Yoga Videos: Reviews

Shiva Rea is one of the best-known yoga instructors in the country, and her yoga videos consistently earn high marks. Shiva Rea's Daily Energy tops the list for intermediate and advanced practitioners. The video includes… expandseven 20-minute Vinyasa yoga sessions that can be mixed and matched to create a customized routine. Reviewers say this helps keep the video interesting, and busy individuals like the option of doing a 20-minute workout. Shiva Rea's Daily Energy is filmed indoors in a colorful studio, and the music and voiceover are calm and soothing. Once you become familiar with the DVD, the voiceover can be turned off. Most users say the routine is challenging, especially the backbend sections, and they caution that Daily Energy is not a good fit for beginners. Modifications for each pose are not demonstrated, and Shiva Rea moves quickly between each yoga pose. collapse

Kimberly Fowler's The No Om Zone earns several recommendations for beginners or those who shy away from the spiritual aspects of yoga. Fowler, a triathlete and founder of YAS Fitness Centers, promises "no chanting" and… expand"no granola" in her three 15-minute yoga sessions. Reviewers say Fowler is an encouraging instructor who takes a no-nonsense approach to yoga -- the video is filmed in a simple yoga studio with no embellishments. Users like that the 15-minute workouts can be used individually or combined for a longer workout. The poses are easy to accomplish for yoga beginners, although those with previous yoga experience find the workouts too simple. We also saw a few complaints that Fowler moves too quickly between poses. collapse

Power yoga is a vigorous, athletic discipline. Bryan Kest's Power Yoga, which includes three 50-minute sessions, is challenging and will build strength and stamina, according to reviews. The three power-yoga sessions are… expanddesigned for different fitness levels, starting with beginners and moving up to advanced practitioners. Users say the Power Yoga video provides a great workout, and the detailed instruction is helpful for beginners. However, multiple reviewers say Bryan Kest, a yoga instructor with 30 years of experience, talks too much. In addition, the video was originally produced in 1995, so the clothing and music seem dated to some viewers. collapse

Restorative yoga is designed to relax, repair and rejuvenate. Reviewers say Element's Yoga for Stress Relief and Flexibility is a good fit for beginners or experienced yogis who want a break from more vigorous practice.… expandIn fact, users say anyone can benefit from this relaxing yoga video. Led by Ashley Turner, a Los Angeles-based yoga instructor, Element's yoga video includes two 30-minute sessions. Reviewers love the outdoor garden setting, and Turner gets high marks for her informative instruction. She explains the benefits of each pose, which is particularly helpful for beginners. Users report feeling calm and centered after practicing the video. However, a few stray critics say Turner talks too fast, and one viewer finds the background music distracting. collapse

Reviewers say Shiva Rea's Prenatal Yoga video is an excellent choice for women throughout their pregnancies. The 50-minute session is not overly vigorous and focuses mainly on gentle stretching, reviewers say. Rea… expanddemonstrates poses for the first trimester, while her pregnant assistants perform modifications for viewers in their second and third trimesters. Reviewers say the video helps alleviate minor aches and pains, and they love that the modifications are demonstrated so thoroughly. The background music is not overly distracting, which is another plus. However, some advanced yogis say the session is not challenging enough; their complaint is that it feels like an extended stretching session rather than a workout. Some of the modifications require props, including a yoga block, strap and chair (not included). collapse