Yoga Zone: Introduction to Yoga

Alan Finger
Year Released: 1999

Categories: Yoga


If you are looking for a basic beginner yoga tape that includes many of the basic poses, GET THIS TAPE! This is the best of the basic beginner tapes that I have used, and I have about 15 yoga tapes. I would consider myself an intermediate in yoga, as I am pretty flexible and do some power yoga (I've been doing yoga for about 2 1/2 years) but I still have a lot to learn. This tape is appropriate for beginners, but intermediates in yoga can use it for a light yoga workout or to perfect their form on the poses. The length is about 55 minutes. The set is a basic studio (wood floors and yoga mats) but pleasant. The music is relaxing, appropriate for yoga but not too new-agey.

Alan starts out by instructing the proper breathing technique. He then instructs a series of poses as his instructors demonstrate different modifications. He explains the benefits of each pose, and describes in detail where your body should be. You will start out seated doing a potted palm series (cross-legged seated forward bends, spinal twists, and side leans). You will then go into cat pose, lunges, down dog, rag doll (standing, legs slightly bent, head and arms dangling). Mountain pose is next (standing). You will then do a series of several sun salutations. Next is dandasana (seated with your legs straight out in front of you). You will then do one-legged forward bends. Then comes shavasana (corpse/relaxation pose). Alan takes you through a thorough conscious relaxation. Very nice!

This video also comes with an insert that has photographs and descriptions of the different poses used in the video. Overall, I think this is an excellent choice for a basic yoga tape. You can take the poses as far as you are comfortable taking them. Alan stresses that yoga is noncompetitive. I highly recommend this one!

Instructor Comments:
Alan Finger is the founder of the Yoga Zone studios in New York City. He has been studying yoga for over 30 years. In this video, his cuing is very precise. His South African accent is very pleasant to listen to, and his voice is very relaxing. His tone is non-mystical, but he definitely emphasizes the meditative quality of yoga. He presents yoga in such a way that it is accessible to everyone. Alan does not actually perform the poses--he sits in lotus position in the middle of his classroom, and others demonstrate. One of his instructors demonstrates the beginner versions of the poses, and the other demonstrates the advanced beginner variations. There are two other participants whom he terms "yoga enthusiasts": his wife Greta, who has been practicing yoga for many years (15?) and a friend who has been practicing yoga for two years. The form of the instructors is very good.

Kristin Aziz

01/18/1999