Yoga for Weight Loss: DVD Review

Yoga facilitates weight loss in multiple ways. Sure, you get the physical benefits -- increased strength and flexibility -- but there's more to it, and that's a large part of what Element: Yoga for Weight Loss seeks to benefit.

Instructor Ashley Turner is not only a well-known and respected yoga instructor, but she also has a Master's in Counseling Psychology. She combines physical instruction and mental application to give students the greatest benefit from their yoga practice.

Like the other Element videos, Yoga for Weight Loss is filmed in a beautiful outdoor setting, and instructions are given in a voice over. But of all the yoga DVDs out there, is this the right one for you?

Level of Difficulty
It's not yoga for beginners, but Turner does a good job at offering modifications for many of the poses, so it could certainly work for most people. As with any yoga video, a basic knowledge of yoga is beneficial.

Next Day Soreness
Slight.

Who's It For?
Anyone who enjoys yoga! The combination of active vinyasa flow sequences and strengthening poses will present a challenge to anybody, but it's all manageable.

Likes
I've mentioned it before with the Element DVDs, but I love the outdoor setting, the soft music and the instruction as voice over. This particular video was a little more fast-paced than many yoga videos I've done, which I enjoyed. Also, I really benefited from Turner's instruction on the mental aspect -- it's often difficult for me to be mindful during an at-home yoga session, but she was a wonderful guide.

Dislikes
Although there were modifications offered for some poses, there were a few I could see being a problem for those who do very little yoga. Other than that, though, no complaints.

Bottom Line
This video is a fantastic mix of relaxing, breathing and stretching together -- with movements and poses that really get your heart pumping and muscles shaking.



Looking for an even more internally-focused yoga class? Maybe Hyp-Yoga would work for you!