Shiva Rea Yoga for Beginners [DVD]

I really love this DVD as I was completely new to yoga when I started it! The first time I did the routine I felt amazing afterwards! It's calming and fluid but it makes you sweat by the end and makes you feel cleansed! It's really good to do if you want to start yoga but can't or don't have the confidence at first to join a class! As long as you don't push too hard you won't hurt yourself at all as variations are given for some of the poses if you can't quite do them yet. Most importantly though, shiva's instruction makes you feel at ease and she talks through the poses thoroughly. She makes you feel no pressure to push your body more then it is ready to be pushed at any given time. Some people who may not have much general fitness or those who have back or joint problems may still find this difficult at first and may want to look for a something easier, as I would say this DVD is probably at the top end of beginner, but you can easily find more basic yoga DVD's on amazon. If you are quite fit and strong though and are a total beginner you will love this DVD!

I got this based on the good reviews as I was looking for a new yoga DVD.Although it is meant to be suitable for beginners some of the poses seem quite advanced for a complete beginner, I have taken yoga lessons in the past and also practiced with other DVDs but I found this quite challenging. If you are naturally flexible you may be ok with it having never done yoga before, but otherwise you may find it quite difficult.Having said that, the thing with yoga is to go at your own pace. With constant practice you should become more flexible and find the poses easier. She does suggest alternatives if you find a pose too challenging. It may also be a good idea to watch through the DVD first to get an idea of the movements.It is split into chapters which I like as don't always want to do a full workout.I will continue to use it as I'm sure with practice you get more out of it but it was more challenging than I expected for a beginners DVD.

I had been considering trying yoga for sometime as a way if improving my strength and flexibility while also providing some stress relief. This dvd is a great program for beginners. It begins with a short warm up sequence followed by back strengthening, leg stretching and standing combination sequences. These can be done separately, lasting about 15 minutes each, or altogether as a full workout. There is a relaxation segment at the end and the reason I only gave this dvd 4 stars is that this section is too short.The asanas are simple to follow but are held long enough to be challenging. I really feel great once I've done them. The instuctor is easy to listen to and not too 'kooky' if you know what I mean...Having had this for a few months I really feel that doing the whole programme once or twice a week has improved my fitness and helped me to relax after stressful days at work.Worth every penny.

I own  Yoga Shakti [DVD] [2004] [NTSC ] which I bought without knowing how advance it was. I love the scenery, music, her instructions and that cool vibe of her. However I couldn't do many of the sections. It was too difficult.This beginners DVD helped me to go through her others DVD's because she teaches you how to cheat (I hate planks positions I simply can't do them) (Or push up movements with my arms) It isn't as beautiful as Shakti or  Shiva Rea - Fluid Power [DVD ] (her most beautifully made DVD, I think)Well her spirit and teaching is here which is important. There are lots of instructions on how to breath and not a lot of movements because in every position,she stops showing doable variations, maybe that is why the scenery or the music are not as cool here (get the basics right)...Still very good. Namaste

This is a good DVD, but I hate it when they feel the need to talk in that tone most yoga DVD instructors talk in. It is not relaxing just infuriating. This is however my personal gripe and the rest of you may love this kind of thing.I was not too excited by the DVD, it was a slightly above average yoga DVD. I prefer pilates and maybe this is why I did not enjoy it as much.OK I'm just trying to be diplomatic but its not working I gave it to my sister after using it once, that woman's voice was too annoying. Sorry.

I was completely new to yoga when I bought this and came to really enjoy it. I was worried at first the routines would be too hard but once I did them a few times it was amazing how quickly I picked them up and got better.It really prepares you for more intense yoga workouts and routines. It may seem boring and repetitive in places but I saw a difference in my body shape pretty much straight away, so it is effective. Plus, learning all those asanas and being able to do them fluidly helps when you come to do them in more advanced routines.Since buying this DVD I have gone on to Shiva Rea's other dvds, which are more challenging, and I can safely say I'd be lost without having done this one first. It really was just what I needed. I'd really recommend it to anyone new to yoga.Nice setting and relaxing music. I was worried her voice would get on my nerves but tbh once you're getting into the routine you don't really notice it...Thumbs up from me!