Yoga Journal's: Yoga Practice for Beginners

Patricia Walden
Year Released: 2000

Categories: Yoga


Although I've had this workout on video for years, I recently bought the DVD, and re-discovered it. There are 2 workouts on the DVD; the video has only one 75 minute workout. The workout that is on both the video and the DVD consists of a little over one hour of various basic yoga poses, done at a beginner to intermediate level. Poses include mountain, triangle, bent-knee triangle, proud warrier, standing forward bend with legs apart, seated poses included staff pose, seated forward bends, seated spinal twists, and others that are done near a wall. There is a relaxation section at the end, with chest openers, where you lie on a bolster. It is a very relaxing workout, although it seems a bit long. The poses were not held too long; for a few breaths at most. I am fairly flexible and felt some stretching benefit, and my husband, who is not as flexible, felt it was challenging. There is a good deal of instruction regarding the poses, but not enough for someone who has no background in yoga at all.

The photography was gorgeous. It was filmed on the island of Maui, in Hawaii. There is nice, delicate yoga chiming music in the background, which enhanced the enjoyment factor.

There is also a section on the DVD where Patricia Walden teaches a class with a group of participants. I found that she went into much more detail in her instructions in this section.

The DVD includes an interview with P. Walden, and an option to choose individual poses. I think it is chaptered very well.

This workout is not suitable for the advanced yoga student, but everyone else would benefit from using it. It is very well-produced. I'd give it an A.

Instructor Comments:
I really like Patricia Walden in this workout. She has a very nice, pleasant, calming voice. She is a "mature" woman, agewise, and is in very good physical shape, with remarkable flexibility and grace (for any age).

Abbe

02/23/2003