(Gaiam)
1990
What is it?
An instructional video showing basic Yoga postures, Iyengar style.
Who is it for?
Beginners who have already gone out and bought the necessary props - or who are imaginative enough to put together props from items at home.
What to expect:
It's tempting to start off with what not to expect - many Yoga novices have purchased this, expecting a session-within-a-tape and been sorely disappointed. That's not what this video is about - instead, it's a very thorough instruction of many basic Yoga postures, taught in the Iyengar style (that means exacting, precise, and with the use of various props). Patricia Walden has an approach people either seem to love or hate - some find her soft, soothing voice relaxing and open; others find her presentation grating. But she certainly knows her stuff - at the time she did this video, she'd been practicing Yoga for 16 years, and she learned from the master himself, B.K.S. Iyengar. For those who want to fully comprehend each pose inside and out - and isn't this what any serious Yoga practitioner wants? - will benefit immensely from this tape. Those who want a video that offers a flowing, class-like atmosphere need this tape, too, to supplement their more active ones. While this isn't a tape most people will want to do every day, it's a good reference tool for form. An instruction booklet is included, and the inside of the last page has some suggestions on putting together 20-minute routines.