, nor the majority of the cancer survivors that I have worked with. It is too fast. You would be better off handing this DVD to a beginner with some yoga experience in their 20s to 40s, and using one of Lilias Folan's such as Yoga Gets Better with Age or Healing Yoga by Joseph LePage for anyone aging, or with a 'common condition'.

I first watched this DVD on Netflix's instant stream and used it nearly every day for months but soon discovered that I needed to own it. It's a low-key, easy to follow Yoga routine for beginners, or those who have mobility issues. When I first started watching this DVD, I couldn't bend, let alone touch my toes. A few months into it, I could touch my toes and even do the inverted V! Another thing I like is that there are no inside jokes, the instructors are straight-forward and to the point, often reminded the viewer why certain poses are good for the body. I am very pleased and hope to continue to build strength and mobility in my body with this DVD.

My daughter suggested this dvd for all around health. I also had arthroscopic knee surgery. This yoga practice which I do 3-4 times a week is terrific for strength in all areas of the body. I especially wanted something for strength in my knee. It has not disappointed so far. It has made a difference for when I bike, walk or play tennis. I can feel the strength in my legs and knees. I am nearing 60 so I need all the help with strength and bone density. I use to use it from ROKU, but decided to buy a dvd to make it easier to put on and to travel with.

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