(Please note that the DVD included in this kit is NOT the same Yoga Burn DVD that is sold alone; for more information, visit http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product.asp?product%5Fid=95-1172.)

The Yoga Burn Kit comes with a workout DVD plus weighted gloves that are supposed to help specifically target the upper body during the exercises. The weight of the gloves is adjustable--10 small, rectangular-shaped weights, each weighing .25 lbs., are included, allowing a total weight of up to 1.5 lbs. for each hand. The weights go into slots which circle your wrists, which I found to be rather uncomfortable; in addition, the gloves themselves were bulky, and the elastic around the edges was uncomfortable as well.

The workout led by Rodney Yee but performed by his current girlfriend, Colleen Staidman, who does not speak. Basically, it consists of a series of slow, flowing movements, most of which are repeated three times. Beginning in staff pose, there is a sequence where you lean back, circling your arms and tightening your core, which didn't feel very intense to me. Next, you'll do some side crunches and twists in a reclined position; again, these were very gentle. Moving to a seated position, you'll do seated eagle--a nice stretch, especially with the gloves--and then move to a squat with a bicep curl.

Standing poses follow, beginning in a stradle position for a wide-legged forward bend. Traditional standing poses are performed here, including warrior 1 & 2, triangle, and side angle pose, but again, arm movements are added and generally repeated three times. Moving to a stomach-lying position, you'll do cobra, lifting and lowering to a slow 10-count. Final poses include a 1-legged forward bend, back release, and savasana, bringing the practice in right around 40 minutes.

I found this practice to be quite disappointing. As mentioned previously, I found the gloves to be quite uncomfortable, which was definitely a distraction. Also, although the gloves did add a bit to some postures, such as eagle, overall, I didn't find them to be much of a benefit. Similarly, I just really didn't feel like I got much out of this practice; it didn't feel particularly strengthing, and I didn't find it to be particularly relaxing either. I think that this video might be best suited to someone who is relatively new to yoga and/or someone with limited flexibility looking for a gentle practice with a slight twist.

Instructor Comments:
I enjoy the majority of Rodney's practices, but I didn't like him nearly as much here. I think I prefer his voiceover to his live instruction, as he tended to say the same things over and over (eg, "beautiful!" and "yes!"). Also, Rodney does not perform any of the poses himself, and I found that his interaction with Colleen seemed rather forced--surprisingly, I thought he had a much better chemistry with Mariel Hemingway in the Yoga Now videos.

Beth C (aka toaster)