Search - Ali MacGraw - Yoga Mind & Body on DVD

Myra F. from BIRMINGHAM, AL
Reviewed on 6/12/2010...

This video was first recommended to me over 10 years ago, when I first began yoga, by the yogini teaching the class. Now, after years of being away from yoga, I decided to upgrade my VHS version to DVD to see if I still loved it. I do - with even more appreciation after having tried yoga on the Wii Fit where I am given points for my ability to hold a pose (it calls me "unstable").

Erich Schiffman is not just a master teacher - his voice is so gentle, so soothing, so non-judgmental. I take his class with my eyes closed, to better focus inward. He moves you through the poses with soft encouragement and I can feel myself opening up with every session.

I look forward to the day I can do the half-moon pose with the rest of the class!

Please don't believe the bad reviews...

07/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was saddened to see a few bad reviews for this wonderful video. Of course everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but as someone who has been a student of yoga on and off for years, and as someone with terrible chronic back problems I find this to be a safe, effective and challenging session. It seems like it's over so quickly but it really does stretch and tone the entire body if done correctly. I have to wonder if those who found it too difficult might have been pushing too hard or trying to match the level of the people on the tape. And for those who find it boring, they may not be comfortable with meditative arts like yoga and tai chi. Some people find it frustrating and difficult to slow down and hold postures and prefer more traditional exercise classes. But please be assured that this tape has been praised by so many for a good reason. The instructor is wonderful and passionate, but calm and guides you into a state of having a clear mind and a fulfilling practice session. The poses are good for beginner to more advanced students; beginners will find it very challenging, more advanced students will find it very relaxing. I certainly hope they follow this up someday with another video."

Wonderfully flowing yoga practice

Beth Cholette | Upstate NY USA | 03/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yoga Mind and Body is a classic yoga video which stands the test of time. It is designed for those already familiar with yoga (ie, there is little instruction on how to perform each pose), and it will gently challenge you while also providing deep relaxation. The practice begins with instruction on ujjayi breathing, a basic form of yogic breathing to accompany asana (posture) practice. The warm up then continues with a cat/dog tilt series to open the spine. This beginning section lasts about 7 minutes total, but once you understand the breathing, you can skip over that segment.Sun salutations comprise the next 10 minutes of the practice. You will begin with simple breathing and forward bends before adding lunges to the sequence. After practicing tree pose for balance, you will continue with another 10 minutes of standing poses performed in steady flow; postures in this segment include warrior, triangle, and side angle. The next 14 minutes of the workout involves floor work. You will begin on your stomach for cobra and bow, then switch to your back for leg extensions, lying twists, and bridge. The only seated posture is a single seated forward bend, and then you will return to your back for a relaxing 1/2 bridge pose. The practice ends with approximatley 4 minutes in shavasana for a total of 45 minutes.Although others have complained about the background music, it didn't bother me--when I even noticed it, it seemed to fit nicely with the postures, as it varied from being upbeat to more soothing. One minor criticism I have of this video is that although the scenery is beautiful, the cameras sometimes focused too much on scenic views when I wanted to see close-ups of the poses being performed; similarly, there was a bit too much shifting between cameras for my liking. However, this issue did not detract from the fact that this is an excellent yoga practice which I will enjoy for a long time to come."

Beautiful and inspiring

07/14/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I did a yoga class over 5 years ago and loved it. I bought AM/PM Yoga and have been doing it daily, finding it deceptively simply but very effective for my upper back and neck pain, and my posture. I am one of those people who find my shoulders up around my ears in times of stress. At the same time I ordered this tape, based on the reviews, thinking I would have it when I was ready to move on to a little more challenge and a longer "workout" than either AM/PM offers. I watched it through completely and felt daunted, but it was so beautiful, and I knew that when I was a little more flexible I would try it. Today I tried it for the first time and it's so amazing. Not as hard as I thought, especially if you are easy on yourself and do what you can do gently, as the instructor advices. By the time we got to the meditation/relaxtion at the end I couldn't believe the time had passed so quickly. I also experienced a powerful energy in my chest area, and understood what is meant by yoga being for your soul as well as your body. That was completely unexpected for me, as I was really only initially interested in feeling better, more toned and flexible physically. Like many of the other reviewers, I would love if they or Eric Schiffer would please do another video. The guidance through is wonderful, the music and scenery as well. This is a beautiful tape that I feel would be hard to tire of."