This is a valuable DVD, if not quite "For Everybody" in the same way that J.J. Gormley's DVD in this same series is.The main strength of the program is the combined teacher voiceover of Benagh and the inspiring demonstration of Jason the student.Benagh is calm and does a great job of focusing your attention on core, not surface strength.I like it when she tells you to breathe into tight areas "as if your lungs were there."
My main complaint is that the skill level required from segment to segment seems to vary widely, at least within the Beginner workout (the only one I've done so far).If you do the full 90 minute workout, it starts off with very slow, eminently doable warmups, and then moves into a highly modified sun salute using a chair "for those of you who find the other versions on this DVD too challenging."You think, "Great, piece of cake."Be prepared, though---over the next hour or so you'll end up doing revolved triangle pose, side planks held FOREVER, a full cobra that pulls forward into upward dog (also held FOREVER), and even an advanced arm balance.(That part always makes me laugh---the ever-calm Benagh shows brief excitement, saying, "You're in Bakasana!!"I always answer back, "No, I'm not.") I do think it's odd that they give all this stuff to the same people who might have trouble performing unmodified sun salutes.I've even toyed with the possibility that my DVD is defective, tracking to advanced sections where it isn't supposed to.If so, let me know!
At any rate, this DVD is nice and challenging and full of useful insight, though not really for rank beginners.I can't wait to find out what the Intermediate practice is like (some far-off day when my arms are stronger).
Product Description
Power Yoga for Every Body makes the beauty and power of flow yoga accessible to everyone. Unlike other power yoga videos that move rapidly from pose to pose, Barbara Benagh explores the asanas through her renowned Slow Flow(TM) method of vinyasa (poses that flow together) that emphasizes alignment and awareness. For both the beginner and advanced practitioner, Power Yoga for Every Body is a safe and effective way to explore this style of yoga.
* Routines for Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced students
* 15 Minute Interview with the instructor
* Contains 24 practice routines that range from 20 minutes to 2 hours
* Optional background music
Barbara Benagh has been a yoga practitioner for 30 years and has developed an insightful teaching style renowned for its strength, creativity and emphasis on breath awareness. As both an avid road cyclist and advanced yoga practitioner, Barbara has developed an understanding and appreciation of the benefits of cross training with yoga. Barbara was the 2001 asana columnist for the Yoga Journal and has over 25 years of teaching experience. Jason Gordon is an advanced level practitioner and long time student of Barbaras.
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