Customer Reviews

Body and Soul : Yoga for Beginners

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

After trying various yoga routines on my own (patched together from free videos on YouTube), I decided to purchase this video based on the positive feedback and reviews. The production quality of this video is great, and it does have a good variety of routines, which the instructor is obviously very good at performing. That being said, I was very disappointed in this DVD, mainly because it is does not actually target genuine beginners. Many of the poses are awkward, and instead of starting easy and becoming more challenging, they begin as challenging poses and the instructor then suggests modifications if you are finding it difficult. Watching the instructor and trying to copy her movements reminded me of when I was a kid trying to keep up with the flawless cartwheels of my neighbour who was in gymnastics class. Yoga is intimidating because of the flexibility and stamina it requires. I chose a DVD aimed at beginners as a comfortable introduction, but I found myself very frustrated as I tried to bring my left hand behind my back and grab my right thigh during a spinal twist! A modification to the Tree Pose does not help me when I've already lost my balance trying to put my heel all the way up on my inner thigh.

Although it is great that she is giving us something to aim for, it is very disheartening to watch the instructor move into a pose that you can't achieve. Ironically, the instructor often says not to get discouraged, but it would be more encouraging for her to build on the routines and shape them into more challenging poses. I also found that I had to struggle to keep up with what the instructor was saying; her instructions were hard to follow at times. I actually paused and re-played parts to see what she was doing, and then attempted the pose. If anything, this is an intermediate yoga video. If you are just starting out, I would not recommend this DVD. If anyone is interested, there are some good free videos [...], which I have found to be more appropriate for a beginner.

I received this DVD as a present and I absolutely love it. I had never done yoga before and this DVD has been very rewarding. I love the instructors slow, thoughtful way of speaking. It really draws me in to tuning into what is going on in my body. My body is definitely feeling less stiff and more open. I have found this DVD a great resource for beginning yoga. I now feel confident to start going to a local yoga class. Higly recommended.

I had attempted to get into Yoga in the past many times, but had found all the other tapes I ordered to be too difficult for a beginner and someone over 40. This dvd is wonderful and I am now totally dedicated to doing Yoga each and every day. This dvd has so many different programs to pick from and the routines are wonderful and easy to follow.

General feeling about yoga is that you have to be well balanced and flexible. I am 58 and started yoga 12 years ago with classes, but my instructors have moved elsewhere and I am now retired. I read about this Yoga DVD and hoped it would meet my needs. First Barbara instructs from beside the Caribbean Sea and takes you through each movement with precision. She also provides modified moves which helps when you do not feel as able to complete the entire movement. This DVD has given me the impetus to get off my butt and do something for myself that is fun yet provides relaxation. I am so pleased I purchased this DVD and have invited my neighbour to join me so she can get her shallow breathing into a stronger and deeper breath.

Barbara clearly presents the material at a pace that was easy to follow. I was concerned about yoga requring more flexibility than I had and that maybe I was too old to start yoga, but it turns out it was really not something to worry about based on my experience with the DVD.

She steps you through various poses (sitting, lying down, breathing, standing, sun salutations and others) and then leads you further into routines and adds some more moves. This DVD can be done by anyone and there are enough options and choices to start you off that you can work with some things and as you gain flexibility with some of the easier things you can practice others.

Great DVD that really leads you through the poses which I liked alot as a beginner.

First level has basic routines while the next one adds more. Even if you have not done yoga before, the are routines to start you off just sitting or lying down, with a nice relaxing one in the second level in fact.

This starts off with a couple of nice relaxing breathing exercises which helped me calm down and get used to the thought of yoga. I did not find myself in anything that was uncomfortable or straining. Then there are selections of various poses to work on as you feel like, some standing, somee sitting and so on. Each of these sections are explained well and I will work through them on different days. Somedays I feel that one thing is something I can do and other days other things appeal to me. If is fun as you progress and this is great.

I have no idea what beginners this DVD is aimed at but it's not for anyone who isn't already in terrific shape and preferably under 25.
You must already have great flexibility and the ability to get around quickly or you'll be left behind in no time flat.
I have been happily doing Peggy Cappy's yoga videos and was hoping to expand my repetoire. This DVD is, however, a complete waste of money for me because I'll never be 25 again nor acquire the physique of an Olympic gymnast.

First try at Yoga. If this is what beginners do, then I guess Yoga
isn't for me. Did anyone else find it literally impossible to move into some of these 'beginner' positions? I heard you have to work your way into this and I get that, but with this, I can't even start. I haven't dealt with anything so frustrating in a long long time! And her voice is nauseating. Wanted to smash something! Hahaha so much for finding that wonderful, calming, relaxing space. Wow.