(Turtle Press)
2003
What is it?
A 35-minute Yoga routine that uses a YogaBand™ (or exercise band) for additional strength training.
Who is it for?
Advanced beginning Yoga enthusiasts - you do need to be familiar with the poses to understand how to utilize the bands along with them. You will need a 5 to 6 foot band of the appropriate resistance for you; since most precut bands are a little too short, we recommend buying a 5m band and cutting it to size (you'll have enough for two).
What to expect:
For people who want to get in some strength training without taking time away from their Yoga routine, the Yoga Band workout may be the answer. It combines Yoga poses with an exercise band for added resistance. This concept sounds good on paper, but does it actually work in real life? The way instructor Lisa Wolfe has designed it, the answer is a resounding yes. She turns many of the poses into full body workouts - while you're in Warrior I, for example, you have the opportunity to practice some triceps extensions. Strengthen your shoulders during Warrior II or Chair pose. Work your calf muscles instead of just stretching them. Wolfe has added resistance moves to the poses in a way that works very naturally. This video won't teach you Yoga poses - you should already know them going into it. Instead, it adds another dimension to your Yoga routine. The band is a perfect compliment to the poses, because it's flat (all the better to stand on it) and easy to maneuver. While this is not the most expensively produced video - in fact, the production looks a bit raw - it gets the job done. And Wolfe is a pleasant instructor - very knowledgeable and down to earth. Not for those who prize the spiritual concept of Yoga, but a good addition to the library of a fitness enthusiast.