I bought this dvd after someone mentioned liking it in one of the general discussion threads. The description of it (on the back) made it sound ok for beginners. I disagree! well, ok, in the 30 minute workout I disagree after the first 20 minutes!

I've only watched the 30 minute practice and briefly forwarded throught the bonus poses. I didn't watch much of the full practice so can't comment on it.

First of all, I can see how someone who's familiar with some basic poses and knows some modifications would really enjoy this practice. Her voice is very soothing, the music is fairly quiet, the setting is inside with a few plants and some pillows/candles to create the atmosphere. one other lady practices along with her. No mindless chatter and just basic instruction is given. also the poses are done slowly and held a while; no rushed feeling. there is an approximately 4 min segment of breathing at the beginning and nead the end.(breath of fire). In the 30 min practice arms are brought overhead and lean back then go into forward bend. right leg back and knee to floor and arms overhead (low lunge) then step back to plank then knees to floor and chest to floor and up to cobra. then downdog then repeat on other side. these are nice and slow and held for a while. ends with a forward bend with hands clasped and arms overhead behind then wrapped around knees. this first 10 minutes looks very nice; like slow sun salutations. at the approx 10 minute 'mark' you do tree and it's done on both sides for about 6 minutes or so. at the 19 minute mark is when I feel the practice is no longer beginner; at least not for someone inflexible and/or older! she goes into plough which is where you're on you're back and you bring the legs up and over the head to touch the floor behind you. no modification is shown and this woman and the one with her are extremely flexible. I think this and the next pose, shoulder stand could be dangerous to an absolute beginner but that's just my opinion. I think I'll do the first 20 min and see if I can find a modification for the last 2 poses; perhaps use a wall or something or have a couch or something to rest my feet on for plough. after these you do boat pose where she does the rapid breathing that she calls breath of fire. then it's savasana(relaxation) for a few minutes then some seated meditation.

if you're adventurous enough to try some of the more advanced poses she does them slowly but no way would I try any of those except for maybe pigeon and wheel(can't do wheel yet but know a modification). the poses are crow, headstand, side crow, pigeon and variations, wheel.

I didn't watch the full practice except for the beginning and she did breath of fire at the beginning of it.

Like I said, the first 20 min looked do-able but I'm not sure about that plough and shoulder stand for my level but she does go slowly and nothing is rushed.

Instructor Comments:
nice voice. doesn't look like the lady on the cover though. young looking.

Susanna