This DVD has two short workouts: Yee introduces them as Parts 2 and 3 in the Power Yoga for Beginners Series — this is part of the no longer available DVD Power Yoga the Complete Workout – Stamina, Strength, Flexibility.  It also is not clear why the first 20 minute workout is designated the one for strength and the second 25 minute workout is designated for flexibility.  They are in fact very similar, with lots of basic vinyasas: forward bend, plank, upward dog, downward dog, forward bend, and back to mountain pose.  These are then expanded to include some warrior poses, triangles, and stretching of the front leg muscles.  The end of the first workout has leg stretches and relaxation.  The end of the second workout has some sitting poses, twisting floor stretches, and relaxing poses.  On the first workout, Yee is on a hill overlooking the coast of the island of Maui, and on the second, he is in the desert of Joshua Tree National Park surrounded by large rocks, trees and shrub.  In both there is Chinese-style meditative music with Yee giving instructions in voice over.  These are pleasing yoga routines with clear instructions, well designed simple sequences, and nice settings.  As a DVD, it is probably best for people who want a fairly short yoga session that won’t get annoying when played over and over, and that works on core strength and flexibility.  It is not particularly well suited for beginners because it does not go over the elementary parts of yoga such as breathing, positioning of feet and hands, or posture. 

Link: Gaiam website

© 2010 Christian Perring        

Christian Perring, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dowling College, New York