This is a solidly intermediate practice that can be accessible to beginners but I don't suggest it in view of the fact that there is very little instruction on getting into particular postures and their alignment and modifications and, in addition, Darryl uses mostly Sanskrit to cue the poses. That being said, if your have some familiarity with yoga, have taken live classes (Darryl specifically recommends at least 10 prior to trying the DVD but more might actually be in order) and know your own limitations, this is a wonderful DVD.

The DVD is chaptered as follows (I don't remember all the poses but here are some highlights):
Opening Sequence (basically bound supta badakonasa) which was a really nice way to open up a practice
Vinyasa (26 minutes of flowing standing postures including warriors, triangles, sun salutes and ending with king pigeon)
Inversions (not for the newbie yogi because there are no modifications shown) including headstand (both on a wall and in the center of the room), forearm balance and headstand
Standing postures (triangle, half-moon, tree, dancer, hand-toe Ashtanga style)
Sitting Postures (twists, janusirsana, supta jausirsana, some arm balances)
Finishing poses (ab work and backbends beginning with camel and ending with upward bow, shoulderstand including variations, plough, deafman's pose, fish pose)
Savasana (a nice long 7 minute one at that)

The pace is not fast but nor is it slow but I found it just right and it leaves me a lot of room to grow. The DVD is shot in Hawaii, both on the beach and in the rainforest, making it also very pretty to watch. There is some soft background music, Darryl's voice is very soothing and there is no flowerly language although you really get a sense that he is a spiritual yogi nevertheless.

Instructor Comments:

Caryn C