Bodywisdom media: Flow Yoga - Strength & Flexibility

I will begin by saying I have not viewed the entire DVD but definitely enough to provide input.I must agree that, for me, the narration is not ideal - her narration feels unnatural to me during most of the sections. It feels as if she is trying to project a relaxed tone or feel to the narration during much of it - but it comes off as awkward or unnatural to me...often it feels rather "sing-song-y" rather than feeling relaxing, steady or calming. Her narration during the cool-down section was much better overall than the other sections I practiced. I agree with another reviewer in that the manner in which "inhale" and "exhale" prompts were delivered did not appeal to me. Additionally, sometimes the narration and instructions were quite complete and reasonably clear whereas other times it seemed incomplete and a little rushed - as if missing a step - for instance, coming out the of poses seemed cut short at times...(interestingly, there were other times I felt the pacing/narration a little too drawn out for my preference). There are aspects of this narration that grate on me some...Narration styles vary and this one is okay, but there are others that are much better In my experience/preference.I would say the "routines" do seem to provide reasonably good balance in what they offer with good variety and a good workout. If you are looking for more flexibility/floor poses, this may not be for you. They are included, but the routines seem to emphasize more flow routines and strength. I would definitely Not recommend this DVD for Beginners...this DVD is best for intermediate or above. From what I have viewed and practiced, the instructions do not generally provide adequate suggestions and guidance to modify for beginners or someone with injuries or physical restrictions.As far as the function or flexibility of the multiple routine offerings on this DVD are concerned, it is not quite as flexible as some, it seems a tad limited though no DVDs seem to have the perfect answer to the multiple sections format I suppose. I have some others I prefer and seem to flow better from one section to another - I like the format of Zyrka Landwijt DVDs - in fact I recommend her DVDs in general...she is excellent. Love Sarah Powers also.Hopefully this may help someone in deciding about this DVD. We all have different needs and preferences in what we may be looking for with a yoga DVD. Definitely a lot of reviewers love this one, but for me it would only be for occasional use.

I have bought this before and will be buying again very soon! (lost my last one -.- )I see a lot of people saying the narrator's voice wasn't the best... I personally really enjoyed it. If you would like to sample the dvd, there is a video on youtube showing the arms routine including the warm up and cool down.Also, saw some people saying the flow is too slow. If you're a beginner this is perfect. I used to do yoga all the time as a child, and wanted to pick it back up. This dvd was the perfect way to use the knowledge and skill (which wasn't much, mind you) I already had to really get back into yoga. You still work, still feel the flow, but you have the time to get comfortable, really feel the pose, know your body in the pose, etc, with this pace.I love how you can choose to do just a warm up, just a cool down, or both. You can do a warm up with a routine and no cool down, vise versa, or have both with the routine. So basically the dvd is completely customizable. There's routines focusing on specific body parts, as well as whole body.LOVE LOVE LOVE this dvd PLEASE if you're on the fence, just look it up on youtube! It's titled "From BodyWisdom's Flow Yoga Strength and Flexibility Routine - Warm-up, Arms and Cool Down" That way, you can see the warm up and cool down, as well as a routine!

I was searching for a new yoga routine after getting annoyed with many of the free options available with ExerciseTV (and not to mention that ExerciseTV is about to disappear forever in a couple of weeks). Many of the instructors huffed and puffed their way through routines and were hard to follow. So, in my desperation to find new yoga routines, I stumbled upon this. Now, let me preface my below comments by saying that A) I typically like bouncy and more intense workouts, and B) I was originally skeptical of doing yoga and have had a difficult time finding instructors and routines that I like.What I Like: Monica doesn't huff instructions out as she goes through the routines - she instructs through a voice over; her voice is calm and pleasant; the routine options come with the option to do solo, with a warm up, with a cool down, or with a warm up and cool down (extra nice for when you may want to do 2 routines in a row); the background music is pleasant (i.e. no annoying flutes)What I Don't Like: there doesn't seem to be a many alternatives to positions offered (i.e. more novice versus advanced moves with certain positions); the transitions between warm up and cool down with the routines - I know it saved time when filming but I feel like I lose some of the flow when these transitions occur. It definitely wouldn't have been enough to deter me from purchasing this DVD however.

I'm really impressed with this dvd. It does give you a lot of options in terms of time and areas you want to specifically target. I did have a technical issue with the menu. I do have an older dvd player and the menu is very complex letting you customize the workout. While reviewing the dvd, and trying to get back to the menu. It would tend to freeze and not let me use my remote to choose a selection. i had to remove the disc to get it back on track. This isn't something i would do, i would just choose a program or segment and wouldn't go back in the middle so it really won't impact my use of the DVD. The narration is helpful, but i can see how an advanced yogini would be annoyed by it. I find it helpful, Im not a true beginner but mostly do fusion workouts.

Oh my lord. Have lots of yoga videos but this one. She tortured her vowels and draws every word out as if she feared you wouldn’t understand. The instructors voice should be pleasant and normal. I would like my money back. Her infuriating delivery meant my blood pressure went through the roof. Who let her speak like this? Now in the bin because I can’t bear to listen to another iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinhale. Truly awful. The exercises are fine but I just can’t stand the way she twists her words. When she forgets her voice is actually fine.

This is by far the best Yoga DVD I have come across - lots of choice on which workout you do and length of time you have to work out plus clear instructions and challenging workouts if you hold each position properly and push yourself. equally great if you are new to Yoga and you just have a go - my husband does this with me and is slowly becoming more flexible and says he feels really good with aches and pains gone after he has done it. He cant hold all the positions or even get very far into some of them but it certainly still benefits him as it does me so you just do it to your level. It is never boring as there are different workouts to choose from and of all the yoga DVD's I have it is my absolute favourite as there is not a lot of sitting around breathing like there is with others (I like yoga that is hard work and gets results). I find with alot of my other Yoga dvd's I have to fast forward through the 10 minute or so of breathing at the start and a lot of pointless babble about spirits /mind etc..when all I want is to get on with the exercises. this dvd really delivers and I highly recommend it.

I found this very clear and easy to follow along to, even when you happen to be facing away from the screen. The range of exercises is very good and nicely labelled on the main screen, I especially liked being able to add on the warm up/cool down to the programmes rather than having to reselect on the main menu. Each programme has the time in brackets, allowing you to sneak a small session in here and there when you don't have time for a longer one. Some of the exercises are a little beyond my current range of flexibility but I've found I've quickly been able to do more and more. Definitely not a complete beginners DVD, but quite accessible with only a little previous practice.

I liked the variety of classes, she is very calming and its a very good routine. The class is intermediate but you really can work the class to your ability. I liked the challenge and there's only one set that is for the very fit and flexible, my long legs were tricky. I highly recommend this work out.

Bought this for my wife as she was moaning for ages about wanting to do yoga at home. So far she hasn't even taken put it into the DVD player, but I have. The woman instructor is particularly lovely so I'm giving her the 5 stars and an appreciative clap.