Search - Yoga Journal's Yoga for Stress With Dr. Baxter Bell on DVD

This practice will make you warm and fuzzy :o)

YogaKat | Oregon United States | 01/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this DVD a while back and didn't think much of it because it had so much verbal instruction during the practice. I then realized there is an alternate practice mode that uses less verbal instruction once you've learned the routine and/or know a bit about yoga already. You can easily switch from one mode to another if you have an audio button on your DVD controller. If you're new to yoga this would be a great instructional video. I use the version with just the queues, it's great!

It has some lovely, relaxing music and Dr. Bell's voice is very soothing and relaxing. The whole practice is very restorative and refreshing.

Also, there is a cool yoga timer built into the practice. You need to have a top menu button on your DVD controller and when you press it you can hold a pose for 2, 5, or 10 minutes and then the practice continues. If you practice Yin Yoga this is a great option! You can go very deep into the postures.

There are two practices, each run 35 minutes. You can do either one separate or together. Stress prevention is a bit more active and stress relief practice is very restorative & relaxing. He uses props like blocks, bolsters, and straps, but you could get away with not using those items.

The stress prevention workout starts with a slow meditative sun salutation series, then on to warrior, tree, wide leg forward bend with a twist, cobbler, boat, seated twists, bridge, and more. What makes this practice different than other DVDs is he holds the poses for a long enough time that you feel it. It might be considered too slow moving if you like fast moving power yoga. There is time in between postures to settle in and feel your body. There is also a froggie version of downward facing dog that my bull dog and I really enjoyed, ribbit ;o)

There are also 3 short practices covering breathing, relaxation, and meditation.

This is a good DVD and I highly recommend it. The audio option and timer are great additions to this DVD which I have not seen on other productions. The more I use this DVD, the more I like it. Check my other DVD review on Amazon. Namaste'
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It can be used by beginners new to yoga as well as advanced

Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 12/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Practice routines offered in Yoga for Stress cover stress prevention, stress relief, and focus on areas of the body where stress accumulates. It sounds complicated but it offers up an easily-followed program of movements which offers three quick relaxation techniques along with stress relief practices and alternate practice modes. Another plus: it can be used by beginners new to yoga as well as advanced practitioners of yoga.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch"

Stress Prevention Practice

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 10/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In order to manage stress through mindfulness, Dr. Baxter Bell presents two practices. The first focuses on energizing poses and the second focuses on calming the nervous system. If you are interested in avoiding stress related illnesses then you might enjoy one or both of the 30-minute practice sessions. In the first session you may recognize:

Practice 1

Mountain Pose
Mini Sun Salutes
Standing Forward Bend
Lunges
Downward Facing Dog
Chair Pose
Locust Pose
Warrior II
Tree Pose
Side Angle Pose
Wide-Legged Forward Standing Bend
Cobbler's Pose
Boat Pose
Half King of the Fishes Pose
Modified Bridge
Final Relaxation Pose (skip this is you want to continue for 60 minutes)

While doing the postures it is helpful to have a block or a set of pillows.

Practice 2

Dr. Baxter Bell's pleasant narration leads you through the poses with some creative visualizations. In the second practice there are lots of stretches and they are held for just the right amount of time. Some of the postures/poses include:

Mountain Pose
Shoulder Raises
Eagle Arms (great for tight shoulders)
Standing Forward Bend
Wide-Legged Forward Standing Bend
Downward Facing Dog
Supported Child's Pose
Spinal Twist
Queen's Pose
Final Relaxation

For the most part this DVD presents exercises that calm and nourish. With the use of blankets and pillows this becomes a gentle yoga practice. If you put both practices together you can exercise for 60 minutes. Since I did this workout before an interview it gave me a chance to see if it really was able to reduce stress. I feel that this yoga DVD also gave me a clear mind and I felt relaxed and healed. I can recommend this to beginners and intermediates who are seeking a stress reduction program.

~The Rebecca Review
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Just what I was looking for

Fitness Freak | NJ | 11/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really liked it and I like the Yoga Journal Magazine too. Their attention to beginners helped me, even though not a beginner, remind me of the core yoga moves and how to do them well. Very good DVD overall."