E1 ENTERTAINMENT Yoga Zone: Flexibility and Stress RELEAS

Alan Finger is a true Yoga Master and this workout is perhaps one of the best yoga workouts out there for flexibility and stress release. Alan takes you from tense shoulders and emotional stress to a state where you literally feel like you are floating in total bliss.The workout is outside in a beautiful natural location. Alan acts more like an instructor, focusing on the specifics while you really focus on what he is saying. I did eventually put a mirror in a location so I could see the TV while I was upside down. I laugh, but when you are looking down and your TV is way up on the wall, it can be difficult to follow along with a workout. Once you have done this workout a few times, you can put the mirror away, close your eyes and just listen to the instruction. Which is excellent and the best I've ever found in a yoga workout.Even when Alan is not actually doing the exercises, his wife and another instructor are showing you all the variations and advanced moves. There are two VERY advanced moves on this video that I would not recommend even to intermediate students of yoga. You will need a lot of strength in your arms to balance in two of the exercises.The first time you watch this video, you might not be able to do the exercises to their completion. Fear not. Do the video at least three times and you will be amazed at how fast you progress. Moving table was difficult at first, but by the third time, I could actually almost do this move.If you are looking for strength, flexibility and relaxation, this workout will completely calm your nervous system and clear your mind. There is an interesting "chakra moment" at the end while you are flat on your back. You visualize colors and move relaxation from your toes to the top of your head. It was very interesting and healing.You really do many of the yoga postures you are already familiar with, but with this video, the instruction is so superior, you move into new levels of stretching and flexibility. Even while doing downward-facing dog, I learned new ways to do the posture more correctly. There are some interesting sequences I'd never tried before.The movements are well organized, fluid and move in perfect timing from one to the other. When you want to rest, you rest, when you feel you want to be challenged, you are challenged. The breathing instruction is also excellent and as your body flows with the breath, you literally feel empowered.Upon completion of this video, you might feel freedom from emotional turmoil, have no discernable desires you can recognize, feel happy and want to do this video again!This is a true Yoga escape! It does everything yoga is supposed to do. For days afterwards I felt focused, creative and happy for no reason. I handled emotional conflicts much more effectively and while I let other things go in my life so I could do this workout, it was so worth the utter feeling of peace I felt at the end.In my TOP TEN of Yoga workouts.I look forward to trying the four workout set called Yoga Zone Premiere Collection and anything by Yoga Zone or Alan Finger. His voice is so calming and he has a cute accent. He also has a great sense of humor and even made me laugh a few times.If you are looking for additional self-esteem information that actually has encouraged me to exercise more: Caroline Myss Self-Esteem: Your Fundamental Power has been very helpful.~The Rebecca Review

Of all the Yoga Zone DVD's that I own, this has to be the worst. I like a video where there isn't a lot of talking. Alan Finger does not stop talking throughout the entire video. As well, some of the postures were too basic. Since it's a DVD, you can choose to skip parts and make your own workout, which is a good thing because the beginning of the video is enough to turn anyone off.If you can get past Alan Finger talking all the time, some of the poses are actually challenging. He spends a lot of time on inverted postures, which I find are the most difficult. While it's not a favorite, I'll still keep it in my collection.. for now.

I spent the last few months reviewing yoga video tapes from friends and the library, hoping to find 'the one.' Well, this is it! From Bryan Kest to Chakra Yoga, Rodney Yee to assorted other Yoga Zone tapes, I have to say that the combination of Alan Finger's well-thought out practice, the variety of poses, the beautiful locale and the absolutely relaxing end of tape have pushed 'Flexibility and Stress Release' to the top of my list.As a beginner, there was one pose I was unable to do (I believe the 'Raven' pose), but most of the poses are do-able, some quite challenging. I liked the medium speed of the workout -- he doesn't shift too suddenly from one pose to the next, nor does any pose grow tiresome.The women in the tape are both instructors in their own right, and one is his wife. They both do a great job at demonstrating the poses, both in advanced and modified positions, and neither is distracting from the focus of the practice.Again, the relaxation portion of the tape is outstanding, utilizing some creative chakra mental imagery. After this workout, I feel so content, flexible and relaxed. I think the tape clearly achieves its title's goal...

I purchased several other Yoga Zone DVDs before disccovering those with Alan Finger conducting the practice, and found them excellent. Alan Finger's sessions, which include meditation, did not disappoint. Beginners and experienced practitioners alike will find Alan's instruction easy to follow and extremely informative. One of the "hazards" of gaining experience is the tendency to get sloppy in poses. It never hurts to be reminded -- esp of alignment or proper breathing technique. At 60 minutes, this practice is just the right length, and again (as in my Power Yoga review) reflects what you would experience in a yoga studio class. I loved the Chakra meditation -- found it very soothing and inspiring to imagine the different energy centers of the body being energized while I "let go" in Corpse Pose. Alan also includes a bit of OM chanting at the end, something not inlcuded on the other Yoga Zone DVDs I've tried. Admittedly, this type of meditation may not be for everyone. But after practicing for about a year, I've noticed that I'm the most "in the zone" after a practice that incorporates all of these elements. Try it yourself and see what you think!

This is a great yoga DVD for the beginner who is looking to move up to intermediate and for anyone whose goal is flexibility and stress release (as the title of the DVD states). The moves present enough of a challenge that I feel like I've done something when I'm through, yet are arranged in such a way that the final goal, stress release, is very much achieved. Alan Finger talks through the entire program but that is the format I prefer since it helps me stay constantly aware of my form. His voice is pleasant enough and his comments appropriate to what is taking place.

Broke a sweat half an hour into this! FOR INTERMEDIATES ONLY!

Brilliant, it just showed how un-supple I am, but I'm getting better.

インストラクターは男性ひとり、女性ふたりの構成。右と左で同じポーズでも難度を違えて紹介してくれるので、無理なくできると思います。わたしは途中きついところは、休みながらやっています。全部で長さは60分、その内瞑想の時間が10分ほどあります。立つポーズ、座るポーズのどちらも収録されていて、バランスはよいです。問題は途中でリラックスしすぎて寝てしまうところ。途中の30分やっただけでも、かなりリラックス効果はあると思います。パワーヨガなどの運動量の多いヨガではありませんが、じわじわ身体の芯から効いてくるヨガです。最近身体の疲れが取れないな～と思っている人にオススメ。

This is a really good set to start you off on learning yoga. With helpful tips if your not quite flexible in the beginning and Alan's voice is soothing and talks slowly so you can understand and keep up. I think as you become more progressive you could get bored with it but as there are a few dvds to go through it will take time.

Great series.