This workout presents three 20-minute yoga-inspired stretching routines. From the menu you can choose any session individually, or do all three together. There is also a bonus 10-minute session of more challenging poses.

Mimi Solaire instructs solo in voiceover. She is accompanied by a New Age soundtrack (credited to Anugama) which I found soothing, almost hypnotic (a “music only” option would have been nice!). When I first viewed this DVD I was a little concerned about the set: white background, with Mimi sitting on a white flotaki rug wearing a white outfit. However, her top is sleeveless and the pants are cropped, so you can easily see what her limbs are doing. Also, since each pose is held for a while, you really aren’t looking at the screen all that much. You will need a mat or carpeting underneath, a strap, and a rolled towel (neck section only). All of the stretches are done slowly and gently.

Despite the title, this isn’t exactly “yin yoga” as taught by Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers, etc. Yin Yoga has its own set of specific poses with their own names, and each pose is held 3-5 minutes. Here, the poses are more traditional yoga-inspired stretches, held about one minute each. If Mimi names the pose at all, she uses the common English name. All of the poses are done on the floor, either lying, sitting or kneeling.

The three 20-minute sections are titled Back Stretches, Legs and Hips, and Neck and Shoulders. Here’s a breakdown:

Back Stretches: Reclined overhead stretch. Knee to chest, first one knee at a time, then both knees. Turn over onto stomach for sphinx pose, then straightening arms to cobra. Child’s pose with knees apart, then extended child’s pose. Move to hands and knees for cat/cow stretches. Move to a seated position for twisted sage pose. Lay back down for bridge pose. Reclined twist. Shavasana.

Legs and Hips: Reclined cobbler pose (soles of feet together, knees apart). Knee to chest. Ankle to opposite thigh, then lift supporting leg. Keeping same leg position, twist to side. Using strap, reclined leg stretch, first toward the head, then out to each side. Seated forward bends with one leg extended. Shavasana.

Neck and Shoulders: Reclined position with rolled towel under neck, gentle head tilts to stretch the neck. Still reclining, place forearm underneath back to stretch the front of the shoulder. Reclined twist. Child’s pose to thread the needle. Extended child’s pose. Move to a seated position for eagle pose. Return to reclined position with rolled towel under shoulders for a supported backbend, gently moving arms overhead. Shavasana.

The bonus section demonstrates some poses that those with a little more flexibility might enjoy trying out: Boat pose, saddle (this one is a yin yoga pose), down dog, seated forward bend, reclined twist with legs crossed, shavasana. Mimi wants us to be thoroughly warmed up before attempting this section.

I have a lot of flowing stretch workouts (e.g. Classical Stretch) as well as more traditional yoga, but was attracted to this DVD because it had longer-held static stretches. I also appreciate that each routine is only 20 minutes – perfect for after a workout, or to do just before bed or right after arising. I’ve previously owned some yin yoga DVDs, but while I enjoyed them I rarely pulled them off the shelf because the routines were so lengthy. This one will get a lot more use!

Instructor Comments:
Mimi Solaire is a yoga teacher based in Arizona. Her website is www.MimiSolaire.com. You can view a clip of this DVD there. She has two other yoga DVDs, one for back rehab and a prenatal one.

JustSandra