Search - Total Yoga:Original on DVD

Ava L. (trinistorm) from TAMPA, FL
Reviewed on 10/19/2010...

not a great yoga video, it's excessively boring which makes the workout very hard to make it through to the end

Still Great After All These Years!

Yoga Dad | 11/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I originally reviewed this wonderful program (VHS version)in June of 2002. Since then I have continued to practice daily and because I like variety in my practice, I've gradually amassed over 80 yoga DVD's and VHS's (which is not as insane or expensive as it sounds since a lot of them came in packs of 3 or 5 :)). That being said, I just did this program this morning and thought I'd share my updated point of view. Well, even after all these years it still stands up as a fabulous and well rounded practice! In fact, I bought it on DVD today.

If I was to compare it to the "Flow Series" programs in terms of difficulty, I'd say it's perhaps similar in terms of level to the "Water" program, though it does have a more intense inversion section with a long "Plow" and "Shoulderstand".

Someone brand new to yoga would probably be better off starting with something like Yoga Zone's "Yoga Basics" (in fact I would recommend getting either their "Yoga Basics Five Pack" or "Ultimate Collection" which is a six DVD set. Each of the DVD's in either collection have two-twenty minute self contained programs.

At that point you can easily move into Total Yoga's Flow Series "Earth" program and then maybe the "Water" program before this one because it has a half shoulderstand rather than a full version of that pose, that would be a good preparation for this.

Either way, I've written out the sequence and thought this might help those interested in seeing exactly how this program is put together.

Total Yoga: Overview of Sequence.

Ujayi Breathing/Three Part Breath

Half Spinal Rolls/Full Back Rolls/Bent legs spinal twist

Clasped forward fold then come up to Tadasana

"D" Series Salutation (5 x's) (which contains rolls and leg raises)

"C" Series Salutation w variations (12 position Sun Salutation w/lunges "Sivananda style")

Modified "A" Series Salutation (without Chaturanga (low pushup position)

Triangle

Pyramid Pose (parsvottanasana)

Standing Knee Balance to King Dancer Pose (Natarajasana)

Down Dog w/ extended leg to Pigeon Pose

Bow sequence (Hands clasped behind back, chest lifted/Bow with head down and legs up/Full Bow pose)

Embryo (child's pose)/Neck Release

Pose of Nobility (Gomukhasana: "Cow Face" Pose with arm clasp variation)/Spinal Twist

Half Spinal Rolls

Janu Sirsasana (One leg forward bend)

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Lying Spinal Twist

Knees into chest to Back Release Position

Plow/Shoulderstand Sequence

Fish Position

Seated Breathing

Savasana

Seated Meditation..... Namaste"

The best is now on DVD

new york | new york | 08/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
I have been wearing this video out for years. After going through four VHS copies I discovered it has been rereleased, along with the Total Yoga, The Flow Series on DVD. The bonus workout included in the DVD from Fire of the Flow Series is a wonderful addition. The best Yoga VHS has just become the best Yoga DVD.

After you tried all the "travel log" videos that focus as much on the background as yoga instruction try this one.
Its clear concise instruction matched with a beautiful photographed presentaion(shot at all angles) make this my favorite.
I really appreicate the varations Tracey and Ganga use that make this appealing to every yogi of all leavels. I've been practicing yoga for fifteen years and get a full and complete workout. My wife just started and will only practice with this DVD while giving up the other tapes and dvds that we've tried in the past..
Total Yoga starts with breathing instruction that moves into sun satuations and flows from one movment to another that seems to cover every yoga poise right into deep relaxation.
A true winner that I would recommend to everyone. I can't wait for more."

Long search for DVD version is over!

E. eidenier | 09/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I grew very fond of this yoga workout when it came out on VHS years ago. Of all of the yoga programs I have used (both live and on VHS or DVD) this one makes me feel the most relaxed, the most flexible, and the most satisfied when I am done. My only complaints: it is dated--the costumes and style of explaining poses are a tad new-age of the 90's--and it is long. You must commit about an hour of your time to get the full workout."