ZYoga

Ann Dyer
Year Released: 2005

Categories: Yoga


I am a yoga dabbler – I have a few yoga tapes mainly for stretching and a couple I use periodically for strength work when I don’t feel like lifting weights. The concept of a yoga workout that would make me sleepy, not relax me, but actually make me sleepy was new to me. I would guess regular yoga practitioners may be familiar with this concept and would find this workout a bit basic for them.

The main menu includes:

Play The Yoga Sleep Ritual (the “main” practice)
You, Yoga, and Sleep (an introduction by Ann to the concept)
Breathe Back to Sleep (a breathing ritual to help you fall back to sleep when you wake up)
Guided Savasana & Nada Brama – A yoga lullaby

Also included with this package are a booklet that explains the moves more fully and a CD with a guided relaxation.

In this DVD, Ann is by herself in a workout space with a dark blue backdrop. She explains each move and gives lots of form pointers – both for the yoga moves and for how to prepare for sleep. To me, she comes across as someone who knows what she is talking about, yet she seems totally grounded and accessible. I love her voice; it is very soothing. The moves mainly include gentle twists and forward bends.

The main practice lasts about 40 minutes for the poses, followed by the guided relaxation. It is longer than I have most evenings, but I found only 20-30 minutes gave me good benefit and helped relax me and make me sleepy.

I will save this workout for those periods when I am having trouble sleeping and/or have the time to invest. I really do like this workout and the instructor, Ann Dyer.

Instructor Comments:
I REALLY like her in this practice. She is down to earth and seemingly interested in helping people learn to rest. She also seems well-informed and very competent.

Laura S.

03/15/2006