AM/PM Yoga for Beginners

I have always had an immense interest in trying Yoga. Yet I've always been intimidated because often instructors make it seem near impossible to achieve the level of flexibility and strength endurance that they have (seeing as they've been doing it for many years). I remember wondering in class (when they did impossible poses) if they were just naturally flexible because there was no way in hell my body could ever possibly bend like they were showing. I became rather discouraged with it all and I stopped attending that particular class. I was browsing on Amazon for different exercise DVDs and came across this one and saw the starred reviews. I have to say I was I bit hesitant to try just for the simple fact that what some people consider easy, I consider hard and even though I run a lot, I am not that flexible. When my DVD arrived, I popped it in and selected the morning (AM) option. There was a list of options to choose from and since I had the time, I chose a 45 minute one. All I can say is yes, it's a bit challenging. HOWEVER!!! If you are a beginner, then it IS the right level for you! And the instructor on the DVD is great because she allows variations to be done and encourages you to not hurt yourself or strain yourself. She is constantly reminding viewers that yoga is not a race nor a competition and that really helps during the exercise (for me at least since I have always been in a rush). Another thing I like about the DVD is that it's not one of those annoying exercise DVDs where the instructor is exercising and talking and is constantly running out of breath simultaneously. This DVD has her do a voice over of her poses so her tone is always calm and she's doing everything in the demonstrations the way you're supposed to. There is also relaxing ocean waves in the background and meditation music playing. After only a few days use, I can already see my body improving with flexibility and also I am gaining a better since of control over my mental state (ie if I'm stressed, bummed out, etc). Best part is, for the longest time, I've had lower back pains. I even bought a new bed to try to alleviate some of the pain (which did not work). Great news: Yoga helped TREMENDOUSLY with my lower back pain. Even when taking Ibuprofen wouldn't help, yoga has damn near eliminated all of my lower back pain! It's amazing. I say if you're intimidated by the thought of yoga, or you've had a bad experience with it, try this DVD. The lady in it is sincerely nice and she seems really knowledgeable on Yoga and what she demonstrates.

I went to my first yoga class while visiting NYC and enjoyed it so much that the very same day I ordered this video and Yoga For Beginners, bought a yoga belt and mat. I live in an isolated area with no access to classes or other practicers and based on reviews and "Beginner" in the titles, I thought this would be the best for me. The class I went to in NYC was intense, I was sweating by the end and felt incredible for the rest of the day and a similar glow stayed with me for several days. I've done this video more than once and thought it was kind of boring and not challenging. Some of the descriptions could have been better and the quality of the video as a teaching tool is low. Sometimes there are shadows when she's on the floor and it's difficult to see if she's lifting herself up, a lot of transitions are bad - suddenly she's in a new pose and most importantly: there should be multiple shots and multiple frames at once so you can see what the teacher is doing from multiple angles - this way you know what you're doing is correct. When I first started to do this video, there was a lot of stopping and going, since I'm new to it and I wanted to get the basics right. At the same time, I was looking for something that was at least a little physically challenging - like the class I went to in NYC and this was not challenging... but it WAS comforting to my body (and maybe Barbara's constant patient comments and alternatives if you aren't flexible has me thinking I'm much better than I am). I DID enjoy this video and wouldn't return it, I think it's a valuable assess to a beginners collection, however if I'd been able to rent it first, then I would've gone with something else to purchase. So now I've ordered Yoga Shakta and Shiva Rea: Daily Energy, which I'm hoping will be more challenging.

Pro:- cheap way to try yoga (much cheaper that classes). You just need the DVD, a mat (I bought it at a sport store for 25$), 2-3 pillows or blanckets.- 10 routines; 15 minutes the shortests, 45 minutes the longest, you don't need to spent 2 hours as you have to when you take a class outside.- No pre-scheduled classes. You can do it any time of the day. At your own pace (I do it when I wake up in the morning)- Benefits:If you do it after you wake up in the morning, you just start the day in a more "positive" state of mind.You can feel your back posture improves. You will naturally put more attention on your posture day time.You feel a more flexible body, less sense of "heavy legs" or "thight muscles" or similar.My lower back pain I had before starting yoga, is gone. (I work in front of a computer 8 hours or more a day...)Cons:- yeah, sometimes the "voice" talks too much but... remember, is a beginner DVD: better too many words (explaining what you are doing, how to do it, words of caution...) then too few words- A real good teacher corrects your mistakes better during the exercisesHow I use it:In the morning I run the "wake up the spine" routine (35 mins) or "get up and go" (15 minutes), depending how much time I have. Almost every day.In the evening:Mainly the "Good night sleep", rarely the "unwind muscles tension". (both around 20 mins). Every other evening(more or less).Yes, it will be the first thing I'll suggest to someone that tells me... "I have some back pain bothering me"

I am not a yogi. I am not coordinated. I am not graceful. But I really REALLY like this DVD. I have bought yoga/exercise DVDs before and I've been disappointed because I couldn't find the time to do an entire 45-50 minute workout OR because it became monotonous. That's where AM PM Yoga is most useful for me - there are a number of choices (variety!) with a range of different time frames involved. I can do 10 minutes or 40 minutes and I'd never get bored with the same old thing. If you're like me, hearing the same phrase or seeing the same error over and over again in a DVD makes you crazy, so the variety is nice.I also appreciated that it's separated into morning and evening routines because, as mentioned earlier, I don't have a lot of experience with yoga and I need someone to give me pre-set energizing or unwinding routines. Another benefit for those of us who are still learning is the slow progression of the exercises. In previous DVDs, I found that by the time I had successfully gotten into the pose, the instructor was already on the next pose and I was constantly feeling left behind. During the segments on this DVD I feel like I know what I'm doing and that confidence translates to better concentration and relaxation.As I said, I have a small stack of DVDs at home that have been tried and never really 'fit'. This is the one I recommend to all my friends.

I really enjoyed this yoga dvd. I recently had a baby and wanted something that would help regain my flexibility. This dvd is great for relaxing the mind and helping regain strength and flexibility. I enjoy the multiple exercises which have different time amounts so you could do a quick 15 minutes or longer if you choose. The instructor is easy to understand and does a good job at explaining what it is you are doing. Highly recommend.

I have 2 copies of this DVD, one for my own use and the second to lend out. These yoga routines have helped me regain flexibility and strength so I feel 10 years younger (I am in my mid forties). Combined with walking and watching calories in/out I lost 20 pounds in a year (I am at a healthy weight now), and continue to have people ask me how I did it. This DVD was very helpful and I continue to use it on a regular basis.I strongly recommend this yoga DVD.

I really enjoy that there are different levels and durations. If I wake up a little late I can choose a shorter routine if I have some extra time I can choose a longer one. This DVD has something for everyone! This was a great buy as I am new to yoga, the woman talks you through the positions and posture offering alternatives if you need.

I just bought this video a week ago and so far I have only tired one session in the video.However, I have been practicing yoga for several years both in class and at home following a tape.I feel this video is quite repetitive. There were many similar moves. Moreover, the transition between each move is not smooth. One move would be standing, for example, while the next one would be sitting.Pros: Many sessions of different time length and purposes (such as energizing workout and relaxing workout)are available Very positive instructor.She is very good at encouraging the audience.Cons: Quite repetitive Transition is not smooth