I have a mixed review for this DVD. There are plenty of pros. The scenery and film quality are beautiful. The practice, a little under an hour long, moves at a deliberate pace giving you time to get in to and enjoy the poses. I especially like this for the standing poses which are often dashed through during a power yoga practice. Also included are four balancing poses: half moon, dancer, eagle and tree. I really enjoyed the standing and balancing pose sequences. And since the DVD is well chaptered it will be easy to add on specific pose sequences to another practice.

There are also several cons. The practice begins with a seated pose sequence which I didn’t like and will probably skip in the future. (Rainbeau Mars’ “Pure Tranquility” is a much better seated practice.) A constant annoyance is that Rubio will talk you into a pose but doesn’t say when to come out. So you’ll be hanging out in triangle and suddenly have to scramble because she’s starting warrior 2. I also found it interesting that my back was killing me the night after I did this practice. Something to think about.

Beginners beware: I really don’t think this is a good DVD if you’re a beginner. The instruction during the practice lacks both detailed explanations of the poses and reminders for proper form. However, this might be a plus for those with yoga experience who don’t like a lot of chatter from the instructor.

Something else that warrants a mention: The sun salutations are very slow. I’ve never done them this slow before and she holds plank for what feels like forever. I found that doing the full round of three was demanding almost to the point of grueling. (She does mention that you can skip over rounds two and three.) By the third round I was definitely ready for them to be over.

For me, this one is a keeper for the standing and balancing sequences.

Instructor Comments:
Julie Rubio has a lovely, fresh presence. Her voice reminds me a bit of Rainbeau Mars sans the verbal imagery.

Gina (aka gxm17)