Search - Yoga Weight-Loss Workout for Dummies on DVD

Fast-moving "real" yoga that gets your heartrate up

dnk | Boston, MA United States | 07/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I approached this video with a great deal of skepticism. First, I'm not a fan of the Dummies series; second, Chris Freytag, while a very reputable fitness instructor, doesn't have too many other yoga releases; and three, her training comes from YogaFit, an organization I take (some) exception to. However, I thought I'd give this a shot anyway (after it had been out on the market a few months) and was pleasantly surprised to find a well-done "real" yoga video that did indeed feel aerobic.

The workout is about 37 minutes long and starts with a "warmup". You start with Mountain, then progress into a mini-vinyasa of Cat/Cow (standing), Sunflower (first bending straight, then to each side), Sun God/Sunflower, twisting Forward Bends, and then finally Mountain/Chair/Tree. These are done at least four times, and in some cases eight. You don't stay in most postures for more than one breath (sometimes just one inhale or exhale), so the postures really do start to get your heartrate up. Then Freytag moves onto a variation of the Sun Salutation (using Cobra instead of Upward Dog), a Warrior vinyasa (Warrior 1, 2 and 3) and ends the standing portion with an Extended Angle vinyasa (beginning in Warrior 2, then moving to Extended Angle, then circling the arm). Again, these are repeated at least 4 times, sometimes for 2 "sets". Although there is some bending at the waist (bringing your head below your heart, which is contraindicated when you significantly raise your heartrate), there isn't nearly as much as in, say, the 5 Sun Salutations you might do in a traditional Ashtanga or Power Yoga release. Therefore my heart rate climbed, but I didn't feel dizziness.

We next move onto the mat for alternating Cat (opposing arm/leg extension on all fours), modified Side Plank (knee on the floor), and then Side Plank (knee lifted, but you're encouraged to keep the knee down if you need to). Next vinyasa is Plank to One-Legged Dog. Then it's down all the way to the mat for Lying Boat alternating with Heel Lifts. A welcome Lying Twist is next, then reverse Curls (sort of like a half-Rolldown from Pilates) alternated with Boat and next Bridge alternated with Bicycle. Finally, the cooldown begins with Dead Bug and then Corpse/Cobbler (lying down with heels together, knees apart). Then up for a final breath and Namaste, and closing words.

As I said, this practice does elevate the heartrate. However, the approach here is to do multiple repetitions of simple postures at a fast-pace rather than to hold challenging postures for multiple breaths. It's still "yoga", but if you prefer postures that are held for a long time, this is not for you. Also, the relaxation at the end is very short and you're not going to be nearly as soothed (or relaxed) as you would in a traditional practice. Freytag seemed overly peppy when we first started, but by the the end of the first ten minutes I was too busy focusing on what we were doing to pay too much attention. She did, however, still convey the appropriate amount of encouragement to use modifications when necessary. However, this is not a tape for someone new to yoga as not enough setup instruction is provided.

If found it surprisingly enjoyable and I think it would be a good addition for someone who is short on time but wants both yoga and fat-burning in their routine."

Don't bother.

Li | 02/19/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I got this DVD for only $9.99 and good thing too because if I had paid anymore I'd be pretty upset. The DVD isn't as easy to follow as it claims. Perhaps it might be easy to follow for someone at a higher level of experience but not for beginners. On top of that the way Chris Freytag grins through out the entire workout is reminiscent of a robot."

I'm Addicted to this DVD

MaxieJ | NC, USA | 08/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have never done any type of yoga before, and I am no gym junkie either, but I did not find this workout too hard to follow...just don't expect to completely hang with it at first - you have to get to where you know what's coming next, and some parts will always be easier than others. Challenging, yes, but just enough. I like the pace and it really does get your heart rate up. Chris is a bit of cheesy robot but I like her. Great routine!"

Not for beginners

Rizzo2you | Massachusetts | 08/06/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As a person who is not experienced at doing yoga, I found the dvd hard to follow. It is fast paced and I would recommend watching it first before doing it. On the other hand, I'm sure once I learn the routine, it will be a fun and effective workout.The problem is, there is no beginners routine. Also it would have helped if she showed how to do the pose first, then had you do it. Overall, the instuctor is motivational. Just found it hard to keep up with pace first time around, and had to skip second phase because I am out of shape. I will however continue to try and write a new review after I start to see results."