General

Yoga For Beginners

Yoga instructor Barbara Benagh has practiced and taught yoga for nearly 35 years. She discovered yoga while living in England and began teaching there. She moved to Boston and opened The Yoga Studio on Beacon Hill in 1980.

In addition to her local classes Barbara teaches yoga seminars throughout the US and internationally. She is a regular contributor of articles to Yoga Journal magazine. She has several audio CDs of live classes available as well as DVDs, the latest being Yoga for Beginners released by Body + Soul magazine, and Yoga for Stress Relief that includes a discussion on meditation from the Dalai Lama.

Barbara was kind enough to answer some questions from Amazon.com about this unique line of yoga DVDs.

How are these DVDs different from other yoga DVDs?

I was drawn to working with Bodywisdommedia because they produce DVDs they are interactive. Rather than a "one size fits all" single routine that is typical of most products, these DVDs offer choice, allowing the user to customize and change their yoga practice to suit their needs. No two persons are the same so the ability to change your practice - easing shoulder tension one day and an invigorating morning wake up the next - come as close as possible to allowing you to address your individual needs at home. Not only do people have different physical needs, but they have different time constraints as well. If you have only 20 minutes, there is a practice for you but there are longer practices as well (some as long as 90 minutes) that address the total body/mind connection. The sheer number of yoga sequences offered on each of these DVDs is a first. They are incredibly comprehensive.

How were you able to get the Dalai Lama involved?

This project dovetailed perfectly with the Dalai Lama's message that modern stress is one of the greatest obstacles to our mental happiness and physical wellbeing. Because we are long-time sincere practitioners, having a 30-minute lecture of the Dalai Lama teaching how to meditate on the Yoga for Stress Relief DVD was a perfect fit. Bodywisdommedia also has a broader relationship with the Office of Tibet and are releasing historic lectures with "A Path to Happiness" being the first one.

How will potential buyers of these DVDs know which one is right for them?

The titles are very indicative of what appears on the DVD and therefore a good guide. I really enjoyed making Yoga for Stress Relief because it is incredibly relevant. We strove to make the sequences accessible to as many people as possible, whether they are a beginner or long time practitioner. Yoga for Beginners is a great, non-threatening place to get started and includes lots of sound technique developed over my 30 years as a yoga teacher. Power Yoga for Every Body is a bit more challenging taking you from the beginning level and gradually progressing to much more demanding routines.

From the Editors of Body + Soul Magazine comes a new line of DVDs designed to excite, inform, inspire and encourage your quest toward a balanced and healthy whole life.

YOGA FOR BEGINNERS is the perfect way to be introduced to Yoga and it helps you to explore and experience the numerous benefits of yoga. There are 8 routines to help build strength, increase flexibility, improve your health and vitality and transform how you look and feel.

Routines are led by renowned instructor Barbara Benagh who expertly leads you through tailored workouts ranging from 10 to 60 minutes. YOGA FOR BEGINNERS was filmed on location at one of the most beautiful, tranquil beaches in the world, Half-Moon Bay, Antigua, which adds to the overall experience of tranquility.

DVD HIGHLIGHTS:

-8 Customized, Targeted Routines

-Exclusive Interview with the Instructor

-Routines from 10 - 60 Minutes

-Includes articles from Body + Soul magazine

Prenatal Yoga With Shiva Rea

Pregnancy is a most important time for a woman to maintain her physical strength and stamina and PRENATAL YOGA is a perfect way to keep in shape. These gentle exercises are clearly detailed by instructor Shiva Rea according to Yoga Journal's Prenatal Yoga guidelines. Maintain the energy and stamina which will be needed in the delivery room along with the concentration that comes with the practice of yoga. Different techniques are applicable to each trimester of pregnancy and this fifty minute video is geared for every level of yoga practitioner.System Requirements:Running Time 60 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: HEALTH/FITNESS Rating: NR UPC: 029956088825 Manufacturer No: 120-1269

The best thing about this prenatal yoga program is that there is a model for each trimester. Instructor Shiva Rea demonstrates each of the stretches and exercises for the first trimester, and two pregnant women show modifications for the second and third trimesters (they're even dressed in different colors for easy reference). This removes the self-doubt home-exercisers often have about the safety of certain moves--especially in that cumbersome final stage of pregnancy. Using gentle voice-over instruction, Rea and her assistants take viewers through a half hour of meditational stretches using blocks and chairs for support. She follows that up with 16 minutes of floor work: lunge pose, bridge pose, child's pose, plank pose--all with the necessary adjustments. She winds things up with a four-minute guided relaxation on her back--the traditional position--with the second-trimester woman on her side and the third on her side with one leg up on a chair. By including the different adaptations, Rea has made a program with the flexibility to carry an expectant mom through her entire pregnancy--and beyond, if she wishes. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Fat Free Yoga - Lose Weight & Feel Great FOR BEGINNERS & BEYOND w/ Ana Brett & Ravi Singh NOW W/THE **MATRIX**

NOW WITH THE ALL NEW DESIGN YOUR OWN WORKOUT MATRIX MENU OPTION Experience Kundalini Yoga's sophisticated approach to effortless conditioning. Breathe, move, stretch, relax, meditate, celebrate! Boost your metabolism. Slim down, tone and feel inspired. These workouts and meditations will help you optimize your glandular system, bring emotional healing, reduce problem areas, and help you attain your personal ideal. This conveniently chaptered 90 min. DVD offers four 20 min. workouts (plus two meditations) to help you reshape your body and your life! This DVD starts with a breathing exercise for energizing and to curb impulsive habit patterns. Then the first segment Start Your Engines, features exercises to boost metabolism. Our favorite is the cardio warm-up called 'Ravi Rolls' with the breath of fire. The Fight Fire w/Fire segment focuses on abdominal strengthening and toning. These are exercises anyone can do, but you will really feel the burn. Segment 3: No Impact Aerobics really gets your circulation moving. You haven't lived until you've tried Frog Pose and Piston Pose! Your Life is in Your Own Glands will optimize hormonal balance. The two meditations on this DVD are for calming and emotional healing. The soothing Breath Meditation w/Hands Like a Teapot is more relaxing than a day at the spa! This DVD is for all levels. Modifications are given so that everyone can always participate. Long time yogis will find much new material to add to their yoga repertoire. This DVD features an inspired musical score by Tom Carden.

Yoga for Stress Relief (With The Dalai Lama)

Over the centuries, yoga practitioners have discovered the secret to achieving optimal health, vitality and happiness. For the first time, this path to living a longer, happier life is revealed on a single DVD. Excessive stress and negative mental attitudes in our daily lives are the greatest obstacles to achieving serenity, good health & well-being. This DVD teaches step by step, easy to follow practices to reduce negative thoughts & emotions while promoting positive thinking. With over 20 routines to address negative mental, emotional and physical issues, this DVD is the most comprehensive DVD of its kind. This DVD also includes an UNPRECEDENTED 30 minute instruction on meditation with the Dalai Lama! This exclusive discussion of meditation with the Dalai Lama himself appears only on this deluxe edition DVD. Considered one of the greatest influencers of our time, the Dalai Lama has spent his life teaching people how to be happy and promote positive thinking. His teachings are world renowned and this special bonus discusses both the benefits and techniques of meditation to promote positive thinking and cultivate happiness. Never before has a DVD revealed how to overcome dozens of common physical, mental and emotional conditions through the ancient science of yoga. This revolutionary, interactive system allows you to choose from 20 customized routines that range from 15-60 minutes and target common issues.

Yoga instructor Barbara Benagh has practiced and taught yoga for nearly 35 years. She discovered yoga while living in England and began teaching there. She moved to Boston and opened The Yoga Studio on Beacon Hill in 1980.

In addition to her local classes Barbara teaches yoga seminars throughout the US and internationally. She is a regular contributor of articles to Yoga Journal magazine. She has several audio CDs of live classes available as well as DVDs, the latest being Yoga for Beginners released by Body + Soul magazine, and Yoga for Stress Relief that includes a discussion on meditation from the Dalai Lama.

Barbara was kind enough to answer some questions from Amazon.com about this unique line of yoga DVDs.

How are these DVDs different from other yoga DVDs?

I was drawn to working with Bodywisdommedia because they produce DVDs they are interactive. Rather than a "one size fits all" single routine that is typical of most products, these DVDs offer choice, allowing the user to customize and change their yoga practice to suit their needs. No two persons are the same so the ability to change your practice - easing shoulder tension one day and an invigorating morning wake up the next - come as close as possible to allowing you to address your individual needs at home. Not only do people have different physical needs, but they have different time constraints as well. If you have only 20 minutes, there is a practice for you but there are longer practices as well (some as long as 90 minutes) that address the total body/mind connection. The sheer number of yoga sequences offered on each of these DVDs is a first. They are incredibly comprehensive.

How were you able to get the Dalai Lama involved?

This project dovetailed perfectly with the Dalai Lama's message that modern stress is one of the greatest obstacles to our mental happiness and physical wellbeing. Because we are long-time sincere practitioners, having a 30-minute lecture of the Dalai Lama teaching how to meditate on the Yoga for Stress Relief DVD was a perfect fit. Bodywisdommedia also has a broader relationship with the Office of Tibet and are releasing historic lectures with "A Path to Happiness" being the first one.

How will potential buyers of these DVDs know which one is right for them?

The titles are very indicative of what appears on the DVD and therefore a good guide. I really enjoyed making Yoga for Stress Relief because it is incredibly relevant. We strove to make the sequences accessible to as many people as possible, whether they are a beginner or long time practitioner. Yoga for Beginners is a great, non-threatening place to get started and includes lots of sound technique developed over my 30 years as a yoga teacher. Power Yoga for Every Body is a bit more challenging taking you from the beginning level and gradually progressing to much more demanding routines.

Bryan Kest Power Yoga Complete Collection

Feel the power. Be the power! Unlock the strengthening slimming detoxifying and re-energizing of Power Yoga. Bryan Kest leads you in a vigorous workout based on the robust Ashtanga style of Yoga. Three programs on one DVD: Energize Tone SweatFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: HEALTH/FITNESS UPC: 085393446628

Anyone wanting to get in shape like the stars need go no further than Bryan Kest's videos. Kest teaches wildly popular yoga classes in Santa Monica, California--so popular that stars like Rhea Perlman, David Duchovny, and Elisabeth Shue willingly sweat alongside the hoi polloi in Kest's packed, ancient loft studio. If you don't happen to be in the neighborhood, not to worry: Kest's yoga videos are nearly as good as being there. Volume 1: Energize is a beginner level class that nonetheless is smartly designed to provide challenges for all levels of users. Kest's Jersey-boy voice at first seems in contrast to the serene environment and inner-peace objectives, but it gradually becomes soothing and hypnotic in its own right. Stretches and strengthening moves are alternated with just enough repose to keep even first timers on track. After mastering Vol. 1, practitioners can go on to Volume 2: Tone or Volume 3: Sweat to further challenge themselves. As long as you keep in mind Kest's personal mantra--"If you're doing the best you can, you're doing this class perfectly"--you and this video should have many satisfying years of workouts together. --Anne Hurley

Power Yoga - Total Body Workout

Power yoga "demands your attention," says instructor Rodney Yee. He leads a challenging, constantly progressing series of poses, one flowing into the next, integrating breath, movement, tension, and relaxation. The poses include Sun Salutation, standing poses, forward bends, back bends, twists, and arm balances. The first poses are fairly easy, and with each repetition of the series, Yee adds on more difficult movements, extending the series without pausing. You're encouraged to do as much of the series that fits your level, up to the entire 65-minute workout if you're an experienced yoga practitioner. Although you can begin at any level, some familiarity with yoga is recommended. The Hawaiian setting is gorgeous and inspiring. This is an excellent yoga workout that you can grow with, adding on more as you get stronger. --Joan Price

Yoga For Weight Loss - Beginner & Beyond (2007)

Reshape your body and feel great with these easy to follow routines. Now you can burn calories while toning and stretching your entire body. These practices will leave you feeling invigorated, more energetic and de-stressed.

Three Sections Of Routines

Getting Started Routines

As You Progress Routines

EXCLUSIVE BONUS SECTION: WEIGHTS & BANDS:

Integrates weights and resistance band work into yoga routines to intensify the workout.
With the variety of of routines, this DVD is perfect for both the beginner and seasoned student alike. You will feel younger, more fit and in shape with these targeted and effective routines.
This stunning and beautiful DVD was shot at one of the most majestic, tranquil beaches in the world, Half-Moon Bay, Antigua!
This revolutionary, interactive DVD allows you to choose from 12 customized routines ranging from 15-60 minutes to get you toned and feeling great. This special, easy to use system allows you to find the routine that is just right for your needs. Veteran instructor Maggie Rhoades gently guides you through these proven and effective routines.

Yoga For Inflexible People

by Michael Wohl from Bodywisdom Media, Inc.

Yoga isn't just for people who are already supple--it's a way to become more flexible. Yoga for Inflexible People presents modifications and props to make traditional poses accessible to people who could not otherwise perform them comfortably or correctly. You get more than 35 workouts and about four hours of instruction and practice in all. Choose a general workout, focus on an area of the body (shoulders, legs, hips, and back), or select a peaceful or energizing workout. Within each category, you have a choice of several different 15- to 75-minute series (some seated), much more variety than most videos offer. Some of the poses are beginning level; others are not. Leader Judi Rice demonstrates well, instructing by voice-over, though her expressionless face lacks warmth and personality. You'll need a yoga mat, blocks (or large books), a long strap or belt, a chair, and blankets. --Joan Price

Yoga For Inflexible People is for anyone who considers themselves inflexible. The yoga postures developed 5,000 years ago were not created for people who are already flexible, but rather to help inflexible people become more flexible. A wide range of poses are taught and modified to help both beginning and intermediate students experience the benefits of yoga. The modifications includes suggestions for the use of props, which can be either actual yoga props or items you have around the home, such as a belt or books, to assist you when you feel you need additional assistance. Of course if you do not need props, you do not have to use any.

Customized workouts allow you to progress at your own pace and the DVD contains dozens of routines which designed to carefully guide you along your journey into yoga.

When Yoga For Inflexible People was released, the Yoga Journal declared it "One of the most intelligent and useful presentations served up in a long time" and praised it as a DVD "...for all beginning students whether they are inflexible or flexible."