Fit for Beginners
How fit is the Yoga class for complete beginners?
Ashtanga Yoga has separate classes for beginners. This is because the structure is quite rigid, and the entry level is relatively high.
Ok for Low Fitness
Every physical activity requires the participants to be fit to a degree, but sometimes you are just not fit, and you're looking to get into shape. How accomodating will these types of Yoga be for trying to start Yoga as a fitness program?
Ashtanga Yoga does not require the beginner to already have any experience with Yoga or have any level of fitness.
Safety
Every physical activity has it's related risks and injuries. How does the Yoga class fair in that?
Ashtanga Yoga is not fit for beginners, and is very intensive.
Short Duration
How much time do you need to put aside for a class? Most people don't have enough hours in a day, so the longer the duration, the harder will it be to participate in the Yoga class.
Ashtanga Yoga usually lasts for an 1.5-2.5 hours. This isn't very short and is not a good fit for everyone.
Spirituality
Yoga is a lot about spirituality - meditation, chanting, and body-mind unity. How much into that is the Yoga class?
Ashtanga Yoga teaches the rigorous workouts alongside meditation and chanting.
Strict Discipline
Every type of Yoga is different in the level of discipline required from the participant. This aspect deals with how structured and rigid are the classes and how strict are the routines they propose.
Ashtanga yoga has a rigid structure that dictates a series of yoga poses that are performed in a sequence.
Western Popularity
Not every type of Yoga caught on in the western world. Some seem too demanding or different to the western lifestyle. The level of popularity could hint at how likely you are to find a class near you and not drop out once you start it. This aspect deals with how popular are these types of Yoga in the western world.
Ashtanga yoga is a very demanding type of Yoga that has been around for years and never gained much popularity in the Western world.
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Feel factor: 5
Better than I could have hoped for!
(score 5/5)
This DVD was recommended to me by a friend who is an avid yogi, ashtanga in particular. I am not the typical yogi, and had my doubts, but this DVD makes learning a new yoga style easy, and exciting. I am still in the process, but I can see improvement and can't wait to take a live class. The lessons are very well done, and modified postures are perfect. Truly the best at home yoga I have seen, and for such a challenging practice.
Posted on: 2010-09-26
By TARA
Good, but not great
(score 4/5)
I purchased this DVD & Doug Swensens Ashtanga yoga short forms together & I think Doug Swenson's is MUCH better. I was generally pleased with the format, however the way they crop for the shorter sessions is a little 'jumpy' at points. I also thought she does not thoroughly explain poses or breathing as well as Doug Swenson. I have been casually practicing ashtanga for 3 years or so, so I am familiar with the routines, & this stays true to the ashtanga routine. Overall, I'm glad I have the DVD for variety, but it is not my favorite.
Posted on: 2010-01-10
By Kirstin Vlietstra
Excellent instructional & practice dvd
(score 5/5)
After considering several dvd's online I selected this one for 3 reasons: 1) it offered variations in length for days i'm short on time or just feel like going easy, 2) it is based on a traditional ashtanga practice with instructional sessions for each component, and 3) it offers a choice of instructor voice tracks, with or without music!.
Now that I've received it, I am so pleased with it! The instructors are very down to earth and have put a lot of thought into the filming of the instructional tracks, showing angles that are very helpful in demonstrating proper technique and variations, without the gratuitous chest shots so many instruction videos seem to include. The ease of use is amazing as well, with immediate on screen icons during the practice sessions that allow you to jump to the correlating detailed instruction or switch audio tracks midstream.
I have been practicing yoga for about 7 years with local pracitioners or in studio classes a couple of days a week, but I've wanted to find a home video providing an intermediate level practice I can do more regularly. One of my resolutions for 2010 is to set up a yoga/meditation room in my home and begin a daily practice... or at least every other day ;) to supplement my studio instruction, which I anticipate will reduce risk for injury and allow me to grow my practice further. This dvd is just what I was looking for and I highly recommend for either a beginner or intermediate student.
Posted on: 2010-01-02
By L. LaRose
Helpful index: 100%
If I received the product I'd be happy to review it!!
(score 1/5)
I have still not received the DVD although Amazon said I would by 10 December.... so maybe Amazon could focus on delivery before they move on to reviews?! I've tried using the tracking page to see what's going on and it just continues to say estimated delivery on 10 December although it's teh 25th today...
Posted on: 2009-12-25
By Anna Kiertzner
Helpful index: 0%
Best Ashtanga Yoga DVD I've come across so far
(score 4/5)
I've only used lessons up to and including Lesson 6 (Sun Salute A) on this DVD, but I really like it and am very glad I purchased it. I took some Ashtanga yoga classes years ago and wanted to try it again at home using a DVD.
I checked out various DVD previews on YouTube and was put off by the extreme flexibility of some teachers. They didn't seem to offer 'alternative' positions or options for people like me who are inflexible and haven't been practising yoga for years and years.
In this DVD, the teacher (Tania) talks through the techniques of each movement while two models demonstrate positions for beginners and more flexible/advanced students. As she says, "Use the variation that works for your body."
The voices used on some other DVDs also seem to drone and irritate, rather than relax and inform. Tania's voice in this DVD is calm, clear and non-judgemental. She delivers the right balance of explaining good technique for each series, without getting overly bogged down in detail.
I haven't touched on the other parts of the DVD which are pitched at longer term yoga practitioners, but if you've tried a few Ashtanga yoga classes and want a refresher (or you're wanting to try a new type of yoga), I'd recommend it.
Posted on: 2009-11-08
By Dame_from_Downunder
Helpful index: 100%