Yoga Zone

Yoga Zone Ultimate Collection

Disc 1 - Evening Stress Release for Beginners
Filmed in Jamaica, Yoga Zone: Evening Stress Relief offers lovely scenery and intensive relaxation for anyone who needs to unwind at the end of the day. This workout is divided into two 20-minute practices that can be done together or separately. The first of these two sessions starts slowly by introducing breathing techniques and yoga terminology. A series of limbering stretches are taught to increase flexibility and allow optimum extension into postures. Cueing is great here, as participants are frequently reminded to breathe in and exhale with each movement. Poses that strengthen the abdominal muscles and a sequence of back bends are performed with modifications offered throughout these postures. Meditation closes out the first session with attention to eliminating tension and increasing breathing capacity. The second set is staged on a sandy beach with greater attention to body alignment and active limbs. The major muscles of the legs and arms are trained through downward facing dog and deep lunges. Postures that lengthen the abdominal wall (like the cobra) are performed as the perfect complement to the preceding abdominal work (in the first session). Breathing is also imperative here. Participants are reminded that each exhale has the ability to move one deeper into a pose (participants are also encouraged not to force their flexibility limits). This fine workout program is ideal for beginners and intermediates who are looking to reduce tension and become more limber. --Olivia Voigts

Disc 2 - Fat Burning

Disc 3 - Introduction to Power Yoga
"Power Yoga" has gradually become the aerobics of the new millennium, driven by a no-pain-no-gain ethos that emphasizes sweat and strengthening over yoga's more subtle benefits. But this two-part, 40-minute Yoga Zone program takes a more mild approach, hewing to the philosophy that the power of power yoga depends less on aggressive, strenuous poses than on conscious awareness of oneself and the vital link between breath and movement. Both parts rely on brisk, flowing repetitions of several vinyasas (connected series of poses). The first includes some standing positions (mountain, warrior I and II, etc.), lunges, twists, side stretches, and the camel backbend; those new to yoga will find the sequence alternating between the downward dog and plank positions to be fairly demanding, but there's nothing outrageously hard here. The second part again concentrates on the downward dog, one of the essential poses in yoga, along with twists, stretches (like the "blown palm," a standing side stretch), forward bends, lunges and so on. The virtue of repeating vinyasas -- i.e., moving in and out of several poses, one breath at a time--is that it reinforces proper breathing patterns, and the instructors do a good job of reminding you when to inhale and exhale, which is not so simple as it might sound. More warm-up time would be helpful--beginners and experienced yogis alike should do some stretching before starting--but once you get going, the DVD menu allows for easy selection of either part, or the various series within them. You can also do the practice without the instruction, accompanied only by the music. --Sam Graham

Disc 4 - Stretching for Flexibility

Disc 5 - Total Body Conditioning
Set in the beautiful landscapes of Jamaica, Yoga Zone's Total Body Conditioning delivers the intensive mind and body experience that has made Yoga Zone so popular. Divided into two distinct 20-minute workouts, the programs can be done individually for the time-pressed exerciser or together for an extended challenge. The first of these contains an informal approach to breathing and lengthening exercises. Isometric abdominal work is coupled with pelvic tilts and meditation. Some familiar postures are seen within this first session, with warrior, triangle, and mountain poses. The second session includes some deeper lunges and forward bends with the same focus on body alignment and posture. Total Body Conditioning illustrates a plausible beginning format because of its practical and approachable postures with a minimal risk of injury. In fact, programs like this can actually lengthen and strengthen the core muscles, which may aid in injury prevention. Meditation closes out both sessions and mats are necessary throughout all phases of this workout. The instruction and content here are so solid that beginners and intermediates alike will feel at home. --Olivia Voigts

Disc 6 - Yoga for Abs
Looking to develop those six-pack abs to show off on the beach? Then yoga is not for you. If, however, you want to strengthen both your abdominals and your lower back, while keeping your stomach muscles supple but not rock hard, then yoga's the way to go. This two-part, 40-minute program from Yoga Zone uses a variety of poses (some of them joined together in flowing sequences known as vinyasas) that are obviously directed at the abs; the scale pose (also known as the boat), for instance, will certainly work those muscles hard, as will the table pose, the "forearm plank" (the upward pushup position, but with elbows on the floor), and others. But both parts of the practice also incorporate a variety of other asanas, such as standing positions and side stretches, that develop abdominal strength more subtly, as the instructors frequently remind you to tilt your pelvis forward and tuck your stomach muscles in, thus gently but firmly engaging your abs throughout your entire yoga routine. You'll work reasonably hard, but you won't endure endless series of crunches as you relentlessly "go for the burn." With a selectable DVD menu, you can sequence the poses any way you like, or jump to any particular section. You can also turn off the instruction and do the practice accompanied only by the music track. This is a peculiar option; the point of practicing yoga is to take your awareness inside, not stare at a TV screen, and the teacher's vocal guidance is usually an essential part of that process. But if it works, go for it. --Sam Graham

Yoga Zone - Premiere Collection (Beginners)

Trying to learn yoga from a videotape could try the patience of a bona fide yogi. How to know when your form is correct versus when you are risking injury? If you can't do that downward-facing dog with your legs as straight as the model on the tape, what's the best way? This beginner's boxed set solves the first problem through detailed and careful explanation of the asanas, then sidesteps the second by having two different instructors demonstrate both advanced and beginning version of each pose. It's a thoughtful, responsible, safe approach, one that reminds students to go at their own pace and to pay attention to their own bodies. Soft-spoken, non-intimidating Alan Finger begins each of the Yoga Zone's programs by demonstrating proper breathing technique. He then guides students through a clear, logical, and appropriately paced sequence of poses, emphasizing correct placement rather than throwing or forcing the body into position. The Introduction to Yoga program covers most of the basic asanas used elsewhere in the series, including the potted-palm series, cat, dog, mountain, and triangle, while subsequent tapes move on to more advanced variations on these fundamental yoga building blocks. The Conditioning and Stress Release program systematically relaxes every muscle in the body, and the more vigorous Flexibility and Tone uses standing exercises like sun salutations to build heat in the system and promote flexibility. Finally, the two sessions included on the Meditation tape provide a welcome reminder that yoga is about much more than just working out. Unlike many videos that bill themselves as "introductory," these Yoga Zone tapes will leave neophytes feeling relaxed and renewed rather than clumsy and confused. This is the boxed set to buy if you're looking for a nuanced understanding of how yoga works rather than just sweat-drenched intensity. --Mary Park

Yoga Zone - Conditioning and Stress Release (Beginners)

Some people take up yoga to build strength and flexibility; others are primarily looking to reduce stress and tension. This 55-minute program, while purporting to address both groups, is actually much more appropriate for the latter. Yoga Zone founder Alan Finger does an excellent job not merely emphasizing the importance of the breath--the single most vital element of any yoga practice--but also explaining yoga breathing techniques, followed by a series of easy stretches (for the neck, shoulders, arms, and such) and a variety of standing, sitting, and lying poses beneficial to yogis of all levels. The pace is gentle, the sequence of poses logical, the instruction clear and constant; beginners will be challenged but not intimidated, while more advanced types might find it a welcome alternative to sweaty, aerobic yoga workouts. --Sam Graham

Yoga Zone - Yoga for a Strong and Healthy Back

Yoga for a Strong and Healthy Back presents the fundamentals of posturing and breathing in this approachable 40-minute workout that includes two 20-minute sessions focusing on spinal rotation and muscular strength. The back is central to supporting all movements; conventional workouts often do not include exercises that strengthen the lower back. Yoga Zone gives excellent instruction here, and participants are taught poses that utilize both the lower and upper back. The warrior pose and forward bends are just a few of the postures performed here that can improve spinal flexibility and help to avoid future back injuries. Beginners should find the first set easy to follow (the postures within this section are modified versions of what is yet to come). The second set incorporates some back bends and deeper poses that require greater agility and strength. Despite the increased difficulty here, participants of all levels can improve their flexibility without being overwhelmed by impossible poses. Filmed in Jamaica, the content in this progressive workout is surpassed only by the white-sand beaches in the background. This regimen includes great information, cuing, and scenery--not to mention how relaxed you can feel after an intensive yoga experience like this. --Olivia Voigts

Yoga Zone - Introduction to Yoga (Beginners)

"Go at your own pace, don't strain!" Alan Finger reminds viewers in the introduction to this Yoga Zone workout. They're words of wisdom for anyone who's ever tried (and failed) to emulate the moves of some perfect-looking human pretzel on what purports to be a "beginners" videotape. In contrast, Finger's gentle, refreshingly detailed Introduction to Yoga begins with basic breathing techniques and moves on to some of the most fundamental poses in any practice, including lunges, twists, cobra, dog, triangle, and even a corpse pose tutorial that comes complete with guided relaxation. (Later tapes in this series build on the asanas taught here, adding more advanced variations and positions.) Two instructors demonstrate different versions of each pose, one for more flexible advanced students and one for less flexible beginners. We even get to see one student topple out of stork pose! Calm, thorough, absolutely unrushed, this is a great tape for those who've never taken a yoga class in their lives. Even experienced students, however, may find that the relaxed pace helps them reach a deeper level of understanding of how body, mind, and breath can work together. Fittingly, the credits roll over Finger and his fellow instructors demonstrating advanced positions of impressive strength and beauty; like the tape itself, it's a perfect introduction to the continuing rewards of yoga practice. --Mary Park

Yoga Zone - Flexibility and Stress Release

Yoga Zone - Sunrise & Sunset

Yoga Zone's Sunrise and Sunset DVD is 2 complete programs on one incredible DVD! Program #1 combines a series of movements that will get you moving, burn calories and increase your flexibility. Program #2 has an emphasis on stretching and stress release.

Yoga Zone - Fat Burning

This addition to the series focuses on the areas that contain the most fat on the body. Through two 20-minute sessions, this workout is good for beginners and intermediates. Cduniverse.com description

Yoga Zone - Total Body Conditioning

This DVD for beginners has two easy-to-follow 20 minute sessions that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Total Body Conditioning features exercises which improve posture and build core strength plus stress-releasing and relaxation programs. Suitable for every fitness level. Filmed outdoors in Jamaica. Features 9 separate segments, allowing you to create your own personalized routines, plus an audio-only option.

Set in the beautiful landscapes of Jamaica, Yoga Zone's Total Body Conditioning delivers the intensive mind and body experience that has made Yoga Zone so popular. Divided into two distinct 20-minute workouts, the programs can be done individually for the time-pressed exerciser or together for an extended challenge. The first of these contains an informal approach to breathing and lengthening exercises. Isometric abdominal work is coupled with pelvic tilts and meditation. Some familiar postures are seen within this first session, with warrior, triangle, and mountain poses. The second session includes some deeper lunges and forward bends with the same focus on body alignment and posture. Total Body Conditioning illustrates a plausible beginning format because of its practical and approachable postures with a minimal risk of injury. In fact, programs like this can actually lengthen and strengthen the core muscles, which may aid in injury prevention. Meditation closes out both sessions and mats are necessary throughout all phases of this workout. The instruction and content here are so solid that beginners and intermediates alike will feel at home. --Olivia Voigts

Yoga Zone - Power Yoga for Strength and Endurance

This variation on the popular power-yoga style, as is the unfortunate case with many yoga tapes, moves both into and through its program too quickly, with virtually no warm-up or introductory instruction (especially in breathing techniques) for the uninitiated. For that reason, among others, it is not recommended for newcomers. The more experienced, however, will certainly get the "challenging, athletic workout" the tape promises. Instructor Lisa Bennett is cheerful as she conducts a vigorous series of sun salutes, balancing poses, backbends, hip and abdominal poses, and such; you'll keep moving almost constantly, and if breaking a sweat is your goal, you can't go wrong here. The overall tone, however, is rather like an infomercial, which could become irritating over repeated viewings. --Sam Graham