Search - The Trainer's Edge: Long and Lean Yoga on DVD

One of my favorite yoga workouts!

30307 | Atlanta, GA United States | 05/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a woefully underrated yoga workout video. I own many, many yoga DVDs --- all of the more highly acclaimed ones like Yoga Shakti, Ravi Singh, Bryan Kest, Rodney Yee, etc. -- and I reach for this simple yoga workout many times more often than the other, far more acclaimed yoga workouts. The yoga routine is similar to the style of yoga offered by an acclaimed yoga studio near my home, but it costs far less!

If you prefer advanced, quick-moving power yoga routines, you won't like this one. On the other hand, if you despise rapid-fire yoga workouts, this might be the perfect power yoga workout for you to consider. Baron Baptiste holds the postures for a nice length of time, which allows you to focus on your breath and body alignment before moving into yet another position. Probably for that reason, I find that his workout loosens up a lot of muscular tension in my body. (It's hard to believe, but true: Only one of out four of my yoga workout DVDs succeeds at delivering a nice, deep stretch!) The workout is also the perfect length of time for busy yoginis -- roughly 40 minutes -- so it's not too long that one is reluctant to reach for it nor too short that it fails to render results. Beginners who are in reasonably good shape should be able to handle this workout. Intermediates will find this to be a relaxed practice but still reasonably challenging. Runner and office workers should benefit from this practice too, because it loosens up the hamstrings nicely.

Ironically, I tried a couple more advanced power yoga workouts by Baron Baptiste several years ago and didn't care for them at all. This workout changed my mind about him. I've since purchased and enjoyed other Baron Baptiste workouts, but this particular yoga routine remains my very favorite. It's an understated gem."

SOLID, BUT FAMILIAR PRACTICE

J. S. WILLARD | CHARLESTON, SC USA | 08/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you own Baron's "soul of strength" or "journey into power" there's nothing really new here. Some poses are held longer, and there's more focus on upper body & core strength. this dvd seems more "western" not as much attention to going within, not much of a relaxation segment. I'll return to this from time because I really like Baron's style but it's at the bottom of my pile."

Start with other Baptisted DVDs first

Beanhauer | Bloomfield, MI | 07/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am a big fan of Baron Baptiste, and bought this one to complete my collection. My impression is that this is intended to be a great introduction sampler to yoga, and that the producers brought in a great teacher to make it a fair and exciting introduction to the practice. If that's your situation, this is a good DVD to get, as Baptiste is terrific.

If you already familiar with Baron Baptiste, there won't be anything new here, and you'll find the early sequences slow. He takes extra time to explain everything, and his patter emphasizes the benefits of yoga in sort of an Elevator Speech style. The core sequences at the end are novel, though, and worth owning if you're a Baptiste fan. But I wouldn't expect this to be your favorite DVD if you already have others.

The music is aerobic class electronica, but not intrusive."

Long & Lean/Real & Reliable

Damon Zex | Columbus, OH | 03/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For general maintenance there is absolutely no better power yoga DVD than Baron Baptiste's Long & Lean Yoga. The reason behind this claim I am making can be summed up in one word - timing. Before I became interested in yoga, I spent years at the gym lifting weights. After studying Ashtanga and purchasing a number of less balanced yoga tapes and DVD's, my introduction to this simple but physically challenging workout has made me feel stronger and look better than any other hatha program. I know it doesn't have every asana in the world and is a little heavy on the boat pose, but when I am done, I feel strong, alert, and ready to begin my day. I really enjoy Baron's added upper body workout, his sequence of primary standing, power poses, and his quick but efficient abdominal routine. Most importantly, something in the pacing of this sequence makes me breathe deep and sweat. I have memorized this routine and when I travel, this is the power yoga set I do."