Peak Performance Yoga
Rod StrykerYear Released: 2002
Categories: Yoga
This hour long practice contains
six sections of Iyengar-inspired
teaching. Rod and his student,
Ingrid, start the practice on a
lush, green mountainside
overlooking a glorious bay. The
background music is soft piano and
guitar solos, and also electronic
keyboard music for the final
meditation section. Rod
demonstrates the "complete"
(advanced) postures while Ingrid
demonstrate modifications and the
use of props (block, strap, and
blanket.) Rod's instruction is
voiced-over the practice from start
to finish.
Practice begins on the back: breath
work. Arm raises; knee to chest
pose; dynamic leg twists; "cat/cow"
with hips to heels; seated stretch
with diagonal arms; and dynamic
forward bends with props complete
the first section.
Next is standing poses. First a
series of vigorous arm rotations
with legs in a wide stance; neck
release; a very detailed trangle
pose; warrior pose; standing
forward bend with wide legs; and
modified twisting triangle. Each
movement is repeated 2 to 3 times
then held. Rod's voice-over gives
thorough, precise Iyengar-styled
instruction as he demonstates his
own amazing, age-defying
flexibility. (His neck flexibility
on the modifed twisting triangle is
incredible. No Hollywood "CGI"
magic here!)
Finally, a mountain pose and short rest before a forward pose and onto the floor for more "cat/cow". Ingrid demos this with a block for the forehead. Your spine will definitely feel "longer" this time.
The next secion is pure relaxation.
On your back, Rod asks you think of
the number 12. Then slowly count
backwards releasing tension from
the body and mind as you count down
each number. He then suggests you
can end your practice here or
continue on for the full practice.
(A nice option.)
The next section is all mat work:
dynamic bridge pose; cobra with
arms behind the back; cobra with
lifted legs; hand to toe pose
(Ingrid demos with a strap); lying
twist with good modification
pointer for weaker necks; inner
thigh stretch with arm resistance;
lying bound angular pose; sitting
forward bend (Ingrid sits on a
blanket for spinal alignment and
uses a strap around balls of feet);
and a seated "cobbler's" pose for a
long stretch.
The next two segments are deep
relaxation and meditation. The
relaxation starts on your back.
Ingrid has a rolled blanket under
her knees. Rod instructs to give
attention to your breathing, then
your mouth, then your smile.
"Smile" becomes the key word for
the rest of the relaxation as you
are encouraged to let your heart,
lungs, abdominal organs,
reproductive organs, legs, feet,
and whole body become "one large,
radiant smile." (Very low "woo-woo"
factor here, BTW.)
Lastly, the breathing and
meditation section. After rolling
to their sides and gracefully
coming into a seated position
(Ingrid sits on the blanket again
to assist in getting her spine as
tall as possible), the practice
focuses on deep breathing and
alternating nostril breathing.
After several repetitions, the goal
is to slowly inhale for 5 seconds,
exhale for 10 seconds. The camera
gently rolls around, above, and in
front of Rod and Ingrid while soft,
wavy instrumental music accompanies
the silence. Finally, Rod
instructs you to gently lower the
head, place hands in prayer pose,
and "take a moment to appreciate
the gift of life. Namaste."
Overall rating: "A". The
attention to detail makes familiar
poses new and challenging
Instructor Comments:
Mr. Stryker's years of teaching
experience and professionalism
radiate through this excellent
practice. His soothing, masculine
voice and detailed instruction is
ideal for students of any l