Kimberly Fowler's The No Om Zone

The Bottom Line

Kimberly Fowler's The No Om Zone earns several recommendations for beginners and those who don't enjoy the spiritual aspects of yoga practice. Fowler, a triathlete and founder of YAS Fitness Centers, promises "no chanting" and "no granola" in her three 15-minute yoga sessions. Reviewers say she's an encouraging instructor who takes a no-nonsense approach to yoga; the video is filmed in a simple yoga studio with no embellishments.

Trainer

Straightforward and focused. Kimberly Fowler's The No Om Zone is highly recommended for those who are new to yoga. She leads three 15-minute sessions that lack the elements of spirituality included in other yoga videos, an approach that wins her accolades among those who would prefer to do poses without chanting. Viewers say Fowler is encouraging and easy to follow, and her voiceover can be turned off.

Workout

Routines can be done individually or in sequence. Fowler leads users through 15-minute sessions focused on the upper body, lower body and core. The poses are easy enough for beginners, and time-strained practitioners like that they can do one 15-minute session or combine all three for a longer workout. Some reviewers say Fowler moves too quickly between poses, and those with previous experience say the sessions aren't challenging enough. For intermediate or advanced yogis, experts recommend Shiva Rea's yoga videos, especially Shiva Rea Daily Energy (*Est. $16) .

Materials

Clean and modern. Much like the instruction, the DVD's production is straightforward; no flowery gardens here. The production quality is excellent and the video is filmed in a modern indoor studio. The introduction can be skipped, a feature appreciated by regular users.

This DVD focuses only on fitness aspects, leaving behind many other principles of the yoga philosophy. While some reviewers find this refreshing, others find it somewhat disrespectful of the practice as a whole.