Customer Reviews

Ali Macgraw:Yoga, Mind & Body

5 star:		(125)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I was saddened to see a few bad reviews for this wonderful video. Of course everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but as someone who has been a student of yoga on and off for years, and as someone with terrible chronic back problems I find this to be a safe, effective and challenging session. It seems like it's over so quickly but it really does stretch and tone the entire body if done correctly. I have to wonder if those who found it too difficult might have been pushing too hard or trying to match the level of the people on the tape. And for those who find it boring, they may not be comfortable with meditative arts like yoga and tai chi. Some people find it frustrating and difficult to slow down and hold postures and prefer more traditional exercise classes. But please be assured that this tape has been praised by so many for a good reason. The instructor is wonderful and passionate, but calm and guides you into a state of having a clear mind and a fulfilling practice session. The poses are good for beginner to more advanced students; beginners will find it very challenging, more advanced students will find it very relaxing. I certainly hope they follow this up someday with another video.

Even though this DVD production is over 10 years old it has qualities well worth adding to your collection. The music is mystical and enlightening. The practice is challenging. You should have some knowledge of yoga already, so don't make this your first DVD.

Check my other yoga and meditation DVDs on Amazon.

Yoga Mind and Body is a classic yoga video which stands the test of time. It is designed for those already familiar with yoga (ie, there is little instruction on how to perform each pose), and it will gently challenge you while also providing deep relaxation. The practice begins with instruction on ujjayi breathing, a basic form of yogic breathing to accompany asana (posture) practice. The warm up then continues with a cat/dog tilt series to open the spine. This beginning section lasts about 7 minutes total, but once you understand the breathing, you can skip over that segment.

Sun salutations comprise the next 10 minutes of the practice. You will begin with simple breathing and forward bends before adding lunges to the sequence. After practicing tree pose for balance, you will continue with another 10 minutes of standing poses performed in steady flow; postures in this segment include warrior, triangle, and side angle. The next 14 minutes of the workout involves floor work. You will begin on your stomach for cobra and bow, then switch to your back for leg extensions, lying twists, and bridge. The only seated posture is a single seated forward bend, and then you will return to your back for a relaxing 1/2 bridge pose. The practice ends with approximatley 4 minutes in shavasana for a total of 45 minutes.

Although others have complained about the background music, it didn't bother me--when I even noticed it, it seemed to fit nicely with the postures, as it varied from being upbeat to more soothing. One minor criticism I have of this video is that although the scenery is beautiful, the cameras sometimes focused too much on scenic views when I wanted to see close-ups of the poses being performed; similarly, there was a bit too much shifting between cameras for my liking. However, this issue did not detract from the fact that this is an excellent yoga practice which I will enjoy for a long time to come.

I really don't have a lot to add to the rest of the 164 reviews but this is really a beautiful yoga workout, good music , relaxing, just a little bit challenging . Not for complete beginners. 56 minutes.The DVD has a menu with chapter selection of every sequence of poses : sun salutations, standing, etc.

Erich Schiffman, one of the yoga community's finest instructors, guides us through this 45-minutes workout set in the White Sands desert. Ali gives a brief introduction at the beginning of the tape and joins the rest of the students in demonstrating the poses. As you begin this workout you will focus on ujayii breathing to prepare for the more rigorous poses. You will also learn a modified verson of the Sun Salutations (surya namaskar), different versions of the bridge pose and appropriate counterposes. The workout ends in Shavasana (corpse pose), argued by many to be the most important pose in any yoga practice.

Many aspects of this workout make it a keeper for the intermediate yogi. First, many reviewers have discussed the beautiful scenery; this is wonderful for any yoga program although you may not look at the TV often. At least you can enjoy it when you do look up! Another great part of this workout is Erich's soothing instruction, which upon hearing would make anyone want to relax. Note for advanced yogis/yoginis: he does not call the poses in their sanskrit name, and infrequently by their English name. He just does a great job at describing the movement. Lastly, for those who do not mind new-age music, the soundtrack provides a wonderful background sound perfectly balanced with Erich's cueing.

The ideal person for this workout is someone who has done the beginner level yoga workouts and is looking for something more from their yoga practice. You will not break much of a sweat but will generate some cleansing heat in your body. The slowness and steadiness of the movement really makes you think about your form and focus on breathing. For those who are looking for a tougher ashtanga workout, this may not be what you're looking for (I might suggest Bryan Kest or Baron Baptiste instead). I would highly recommend this workout as a more gentle practice in between ashtanga sessions or as a meditative stretch after a strength-training workout. If you do decide to pick this one up and have minimal exposure to yoga, I would suggest that you read an introductory book to understand the proper form. Namaste!

I bought this on vhs when I was 17 and had never done any yoga. At the time there werent very many videos (and certainly not dvd's) out on the market for yoga. Well I have to say that it went way past my expectations.

I did watch the tape the first time before trying to do any of the poses like it suggests and I was definately intimidated. But I tried it and I wasnt any good. Certainly over the past 9 years I have gotten better. But there are still many poses that I cant do as gracefully as I could so I am constantly learning.

I have scoliosis and there are many tapes I have tried that hurt my back. This is not one of them. A week doing Taebo and Im back into physical therapy. I can do this 7 days a week and theres no problem.

This is a challenging, relaxing, invigorating and wonderful yoga practice. I highly reccomend this to anyone wanting a little more than what most other dvd's and video's give you.

The video is beautiful. The music is relaxing and calming. The instruction is wonderful. There isnt anything about this that I can say is bad. To have used this tape for 9 years and not be annoyed by the music or instructor has to tell you something.

This DVD is a complete yoga experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who takes yoga seriously and is looking for a guided 50 minute workout. Prior to this I was using this program in VHS format. It is an 'oldie' but 'goodie'. ENJOY

This video has been out since 1994 but is still one of my favorites. Combines classic beginners Hatha yoga flows with periodic intermediate moves to challenge novice yoga practitioners as well. Works the entire body and is a great introduction to yoga for anyone looking for a basic overview.

I discovered this Yoga video 10 years ago, and it is by far the most aesthetic, complete and relaxing I have ever seen. I am happy to finally have it on DVD. I recommend it to everyone! Too bad Ali Macgraw hasn't created a Prenatal version.

After doing yoga for about 3 years (Iyengar), I found this at the public library and started doing the routine almost every day. It helped me bring my practice to the next level at home. It is difficult enough to be challenging, but not overwhelming if you have a good understanding of yoga basics. Love the music/scenery and even the commentary. I just kept renewing it at the library until they made me return it! Now I want to buy it.