Barbara Currie - Total Body Plan [DVD]

I think this DVD is one of the best possible home yoga workout investment buys. It is longer and more detailed than some of Barbara Currie’s other DVDs, so there are more repetitions and more time to get the moves right. As you go through it, it gets technically more demanding. I actually found it easiest to start with one of the longer workouts, the “Toral Mind and Body Plan”, which is about 30 minutes long. This increased my flexibility, I then worked forwards through the other workouts. The longer workouts are more interesting and the two yoga students show you the beginner and more advanced stages respectively I really like the sets (near a pool, with water reflections bouncing off the wall and ceiling - very calming) and the colour schemes and lighting as well. This is Hatha Yoga I believe, so it isn’t going to be as dynamic as Ashtanga Yoga or Hot Yoga, or as energy-based as Kundalini Yoga. It does have its own energy though. The deep breathing is demonstrated in a much more detailed way than some of the other DVDs, with more time given to different breathing techniques, such as the alternate nostril breathing, holding the breath and making sure to fill the lung right from the base. My personal favourite move is “Salute the Sun” - I’m still finding my way round this, but it feels great to do. I also love the Tree balance and Dancer’s Posture. There is also a great “Slow Motion Firming” section, not often talked about in yoga books or DVDs but really effective. As often mentioned, a long lean yoga shape is the aim here. This is a little yoga gem and I’m glad I got it.

Last year in a bid to retain my natural fitness as I get older, & new to exercise, I purchased a Davina McCall DVD and suffered a neck strain on the second use of it. Viewing it, I noticed that there was an assumption that you had a familiarity with her previous DVD's. I found the exercise positions are not adequately explained.I want to have an exercise regime that I could use safely for years to come. And decided Yoga was the best bet.It is hard finding the right Yoga DVD. There are so many to choose from, & what is the right one for an absolute beginner?I purchased "Yogalates" DVD. But found It too advanced and the teacher was strangely dispassionate, so I knew I could not be motivated to use it everyday."10 minute Solution" DVD. Is not for the beginner.I came across a recommendation in a review on Amazon,for Barbara Currie's teaching of yoga & ordered "7 Secrets of Yoga" & "Total Body Plan", not knowing which one would be the correct one for an absolute novice.In my opinion, "Total Body Plan" is the right introduction to Yoga for a beginner on so many levels. The reasons are discussed in detail by other reviewers, so I wont reiterate.I have had this DVD for a few months. I haven't become bored with it.I also know that I am safe using it, no risk of injury, primarily due to Barbara Currie's guidance.I occasionally use "7 Secrets of Yoga", but because the flow of the sequences in "Total Body Plan", seem right, I use this DVD almost daily. I do the 15 minute firm up daily, & if I have time, will do one or two of the other sequences in addition. I feel most body shapes could undertake this exercise and I do not think that you need to be initially very fit to use this DVD, because it is gentle & thoughtful, & you are advised constantly to "go at your own pace, without strain".My husband now does the first 15 minute stretch firm up in the morning, & has benefitted from it.Health experts state that stretching excercise and Cardio Vascular excercise are the key to long term health.Yoga is ideal for maintaining flexibility. For Cardio Vascular excercise, I can recommend LESLIE SANSONE & her range of Walk at Home, DVD's. I now combine the two, daily.

This DVD is brilliant. I am a total yoga novice. I have been using mine for a week now (which is a record for me!). It is split into 5 sections of varying length (approx 15mins, 19mins, 5mins, 23mins) which are menu-led so you can just go directly to the section you want rather than scanning through to the correct part. I have done the 15 min every day and added other routines a couple of times - its perfect to mix and match and adapt to your current schedule. I bought it as my back was very stiff and shoulders felt very knotted and achy. Within a day of doing the DVD for the first time the tension had totally lifted. Within 4 days I was able to complete the over-shoulder hand-grasp using either arm which I wasn't flexible enough to do beforehand. On longer workouts I finish feeling totally serene and so calm I can't speak (fab for my husband). There are so many areas for progression (a beginner and advanced lady to follow as well as Barbara Currie) that I cannot imagine getting fed up with this for a long time. The time I spend doing this DVD is treat time and I certainly don't have that burning dread associated with more aerobic exercise DVDs!

as usually babara currie gives great encouragement to everyone eppsecially if one is just starting out on yoga. i must say i have a few of her dvds and she is very very good at teaching giving clear instructions and has someome doing the beginers moves and also peole doing the more advanced work out. she is a great teacher and very encouraging.

The video cassette version is what I was looking for. It was in good condition and I am very happy with the purchase. Thank you.