Yoga Complete for Weight Loss

Released in 2004, this video felt somewhat dated, like from before even 2004, and the production quality wasn't very high. (A lot of the videos I've bought recently are older, because those ones are cheap now.) I'm pretty new to yoga (started in April), so not knowing how tough the workouts might or might not be, today I selected the 45-minute beginner "Greet the Day" sequence. It featured one woman instructor demonstrating the poses in a large room with a wood floor and an oriental rug in the background. It wasn't a bad setting, but something about the curtains screamed "lobby of an old folks' home" to me.The instructor looked to be somewhere in her 40s, and had an extraordinary command of yoga. The instruction was in voiceover; her voice wasn't particularly annoying, but there was a choppiness about her phrasing, and she occasionally said things that jolted me right out of yoga-mind, like "release the skin on your face" (at which I laughed heartily) or "don't think of the things you desire" (well...I wasn't until you mentioned them!).The routine itself was decent, if a little slow. It was slow enough that I didn't feel like I was getting a great workout in, although I wouldn't call it easy, just slow. Even on the beginner level, some things were difficult for me to do; I blame at least part of that on it being the second video in a row I did that used upper-body strength. It ought not be so hard on the days I run for warm-up instead. The next time I do this video, I will probably try the intermediate level, to see if it moves a little faster. From taking actual classes, I know modifications for most of the poses, so if she gives more difficult poses, it shouldn't pose (haha) too much of a problem.The worst thing about the whole video was the background music. It was like circa-1990s Weather Channel music. I hated-hated-hated it. Tinkling, happy-sounding pianos--I could almost see the Doppler rader. I didn't think to look for it mid-routine, but I wonder if there's an option to turn off the music and leave the verbal instruction...I think I'll be trying a different video tomorrow rather than moving straight on to the next level of this one. But hey, it was cheap!

I love this DVD! I am an intermediate level Iyengar student and outside of class have practiced using other DVD's by Rodney Yee and Kathy Smith (non Iyengar), and while I like them both as instructors and the routines were challenging, I found that I didn't use them more than a couple of times as it was difficult to keep up with the pace and they just didn't hold my interest. But with this video of interesting, well-paced sequences and Mary's wisdom and gentle and precise teaching, I look forward to my practice and my time with Mary. I am living in Rome where there aren't many Iyengar yoga studios and the classes don't fit my schedule so I have been using this DVD and Mary has become my yoga companion as well as instructor here.I really enjoy listening to Mary in the interview segment and I believe she has a lot of wisdom when it comes to using yoga to integrate the various aspects of our being. I have found it to be true from my personal experience that when we are aligned spiritually, mentally and physically, weight loss happens naturally as a result.As has been said, this is not a power yoga practice; to me it is a peaceful yoga practice, which is what I believe yoga is about. This practice makes me feel good about myself and I believe this inner peace is what leads to my weight loss. I find the music and Mary's voice and pace very soothing and perfect for this type of practice. The fact that it wasn't filmed on a beach doesn't bother me because I practice indoors and focus more on what is happening with my body and mind than what is presented in the background of the video.If you are looking for an encouraging, positive companion to lead you in proper alignment through varied sequences and inspiring you with her wisdom, Mary's video is the one for you! I am very happy that I brought it with me and that Mary is part of my personal growth and adventure in Rome!

I wish I had read ALL the reviews before purchasing this DVD including the 2008 review titled "Not for the supremely out of shape." This reviewer is makes a good point. The sections of the DVD that are specifically designed for beginners titled "Beginning Routines" is entirely too difficult and too fast paced. The Iyengar style instructions are good but there is no demonstration of the modifications that are needed for a beginner student. The same is true for the intermediate and challenging routines. What's more, other than the reference by the author to her losing weight in the "Interview with Mary" segment and a few comments during sirvasana about letting go of body image issues this DVD never addresses how any yoga posture or yoga practice can contribute to the weight loss process. I am an experienced Iyengar yoga student who is trying to return to practice after a long illness. I was able to use this DVD ONLY because I am familiar with how to modify poses using props. This DVD is just a series of standard, intermediate-level, Iyengar style yoga poses with no information about how to use yoga for weight loss. It should not be allowed to have "weight loss" in the title. And it should not be purchased by any one who is not physically fit especially anyone who needs to lose weight. If you need to lose weight do not expect this DVD to help you. Just plain false advertising that takes away credibility from an otherwise decent yoga instructor.

Oh my goodness, this woman has the most unsettling voice, ever! Her sing-songy tone reeks of nervousness and over the top niceness. I wanted to turn her off after only a few minutes but didn't.Also, she RACES through the poses. I understand that this may have been intended to be part of the "weight loss" side of the dvd, but it gives you no time, even in the beginning workouts to compare your form to hers. There is nothing calming or quieting about this Yoga DVD. Avoid it.