Crunch Joy of Yoga

Sara Ivanhoe
Year Released: 1998

Categories: Yoga


This has been a mainstay in my video library ever since it was released. I just keep coming back to it, because it is so basic and good. It is not a 'beginner' workout, but it is far from an advanced workout. It's intermediate with wiggle room for someone not as flexible.
The set is Crunch-y (big fans, bright set, hardwood floor) so it's not going to make you fall asleep or anything (no gossamer curtains, muted lighting and mellow voice-overs).

Starting out, there are standing breathing exercises with forward bends. Next is a warrior series, which is nice because you have a few modifications shown for you. You can pick whatever appeals to you that day to follow. You also hold the pose long enough. Not too short, not too long. The perfect amount of time for me. Next is a lunge series, which echoes the sentiments above. Then it's to the floor for cobra and back bends. TThere are also intermittent downward dogs sprinkled throughout the aforementioned series'. Then there is a series where you do back work in table position, lifting alternate arm and leg with an optional push up in between (I like to save my push ups for my strength work personally, but they're there if you want them).
Then you do some hamstring stretches in the seated, straight legs out position, then it is on to relaxation: corpse pose, etc. I don't think I'll ever outgrow this, unless I ever really get into doing yoga seriously, which could happen, but it's not what I am interested in doing right now or for the foreseeable future.
I think this is a modern classic.
Kathy

Instructor Comments:
She's good, you'll like her.

Kathy Weller

12/12/2002