(Gaiam)
2000
What is it?
A 45-minute gentle yoga routine.
Who is it for?
Overweight individuals who have not exercised in a long time (if ever), and those who are looking for a relaxing Yoga session that is not overly challenging.
What to expect:
Keep in mind that in spite of the title, this video will not do much to help you lose weight unless you also reduce your caloric intake and add other elements to your exercise program such as cardio (running, walking, aerobic dance, etc.), and strength training. Those who are already relatively fit will probably not find much challenge here. But if you are more than 20 pounds overweight and you haven't exercised for years - or if exercise is a nasty word to you - then this video might just get you on the track to a more active, healthier lifestyle. The best aspect of this video is its modifications - there are four variations which cover just about every level of fitness, from beginners with very tight muscles and joints to flexible advanced beginning Yoga practitioners. For the modified versions you will need a couple of blocks and a strap. Suzanne Deason's instruction is warm and very supportive, and her form is beautiful, as is the Arizona desert scenery. The poses are geared to build lower body strength and promote flexibility in a big way. Newbies to Yoga will find this a challenging routine, but one they should be able to master in a period of a few weeks. After that, they may want to explore other options - different, more vigorous videos or classes at a studio. While this video won't turn you into a skinny minnie, it's a good, gentle way to begin a Yoga routine.