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DVD Review: YogaWorks Beginners AM/PM
Posted on Jul 13th 2010 12:30PM by Kristen SeymourFiled Under: Reviews & Products, Yoga
YogaWorks Beginners AM/PM is designed to provide an introduction to yoga to those unfamiliar with the practice. Since I've been impressed with other YogaWorks DVDs, I had high hopes for this workout.
There are three separate workouts on the DVD: YogaWorks Beginners (45 minutes), YogaWorks AM Wake-Up (10 minutes), and YogaWorks PM Relax & Restore (10 minutes). Additionally, like the other YogaWorks videos, Beginners AM/PM included a super-helpful Learning Guide -- if you're a true beginner or could think you could benefit from a refresher, I can't recommend this guide enough.
One note -- if you lack flexibility (like yours truly), you'll probably want to grab a yoga brick and yoga strap. The video shows you how to use them in the modifications, but no tools come with the DVD.
Level of Difficulty
Beginner.
Next Day Soreness
None.
Who's It For?
Those new to yoga and anyone who wants to return to the basics and focus on form.
Likes
It's just what it claims to be -- a solid, basic yoga workout. Not only are you guided through all the standard yoga moves, but the instructor does a terrific job of explaining where you should be feeling a stretch and what each move is doing for your body, all of which helps you be more aware of your practice. Also, excellent modifications are provided, which is something I think is extremely important in a beginning yoga video.
Dislikes
While I didn't "dislike" the AM and PM sessions, they made me a little ... confused, I guess. I know the idea is to use those quick 10-minute sessions to wake up in the morning and relax at night, but, I mean, it seems like it takes nearly as long to get all set up as it take to do the actual workout. It's just not something I would really use; however, a couple of reviews on Collage Video state that they love the AM/PM options. To each his own!
Bottom Line
Whether you think you'd use the AM/PM sessions or not, the Beginners workout is worth it on its own. I love that this gives such a thorough introduction to yoga, which makes it perfect for those who want to learn proper technique without attending a class. I would say this is my top DVD recommendation (thus far, at least) for a yoga newbie.
And, if you're a little more advanced in your practice, check out this YogaWorks review.
There are three separate workouts on the DVD: YogaWorks Beginners (45 minutes), YogaWorks AM Wake-Up (10 minutes), and YogaWorks PM Relax & Restore (10 minutes). Additionally, like the other YogaWorks videos, Beginners AM/PM included a super-helpful Learning Guide -- if you're a true beginner or could think you could benefit from a refresher, I can't recommend this guide enough.
One note -- if you lack flexibility (like yours truly), you'll probably want to grab a yoga brick and yoga strap. The video shows you how to use them in the modifications, but no tools come with the DVD.
Level of Difficulty
Beginner.
Next Day Soreness
None.
Who's It For?
Those new to yoga and anyone who wants to return to the basics and focus on form.
Likes
It's just what it claims to be -- a solid, basic yoga workout. Not only are you guided through all the standard yoga moves, but the instructor does a terrific job of explaining where you should be feeling a stretch and what each move is doing for your body, all of which helps you be more aware of your practice. Also, excellent modifications are provided, which is something I think is extremely important in a beginning yoga video.
Dislikes
While I didn't "dislike" the AM and PM sessions, they made me a little ... confused, I guess. I know the idea is to use those quick 10-minute sessions to wake up in the morning and relax at night, but, I mean, it seems like it takes nearly as long to get all set up as it take to do the actual workout. It's just not something I would really use; however, a couple of reviews on Collage Video state that they love the AM/PM options. To each his own!
Bottom Line
Whether you think you'd use the AM/PM sessions or not, the Beginners workout is worth it on its own. I love that this gives such a thorough introduction to yoga, which makes it perfect for those who want to learn proper technique without attending a class. I would say this is my top DVD recommendation (thus far, at least) for a yoga newbie.
And, if you're a little more advanced in your practice, check out this YogaWorks review.
