This tape is one of my new favorites! Unlike other Yoga Zone videos, it is
divided into 30 and 20 minute segments so you can do it even if you are short
on time. It is "power-type" yoga, flowing fairly quickly.
The video is led by Al Bingham, who will be familiar to viewers of the YZ
television show. His co-exercisers are Claire, another YZ instructor who
performs modifications. The other participant is Laura, whom I was pleased to
see, is a "normal sized" woman with actual hips and bosom. And she is
FLEXIBLE! She does the routines fully with no modifications. Kudos to YZ for
featuring Laura, and let this be a sign to other video producers: We like to
see exercisers who look like ourselves! Laura is a role model we can all
aspire to be like.
The video includes sun salutations, forward bends, several down-dog
sequences, and a variety of warrior sequences that had my legs quivering.
There are some twisting postures that really helped open up my tight back and
shoulders. Throughout, Al reminds you to focus on the breathing. He explains
the postures in a very down-to-earth yet precise way. He is constantly
encouraging and says things like "good job!" and "nice!" The workout ends
with a seated meditation that is nicely relaxing
The second segment features Al and Lisa Bennett, of the TV show and also the
leader of the YZ "Power Yoga" video. This workout focuses more on the back,
and to that end has a number of spinal twists that feel really good. There
are a couple of balancing poses as well. I like the way Al and Lisa
demonstrate several "wrong" ways to perform the poses, to point up what we
may be doing wrong. A brief meditation concludes the tape.
Even though I'm not sure about the "weight loss" aspect of this video, I felt
very energized and focused when I finished. I would recommend this to
advanced beginners or intermediates who are looking for a strong, powerful
yoga practice tape.
Instructor comments: Al Bingham is a really great instructor. Not as
"spiritual" as Alan Finger on the other tapes in the series. He seems to
understand the needs of beginners and the pitfalls they encounter. His
instruction is thorough enough that I only needed to look at the screen once
in a while to check my posture. I hope that he is featured in the new YZ
videos coming up in September.
Sasha Castel
8/13/00
