The first 25 minutes of this video is a fantastic instructional segment by David. He demonstrates and explains Sun Salutations A and B, showing several modifications if you’re not ready for the full thing. He also demonstrates the “jump-through” – where you’re sitting on the ground and it’s time to float/jump back into Chaturanga. As anyone who has tried to do this knows, it is extremely tough. He gives a great tip for working up to it. He says that no modification will get you ready for it, unless you’re using the muscles that are actually used in the move. Makes sense. His move which will get you ready for it is hard to explain, but it’s the one you see in Ashtanga between boat poses – you get into a cross-legged position, roll your torso just slightly forward, then lift yourself (and your legs) off the ground. I don’t know the name of it. This moves uses the same arm and core muscles that the jump-through uses.

The next 1-1/2 hours is a full Primary Series Ashtanga workout. He doesn’t modify either the moves or the speed of it, but he does offer verbal advice on how to change things to suit yourself. Cueing is perfect. Unlike his Short Forms video, this one is shot indoors instead of outside. The production quality is good.

I was really impressed with not only the workout but also the instructional segment. If he did an instructional video for the entire First Series, I’d definitely buy it. Grade A for the workout, A+ for the instruction (the jump-through tip is worth it’s weight in gold!).

Annie S.