This is, according to Tony Sanchez, a beginner-level Hatha yoga workout. I think a true beginner would find it rather intimidating, and I'd call it more of an intermediate or experienced-beginner workout. Even if you're at an intermediate level, there will be portions of the workout that are extremely challenging. There's no strength work to speak of -- except for one part where you're sitting cross-legged and you lift yourself off the floor with your fingertips (ouch). I guess that would be considered strength work for your fingers :) The real challenge, in my opinion, was with some of the balancing poses.

You start with some breathing and flexibility moves before you go into the balancing. The breathing section is 6 minutes, and you do the same thing over and over. The first time I did this, I thought that part was much too long, but I don't really mind it as much now. (But I still would prefer it a little shorter.) After that, you do standing flexibility poses -- variations of side angle, forward bend, etc. There are no sun salutations, up/down dogs, and the other things we've come to expect.

Next is the balancing. I don't know how long this part is, but I'm always relieved when it's over. It's not that it's too long, but that it's tough. Although I sort of dread this part, I do like it and I'm glad I did it when I'm done.

Finally, you go to the floor for sitting/lying down poses. The rest of the workout is pretty easy compared to the balancing. The total workout length is an hour and 6 minutes.

I'm more of a power/Ashtanga person, but I like this one anyway. It's at a slower pace and you don't sweat nearly as much as with a power workout, but I find it a nice change of pace, and will most likely buy Yoga Challenge II. There are 4 in the series, but you would probably have to be a contortionist to do III and IV!

By the way, I got this one from Amazon.com. I think volumes 2-4 are available only at Tony's web site (www.usyoga.org). There are clips available to look at at his site.

Annie S.