One On One: Volume 1 #6 - Fountain of Youth

Tony Horton
Year Released: 2008

Categories: Yoga



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“Fountain of Youth Yoga” is a 40-minute intermediate practice. In the introduction, Tony says he made a shorter workout for everyone who complained that his earlier yoga DVD, ”Yoga X” from the P90X series, was too long at 90 minutes. Like most of the other “One on One” workouts, it is filmed in Tony’s home gym — and I must admit that I am deeply envious of his set-up!

The first half of the workout focuses on sun salutations. In this section, Tony talks a lot about how much he loves yoga; at the seven-minute mark, he says he already feels great. As he goes through the workout, Tony makes micro-adjustments to his alignment, pointing out areas of tightness in his own body, and recommending that you check your alignment in the mirror. He breathes hard, grunts a bit and sweats — unlike those serene instructors who make yoga look effortless.

And of course, Tony being Tony, he has to show off. At one point he moves from standing forward bend to chaturanga by jumping back dramatically, performing a perfect handstand. “Er, the people at home could just step back, couldn’t they?” Mason the camera guy asks nervously.

The second half of the workout includes poses such as Warrior 1, Warrior 2, Warrior 3 and Reverse Warrior, Right Angle Pose, Half Moon and Reverse Half Moon and Crescent, interspersed with lots of Vinyassa sequences. The workout finishes with some ab work and intense stretching, particularly for the hamstrings, lower back and inner thighs.

While he is restrained (by Tony standards) throughout the workout, he throws in some typical Tony humour. After going into Downward Dog, Tony says, “OK everybody — the photographers are here and they’re about to shoot the cover of Downward Dog Magazine”, then makes noises like flashbulbs popping!

At one point, Mason asks him about the mental work in yoga. Tony responds, “The vast majority of Americans don’t like yoga because they have to be calm and in an isometric posture that is uncomfortable. It’s an atypical form of exercise, but this is a society that needs it more than any other in the world. If you take the time to learn how to breathe, you will understand physical pain. If you breathe and clear your mind you become more open — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I’m a much more mellow guy since I’ve been doing yoga, that’s for sure!”

This is the only reference Tony makes to the spiritual and emotional aspects of yoga, otherwise this is a very down-to-earth, athletic workout with no “woo woo” factor. For this reason, I would recommend “Fountain of Youth Yoga” to people with good strength and flexibility who would like to try yoga but are put off by the mystical aspects.

This DVD gave me a new appreciation of yoga. I like practising yoga for stretching and relaxation, but now I’m considering trying some more athletic practices focusing on strength and stamina.

Instructor Comments:
Tony, as always, is Tony, but I appreciated the glimpse into his softer side. Throughout the workout, his love of yoga shines and his instruction is meticulous.

RedPanda

10/05/2009