Background:

I have been practicing yoga for about 5 years now. I started out with videos and am currently taking Iyengar classes, I have taken Ashtanga and Hatha yoga classes previously. I also have a good collection of yoga videos and cds. I am 45 years old, at the Intermediate level for Yoga and Aerobics.

Video:

I did this video this morning for the 5th time now. Yoga Remedies for Balance is split into 3 parts, Breath, Standing Poses then seated poses with relaxation at the end it runs for 60 minutes. Suzanne explains the concept of this video is to integrate the 3 parts to Balance your life.

First part Suzanne has you lie down with knees up, hands on the lower belly. Suzanne has you move your hips with the breath (right side, then left side). However, she cues the inhale/exhales at a very rapid pace. I enjoy pranayama but it is generally done at a slower pace and for longer breath periods. This section is about 5 minutes or so.

Next is asanas which are all standing poses. There are no sun salutes as she is Iyengar trained. You start with Triangle, Warrior I and II, Half-moon, Warrior III, Wide leg, and a lot of forward bends. Suzanne has you do a forward bend usually after one or 2 poses. Among the other standing asanas, are King Dancer, Standing Split, and holding your leg out in front with your hand and then to the side, Twisted Triangle, and Tree. All of these poses are held for about 30 seconds. It seems that just as you get into the pose, you get out of the pose. While Suzanne is great at instruction on how to get into the asana, reminding you of proper form and breathing, she just goes to fast for me. I don't see how you can get any benefit from these poses for such a short period of time.

Third part are floor poses such as Sage Twist, Up-Dog with counterpart Down-Dog, Boat, Seated forward bend w/one leg then full forward bend, Plank, then Side Plank, a Squat with your heels together and knees spread apart, Side bend in Virasana, then Side bend while kneeling with one leg out to the side, Bow, Table w/left leg out, right arm out (pilates pose) mostly core conditioning. She then moves to relaxation poses with bolster and blanket which are great before Corpse pose. Again, you hold these poses for about 20 to 30 seconds then on to the next one. Savasana last maybe a minute or two.

The concept of the video is great, the delivery falls short.

Instructor Comments:
Suzanne background is Iyengar trained and Pilates Instructor for years. She is very good at giving pointers and reminding you to inhale/exhale in and out of the poses. A wonderful voice for video and teaching. I have 2 other videos by her and find her perfect for yoga and pilates, no Rodney Yee but capable.

mwelters