Yoga For Weight Loss - Beginner & Beyond (2007)

This is a great DVD. The sections with hand weights and bands are really good for toning up. I have dropped a jean size with this using this DVD and a couple others. I don't have any real yoga experience and I found this manageable. Some routines are more challenging then others. The instruction is very easy to follow and it's well paced.

As mentioned by previous consumers, this DVD takes the user through the explanation of Yoga's origins, the initial poses, short routines and longer routines. A great work out for all experience levels on one DVD.

I bought this DVD specifically because of the "bonus routines" using bands and weights. I've worked these routines into my regular program and now alternate this DVD with running and Pilates. I am doing the non-weight and band routines too and they are great. The routines, which have been effective for me, are geared more for working out/toning and you are not lying on the floor for an hour though there are portions that are relaxing and more meditative to end the workouts. If you have no yoga experience, there is a lot of instruction though some sections in the advanced sections may be a bit more challenging, but very doable as you learn.

I've been doing yoga for a long time and have bought a number of DVDs for my home practice. I can't give it more than 2 stars because (1) I seriously doubt it will help anyone lose weight, so I find the title misleading; it is simply way too slow and the selected asanas not too difficult to generate enough energy to burn calories enough to cause weight loss (unless you are one of those completely stuck to your couch), (2) both the instructor and the yoga sequence she selected for this DVD do not inspire me at all and (3) I used this DVD no more than 3x, the 1st time to try it, the 2nd time to give it another chance and the 3rd time to convince me to use it again. I just can't use it any further.

I have given it 2 stars though because (1) some people may find this DVD doable, (2) the fact that it is at least structured and not disjointed, and (3) the instructor has at least some respect for the consumer who will buy her product, and has tried to put together a decent yoga flow for the beginners.

I enjoy this DVD alot - the instructor is very good and the movements helped me learn yoga.

There is a good section which strarts you off with slow and clear movements that I was able to do - some standing and some sitting poses.

Later on in the DVD there are items which present a bit more of a work-out which were a bit more challenging then some of the easier poses early on, but the DVD is sectioned well so that you can get a handle on the movements.

Being new to yoga, and looking to get into better shape, this DVD is serving its purpose for me well.