Yoga Journal's Beginning Yoga Step by Step: Session One - Three

I find this set to be absolutely excellent. The instructor, Natasha Rizopoulos is top notch for her form and technique as well as her instruction.According to her bio, Natasha is steeped in the classical yoga styles of Iyengar and Ashtanga. Her fluency in these methods (which are paradoxically quite different, primarily in pace) colors her instruction in a beautiful way by outlining the aspects of proper alignment for the poses slowly (a characteristic of the slower moving Iyengar style), while her execution exhibits the fluidity, ease and effortlessness of her background in the Ashtanga style while never getting too fast or overwhelming for the beginner. Her demonstrations that are found at the Title pages of the three DVDs showcase her excellent proficiency and mastery of the Ashtanga style. It's really inspiring to watch her perform some of the more advanced poses, jumpings, and balances in these demonstration sequences to give the viewer something to aspire to while being exposed to the art, beauty and grace of a master yogi practicing her craft. Natasha moves with the grace of a dancer, as one reviewer compared her movements to "ballet." Simply astounding and beautiful!I honestly don't understand why some reviewers are complaining about this DVD being not for beginners. I find Natasha's instruction incredibly clear and precise. She always encourages the viewer to pay attention to her assistant, Jason who modifies a lot of the poses, while she takes the time to discuss proper alignment and correcting common mistakes on her other assistant, Autumn. In addition to the invaluable "Instruction" portion of the DVD is a pose library in the "Chalk Talk" section where there are more useful tips given on accuracy and proper alignment in the poses while correcting common mistakes. The other part of this DVD that is extremely helpful is to watch the "Practice" portion of the DVD along with the Medical Commentary by a qualified doctor, Timothy McCall who offers additional insight and cautions throughout the Practice segment.As with any DVD, I'd recommend watching it in its entirety before attempting to follow along in your own practice!While all 3 DVDs can virtually be used by a beginner by following along using necessary modifications (using blocks and straps wherever necessary. Lowering from the knees rather than fully lowering through Chaturanga. Opting to go into Baby Cobra rather than Upward Facing Dog, etc.), paying attention to the precautions given throughout, and opting to stay in "preliminary" or "preparatory" stages of poses, I'd recommend only following along with the first DVD for the absolute beginner. The second and third DVDs contain some advanced poses, and to incorporate so many rigorous poses in a single routine requires years of dedicated practice. I'd suggest using the second and third DVDs as a "reference" for a long while rather than as a "practice routine" you can attempt and follow along. There are a few poses in each, though, that one can incorporate into their beginner routine. Namely, Sukhasana, Virasana, Dandasana, Janu Sirsasana, Paschimottanasana, as well as inversions (though one should exercise caution when attempting these and opt for HALF Plough, Ardha Halasana, by placing feet on a chair if feet cannot reach floor) such as Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) and Halasana (Plough Pose).I really appreciate the "traditional" vibe of the instruction through the use of Sanskrit terms with explanations, the movements flowing in a classical fashion, Natasha linking/joining her hands using classical methods, the setting and music giving a more traditional outlook to a North American practice of this wonderful ancient Indian practice. Natasha inserts traditional yogic wisdom tastefully throughout the DVD without being overbearing or dogmatic. You still get the sense of it being a physical practice while getting a little taste of the traditional, philosophical, and spiritual aspects of this wonderful practice. I also appreciate the melding of a slow "Iyengar" pace to develop awareness of alignment and balance while connecting poses in a smooth, flowing practice that serves as the foundation of Vinyasa forms and the rigorous and intensive Ashtanga style.The best parts of these DVDs are the Instruction, the Chalk Talk, and the Medical Commentary. While the 20 minute practices are sound and are efficient for those with a busy schedule, I find it to be quite short. Perhaps if you adapt the practice of the first DVD to include some of the sitting postures and Inverted postures I mentioned earlier before finishing with Savasana would allow for a more complete yoga practice...I hope this review helps!Namaste.

I read that some beginners found this DVD to be too difficult and not truly for beginners. I am not a beginner but also not-not a beginner. I have taken one yoga class and have attempted other at home DVD's that I found slow and boring. This DVD pack is a set of 3. The first DVD obviously sets the tone and teaches you the foundatioal poses of yoga. I did it this morning and I LOVE IT! I am a thin somewhat flexible person with a very small yoga background. Just above a beginner maybe...and this DVD is the best I have seen so far. Natasha not only shows you the pose, she demonstrates by showing another person doing it wrong and then correcting them so they do it right. There is even options for those less flexible. After going through all the poses with variations for almost everyone, she then has an option to just do the poses straight through. I read a few folks complaing that they had to wait for her instruction and they grew restless but there is an option to just do the poses once you feel you've got it down. She is the real deal, follow her instructions ( listen to your body, go at your own pace, don't judge yourself) and you'll be levitating in no time. Serioulsy, she is legit. If you are willing to learn, and not be impatient, you can do this.

This was my second try at a workable yoga video to (jump)start my practice. I've seen others since. I'm now buying this for friends as gifts. It is very concise, very clear, particularly about safety (maybe too much so), and extremely informative with all the extras.Here's the deal, if you can't sit cross-legged (half lotus) and can't do a single pushup, then you definitely need to "watch Jason" and do the modifications, or even make them more extreme. My skinny-and-adorably-wobbly daughter couldn't join me until she was 7, but she did what she could and then scooted back & forth under my down dog when she got overwhelmed or bored. The mods are there, though, and with a little thinking, even if you find the Wii Fit too challenging, you can do most of what's in this set if you properly modify it and work up to what Natasha is doing.Conversely, if you're fairly fit, you'll get the gist of healthy yoga and the start you need to get a regular practice under way. It's also great for getting back on the wagon if your practice has slipped.

In my opinion these DVD's provide excellent descriptions and demonstrations of each pose which is a great help to anyone practicing at home and needing a little guidance. The guidance provided is really clear and easy to understand.For a newcomer I do not think that they are a substitute for the guidance of a real live tutor but once you have some experience they are great as a reminder of how you should be working in a pose.Personally I find the actual workout time of 20 minutes is really a little short and would be better at 30 or even 45 minutes. However, I bought them specifically for the detailed pose overviews.

The tapes are good for reviewing your postures if you do not attend classes and learn yoga on your own. Natasha presents clearly and her directions for good postures are clear and easy to follow. I wish the practice sections were at least 30 minutes instead of 20. Some days I just want to practice, and the practice flows are a bit too short for me. And the instructional flows are too slow if I do not want to review my postures. But it is definitely worth having on my shelf and has helped me improve my form and my practice.

I am just starting with Yoga and find that these DVD;s are very helpful. The instructions are clear, the music is soothing, the instructordoes an excellent job in demonstrating and explaining the poses. There is a section for each pose that explains with more detail if you are having difficulty. There is also a person with her that uses the block as a demonstration. Her voice is enjoyable to listen to, her pace is one I can keep up with and her flexibility is an inspiration to keep you working towards your goals. The instructor also takes the time to explain terminology so it is also educational. Great for a beginner.

Still trying to learn but they are instructional