YOGA CONDITIONING FOR WOMEN is a dance-like program that strengthens and opens the body from the core outward unlocking powerful energy. Instructor Suzanne Deason guides viewers through these easy-to-follow exercises and p... more »oses that link the breath to flowing body movements.System Requirements:Running Time 100 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: HEALTH/FITNESS Rating: NR UPC: 029956010901 Manufacturer No: 120-1286« less
Good focus on breathing, balance, and core muscles.
03/09/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"First, the cons: (1) this isn't a great video for the beginner, because the poses aren't described well. For many of them, she just says "go into ____ pose." (2) People looking for a weight loss video will probably be disappointed, as there are not many of the large muscle-group poses (such as warrior) and not much of the flowing from one pose to the next (which is usually what makes _me_ break a sweat). (3) Many of these moves require a great deal of flexibility, and no instruction is given on modifications during the video (although there is a segment on using props that you should watch before beginning.) This flexibility requirement, combined with some fairly difficult balancing poses could make this a very frustrating video... Pros: (1) There is a lot of focus on breathing. In fact, the first 10 minutes or so are just breathing practice, and she returns to focusing on the breath often. (2) There is also a lot of focus on the core muscles (in the back and stomach). Not only does she include lots of poses that strengthen the back and stomach, but she also points out how these core muscles come into play in other postures (such as triangle and balancing poses.) (3) Finally, this video has more balancing poses than any other I've seen. It's great practice (assuming you don't get too bruised from falling over all the time :-), and since balance improves greatly with practice, this will help you in any other yoga you undertake.Overall, this is a pretty good video. It's not strenuous enough for me to consider it a workout, but I use it on days when I'm not feeling very energetic. I consider it a good addition to my yoga video (mini)collection."
Different then i expected.
Ravynfyre | Endicott, NY United States | 03/14/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Like many of those who reviewed the VHS version of this tape, i have Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss and really enjoy it. i was looking forward to a new routine so i could vary my practice and not get bored-however, this is not exactly what i expected It has only basic instructions on how to get into the poses, and took a couple viewings before i actually tried it. The program is described as "fluid and dance-like" and it is-you don't hold a pose for long, which is a change from other tapes i have seen. As always, the settings are stunning and the scenery beautiful. i think the tape is good, don't get me wrong, but it is not so much for a beginner, and is going to take me a lot longer to be able to do the poses. It's not only an issue of being as amazingly flexible as Ms Deason, but also having some pretty fantastic balance. i do miss the "personal instructor" feature that YCforWL has, and it would be nice if they showed a more useful modification options (i loved that feature in the other program!) but it's not a fatal flaw, if you ask me. If nothing else, this tape will keep my interest for a while as i try gamely to contort myself gracefully into all kinds of strange positions without falling over on my ... (or face) too often. Hey, at least my cat will be amused. The chapter feature is useful and easy to use-the main reason i prefer DVDs to VHS, and the "Monthly Practice" thing in the special features section looks pretty cool.i would almost say this tape would be perfect for someone who has taken a class and gotten the basics down, and is looking for a new routine to do at home."
I think suzanne deason is great....
Ravynfyre | 02/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i am a fan of suzanne deason...i see from above that people think this might be too fast...however it was just what i was looking for....i was using her yoga conditioning for weight loss (which is really good by the way) for a while but wanted something with not as many instructions and levels...this dvd is definitely not for the beginner...i would say intermediate...she moves quickly from one pose to the next...i love her soft voice and gentle moves...if you are just starting out i would not recommend this but if you have been doing yoga at home for a while and are looking for the next step this is one you should try..."
Challenging and fast for me
me_me | 11/07/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Yoga Conditioning for Women is filmed by a beautiful Hawaiian oceanside, with Suzanne alone. She cues in voice over in a calm and soothing voice, and the music is soft and pleasant. The practice is a good one, focusing on the feminine aspects of yoga.
The first section on breath is wonderful and gentle. It has gentle lower body conditioning practices. The next section, postures, was challenging for me, in the sense that it requires of good balance on one leg (eagle pose, tree pose, half-moon pose, dancer pose, warrior III pose) and the yoga practice flows swiftly. If you are more experienced with yoga and can change poses quickly and efficiently, you'll really enjoy this practice. If you're like me and you're not quite that experienced, you'll get frustrated.
The last section, centering, is relaxation and is nice and calming. It has focuses on the core with twists, backbends and abdominal strengthening poses.
At the end of the practice, Suzanne includes a section that instructs on modification (with yoga strap and block) for some of the more difficult poses."
Great for moving on from yoga for weight loss
Joanna Bank | Rosendale, NY United States | 06/19/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"i really love this dvd. i first started yoga a year ago with suzanne's yoga for weight loss. since i have purchased many yoga dvd sessions. i find myself always returning to this one. it combines a great practice with relaxation. if you are looking to sweat like power yoga this won't work for you, but i find it does get my heart rate up at points while relaxing me at the same time."