Yoga: Gentle Vinyasa Flow

I once had a yoga instructor in Portland who did this incredible slow stretchy yoga. It was calming, meditative and when the positions were done correctly, it could also be a mild workout, but the workout wasn't the point, it was a side benefit. I moved from Portland and have been on a quest ever since for that same wonderful yoga. Years later I discovered the name of the yoga I was looking for and that was Vinyasa. This DVD does the best job over anything I've yet found to replicating that incredible instructor I had in portland. This DVD may not be for you if: If you're looking for a workout that makes you sweat If you're new to yoga, you'll have a learning curve (which the dvd provides) to learn the names of the positions. Flow yoga moves from one position to the next so in any yoga situation you'll be better off knowing the poses. You want short bursts of exercise you can rush through and then dash out the door (10 minute pilates or yoga as an example). This DVD may be for you if: You like AM Rodney but wish you spent more time in a stretch or had a little more variety You enjoy relaxing stretches You enjoy taking your time and have the time to take. (shortest session is 36 minutes) My personal check list of what I was looking for: Is this Vinyassa or slow/stretchy yoga? Yes Is it easy to follow along? Yes. Great verbal communication with only a hiccup here or there. Four to five stars. Does it have options/mixes? Yes. You're purchasing a lot for your money relative to some DVDs out there (looking at you am/pm yoga with great AM but grating pm) Is the voice relaxing? Yes, calm female voice. Pretty/calming background music? Yes. Relaxing natural background on video? Yes. Series A is easier, Series B is a little more challenging. You have different time limits to choose from starting about 36 minutes and going up to about an hour for a total of 6 different worksouts. It includes the meditative cool down time. The longer the times the more challenging it can become as well (challenge being relative... maybe complex would be the correct term). The DVD has a video to introduce you to the DVD and yoga. Also Has a video to introduce you to the poses. Overall I'm happy and impressed. It's exactly what I was looking for. Finding the time to do this will be challenging, but worth it. The last question some may have is "how difficult is it?" That's a difficult questions to answer. If you're relatively flexible and in moderate shape, this would be an extremely easy dvd. If you're extremely overweight or inflexible, this could be a little challenging, as are most workouts. It's filled with long moments in child's pose, 5-10 seconds holding plank, flowing into warrior 1 and 2, cobra, down dog, tree, bridge, mountain and other VERY basic yoga moves with only a couple that might not be completely possible for some until they're more in shape or better balanced (you can go to walls for support if needed as a modification). Shorter options will be easier and you can work your way into more difficult stretches if needed. That's about the best I can answer the question. Anyway, this was fantastic for me. Hopefully the review helps you decide if this is what you want.

I have been practicing on and off for about 5 years now. There have been times that I have gone to classes several times a week every week, and times I have not practiced at all for several months. I have taken classes from many different instructors, so I feel like I have a good grasp of the options out there for yoga flow. With that said, I really enjoy this DVD. It is excellent for those times that I have not been practicing and want to ease back into things, when I am sore from other workouts and need some streching, or when I am stressed and need some meditative practice. I think this could also be a good DVD for people transitioning from a very basic beginner DVD where all the poses are explained in great detail. There is a good amount of information presented, and several times (just like any other instructor) she gave tips and reminders that helped me adjust my poses. I liked that her voice was soft and soothing. I turned the lights in my apartment down, and when I closed my eyes it was like I was in a class and not my living room. She didn't give so much detail to be intrusive, but gave enough direction that since I know many of the poses already I could follow without having to look at the TV constantly, just like in a regular class. She even offered a few modification options for some of the slightly more challenging poses, like a different option for those not ready for or wanting to do a shoulder stand. The 6 "classes" on the DVD vary in length from about 30 minutes to about an hour. Another thing I really like is that there are two series (A and B) and just like with actual classes, the longer sessions use the same basic poses and then add additional ones to build length and level of challenge. Most instructors I have taken multiple classes from have their preferred posses or series that they repeat across several classes, which is what this feels like to me. Overall, I am extremely glad I bought this DVD. It does what it is intended to do very well. It was exactly what I was hoping for, and is a welcome addition to my rotation.

This DVD is one of the better yoga DVDs I've tried. First it has an extensive library to explain the poses, which everyone, whether a beginner or a more advanced practitioner, should watch before starting. The explanations are given in simple, understandable and clear words. Second, the sequences are indeed gentle vinyasa flows. The sessions are divided into 2 series depending on one's practice level and experience, and each is divided further into 3 practices with different times. Third, the flows are simple, doable flows that anyone serious enough to do some exercise can do. To those who want to pretend they are exercising while not stressing your body, this is not the DVD for you. Although one may not sweat with the program, the body nonetheless is doing yoga. The flow is not hurried at all but relaxing. It is a wonderful stretching program for athletes. Fourth, the instructions are given in a clear soothing voice. Admittedly, I initially found the tone of Ms. Landwijt's voice a little bit patronizing, as if she were speaking to a 5 year old child. However, I got past it as I assumed that she modulated her voice and manner of speaking to suit her program's intention of providing a gentle yoga practice. Fifth, the camera work is great because you see every step and movement that you need to see. There is no confusion as to what you are supposed to do next. Lastly, I like the fact that she definitely tells you that the practice has ended so you don't have to get out of your shavasana in order to see if the practice is over. I don't know if this is Ms. Landwijt's debut DVD but it's good work.

Bien pour débutant/intermédiaire. Fidèle à la description! Super bien!

Gentle poses that flow easily. Soft voice pleasant to follow. Six programs very similar, repetitive.

My daughter asked for this as a birthday present and my wife ensured that she got it. I am not sure about the book itself but apparently my daughter who is a thirty year old thought it was great, and really helpful. Again we have no complaints and it appears to be used usefully.

Great dvd

Great instructor. Great pose guide and routines