Written by Jasmine
Webmistress The Majickal Garden
My Review
For the last few years I have been mostly doing my yoga routines without following a video. (It was a long time before I felt confident enough to do this and after learning many different poses.) I find a fuller satisfying inner experience without the distraction of following someone on the TV screen. Every so often I like to change it up or challenge myself with a new video. I might add new poses to the ones I am familiar with and physically capable of doing.
Also, occasionally I will throw in a beginner sequence to refresh my basic knowledge of properly doing the poses with an instructor talking thru the progression of correct breathing and movements. Like any physical activity, letting oneself become less diligent in proper form can lead to injury. Attending yoga classes is something I would highly recommend for beginners as it is so important to learn the proper basics of yoga. This is how I started out. After that I felt more comfortable practicing in my own home, in the luxury of my own peaceful solitude.
My last trip to the library led me to “Jane Fonda prime time. AM/PM Yoga for Beginners (2012)”. I found it a refreshing beginner’s video for a few reasons. I felt she was attentive in her instruction with breathe, posture and stressing importance of holding in stomach muscles which support the back throughout a pose. She was easy to listen to where some instructors are not and it can be distracting. In the background there were 3 women doing the poses with different modifications based on level. Camera angles allowed a respectable viewing to progress along with her. (This can also be lacking in other beginner videos.)
I also liked, being within the range of middle age : ), that the extra participants were as well and had a “normal” look about them. Although there are definite ranges in levels of physical ability in yoga, it can be encouraging to know this as opposed to following lithe, thin 20 something’s, especially when you are starting out! When Jane Fonda did this video she was 74. She has spent most of her life keeping herself fit with different modes of activity.
There was a section where a balance pose was involved and she used a chair next to her for a modification where the other women did not. She stated that she was doing this because she has balance issues because of a few reasons. Her honesty in her limitations was refreshing and instead of eliminating this pose or she could have chosen to walk about the room in a non-participating role, she did the pose based on her ability and an aid of the chair to follow thru with it. Yoga poses should only be carried out to your own ability and level. She got my respect right there.
Yoga has help strengthen my back greatly allowing me increased flexibility as well as greatly reducing the intensity of debilitating strains that could hinder me for a few weeks or more. The key for me in yoga has been and remains understanding my limitations by “listening” to my body. Any sign of the slightest pain is letting you know to back up in a pose or stop it altogether.
I do recommend this video for beginners. I will keep it on my own list for a gentle, basic yoga workout. It is suggested by instructors to view whole video’s before participating with them.
