Yoga for Beginners: Boxed Set (Yoga for Stress Relief / AM-PM Yoga for Beginners / Essential Yoga for Inflexible People)

So many people I know rave about yoga but I'm just not ready to go out and pay $10 each class for something I won't get the full benefits from because I'm such a beginner. I thought maybe I should start with some videos in the privacy of my own home. I just searched on here for "Beginner Yoga" and this popped up. I saw "Essential Yoga for Inflexible People" and knew I had to get this! Having read several of the reviews, I knew all 3 discs would come in 1 DVD case--I actually prefer this because it takes up way less room. Anyway, I've done routines off of all the discs now and have appreciated each of them. I initially skipped over the short routines on the "Inflexible" disc, thinking, "Okay, I'm not very bendy, but I don't need a chair... that's probably for seniors or people who have had surgery!" But when poses using the chair or other props (a block, some blankets, or the wall) have come up in the longer routines, I have found that I get way more out of doing the modified poses because the props really help me keep the proper form. I can concentrate on feeling the stretches and my breathing rather than trying desperately just to hold the poses! I'm definitely enjoying doing this a few nights a week and am ordering a couple more videos from the same company.Some of the other things I appreciate about this set:*There are very short intros to the discs (most other workout DVDs I have used have LONG introductions that you cannot skip through... those drive me crazy! These discs all go almost immediately to the main menus)*There are many routines on each disc. I've been using these for a few weeks and have barely repeated any routines (many of the routines have some of the same elements, but having them in a different order keeps it from getting boring, at least for me)*The routines on all the discs are labeled pretty specifically (e.g., "Breath Work") and include the length of time for each routine. I was surprised by the lengths of some of the routines (there's everything from a few minutes to over an hour)And a random side note: I especially love the relaxing and unwinding parts of the evening routines on the AM/PM disc.Also: I can almost touch my toes now :-)

I am new to yoga other than a few classes some years ago where I wasnt into the slow pace of it. I was a runner for 10 years & thats all I wanted to do. After doing nothing for about a year I was stiff and tired and have no energy. Started this program right after Christmas and its getting better..The 2 instructors on this set really talk you into the poses so you can feel when its right.Has many routines for Am & Pm and different lengths depending on how much time you have and longer routines for when you`re ready to move forward.Ane believe me Yoga is Not a walk in the park.Its a very nice workout and wonderful for stiff muscles... Just ordered the Yoga for weight loss with Maggie Rhoads--(one of the instructors on the beginners dvd) I really like her instruction & although I dont need to lose weight-just want to do a little more challenging workout as I get better at it..Its a really good set of DVDs and a Lot for the money!

This three disc set gives enough variety to get started. Honestly I was sold on the endorsement from the Dalai Lama (I'm a sucker for eastern philosophy). I'm new to yoga and still feel a bit goofy but the videos weren't as cheesy as most others I've found. They do use some odd phrasing but it's not hard to figure out what they mean. The actual workout definitely works. Muscles are stretched, breathing becomes increased and rhythmic, it's all been effective and comfortable enough that I'm happy to start up the video every morning. Personally, for me, this is a great intro before signing up for an actual class.I did remove one star for the case itself (considering the product as complete package). The image shown is a box set but I received a single DVD case that holds all three discs on one side. It's a pain to constantly unsnap/resnap all three from one holder to find the disc I'm looking for. Sticking with the box set and using three slim cases or an eco-friendly case would have been much more desirable because it's obviously just to cut production cost. Again, this isn't reflective of the video itself, just the packaging.

First DVD in set has good routines with good dialogue by the instructor - not too much repetition of the moves - this 1st DVD is referred to as "AM/PM Yoga for Beginners" w/10 plus "Easy to Follow Routines". For someone who is only interested in the routines, I would delete the Dalai Lama's talk on meditation, not really needed for intense yoga practice.2nd DVD titled "Yoga for Stress Relief" does not focus on too many yoga moves - the titled selections don't indicate a break in the supposed 20+ routines - also too much intro of "ocean waves" - In proper yoga techniques the instructor (in background) should be saying "inhale" and "exhale" not breath in and out, otherwise after trying the moves, I agree the routines for stress do work, with the exception of being too much pressure on the back of the neck.Last DVD titled "Essential Yoga for Inflexible people" has an unbeleivably long routine which went past an hour - didn't really see any break in this routine, can get tiring after a while holding some of the poses for too long. Otherwise the content is good and acceptable. Instructor takes too many breaks in explanations, needs an easier and lighter flow to her narration.Otherwise the set is still a good choice for variety of yoga practice.