Yoga Stretch for Beginners and Beyond DVD

I tried a yoga class several years ago and loathed it entirely. I have severe ADHD and a high stress job and I just could not get my brain to turn off. I found the whole exercise mentally exhausting and I had zero interest in trying again. I'm currently in the middle of a year long weight loss plan to lose 100 pounds [25 pounds down, y'all!] and needed a workout to improve my flexibility and strengthen my core, while being low impact. A friend recommended yoga. I laughed at her and then saw her results and shut my mouth. The added bonus to yoga was that it was supposed to help with my stress level - which my friends all agreed was a bit too high - and, although my last experience was not pleasant, I begrudgingly agreed to try it again. I had no interest in participating in a class again and looking like an uncoordinated spastic pigeon in front of other people, so I thought it would be best to find a DVD so I could do all the funny positions in the privacy of my own living room. [Happy baby pose... really?!?! The only person who needs to see me like that is my gynecologist.] I read dozens of reviews and found that the reviews for Jessica Smith were very much what I was looking for - calming voice, nice music, no chanting, attainable poses, etc. I bought this DVD and an accompanying Jessica DVD that was more advanced [I'm an overachiever, what can I say?]It took me several days to work up the courage to even try my first workout [Did I mention I REALLY hated it last time?]. I started with the relaxation option on the Beginners and Beyond DVD. It started off fairly easy and advanced as the DVD went along. I felt a little stupid with my booty in the air and my shoulders twisted on the mat but I felt it working and so I pushed through. I survived with no bodily injuries and felt incredible afterwards. I was so relaxed by the end I couldn't believe thirty minutes had really passed. The stretches were difficult to start [I'm not the tiniest person in the world and my muscles have never stretched that way] but she found a way to add modifications that I found very helpful and possible. The next day I was sore but in a very good way. I could tell I had used muscles I don't usually utilize.Speaking of the next day, I had an emergency at work - think community-wide PR nightmare. It was one of the most stressful days EVER. Previously I would turn to chocolate and eat my feelings but all day I found myself thinking about getting home to do yoga. "WHAT?!?!" my brain could not comprehend such nonsense. I even commented to a friend how bizarre it was that after one day it was all I could think about. So, I went home and did it again. During my second attempt I was able to see improvement in my stretches and felt myself gaining better balance and body awareness. I felt all kinds of gooey inside when I finished. I literally sat in the floor for ten minutes and couldn't believe how much better I felt after just two sessions. Then I went to bed and absolutely melted into my pillows. I slept better than I have in months. This all may sound like an exaggeration but it's absolutely true.I'm hooked. I think I officially have to call myself a yogi now. I cannot wait to go home and do my yoga again tonight! [Life goal: do a handstand! I totally think I'll eventually get there if I keep going!]I will absolutely continue using Jessica Smith's products and recommend them to anyone who is starting out and feels a little bit too chunky or uncoordinated for yoga. You're not! I promise! So what if your fat rolls keep you from reaching your toes! Mine do, but the whole point is reaching for those toes in the first place! In fact, I have a feeling these DVDs will never become "too easy" as there is always room for improvements and harder modifications - no matter how thin and coordinated you become!Namaste!

I've been desperately in need of the ideal stretching routine to complement my other workouts and this DVD fit the bill perfectly.This DVD has two seperate workouts or "practices" if you will, that both lengthen, strengthen and tone the body, and do so gently. No wacky binding moves, hand-stands, or pretzel twists necessary. Perfect for Yoga beginners, or advanced exercisers such as myself, who are looking to lengthen without pain and discomfort.Both workouts are filmed outdoors in a gorgeous setting complete with sunshine, next to a sparkling pool, and swaying trees. The music is soothing and on cue featuring soothing, gentle classical tunes, as well as relaxing, calypso-style guitar. You don't have to be a "yogi" to do this DVD. Like another reviewer mentioned, there is no chanting or sanskit, which can often invoke negativity in regards to the term "yoga".AM Yoga is your more "typical" yoga practice, with standing, and floor exercises done on a mat. Jessica shows beginner, as well as more intermediate to advanced moves for all the poses. Familiar poses in this workout include warrior, reverse warrior, childs pose, downward facing dog, bird-dog, cow-cat and several others, done in a flowing sequence that is soothing, yet tones and lengthens the muscles. This practice closes with a quiet, meditation.PM Yoga is more of a stretching routine, and requires a mat, a small pillow (not necessary on carpet or a thicker yoga mat) and a towel or yoga strap to help stretch and lengthen your muscles. (alternatively, I used a flat resistance band for the same effect). This routine is great for use after a touch, vigourous workout, when you need a little more stretching. There is also a relaxing, quiet meditation at the end of this routine that is very refreshing.Both routines are great, and can be used seperately, or in complement to other workout programs or routines you may be doing.This DVD is designed for "beginners and beyond" , but perfectly met me needs as a more advanced exercisor. I am anxious to use it reguarly throughout my fitness journey, and beyond.

So far so good. I am an older guy and I play a lot of soccer, so I am trying to improve my flexibility and balance. I took up yoga about a month ago, and go to a local facility about 3 times a week.These videos are a good supplement to those yoga classes. There are many poses that you can do, but, like taking yoga classes, these videos help me do the poses in a specific order. I know I would not be doing yoga consistently if I didnt use the videos or take the classes.So far, I like doing the morning video at the beginning of each day. It helps my body loosen up and prepare me for the day.Jessica is very helpful about providing directions on how to get into the poses.Recommend. :)