[.ca] Crunch: Fat Burning Yoga

yoga for busy people:
-Do buy this tape if: A)You are pressed for time-the workout is 30-35 minutes or so long B) You are looking for just a hint of a challenge(only really tough part is lunges) C)You dont mind an instructor who does alot of explaining/talking and such D)You are a newbie DONT buy this tape if A)You are looking for a serious 'isometric" type routine (I.e.Brian Kests Power Yoga from 1995 tapes) B)You are REALLY looking to sweat hard C)You are looking for really challenging poses (i.e. crow,one arm balance,dancing shiva,etc..)

Yoga that increases your heart rate:
This is about a 45-minute yoga workout. It is fast-paced enough that it does increase your heart rate, yet it is still relaxing as one might think yoga should be. It is not too easy, yet it is challenging enough for the average person who does yoga on a regular basis. Sara Ivanhoe is one of my favorites. She is very calming and relaxing. Even though the routine moves quickly, she is still easy enough to follow.

Great Yoga Video:
This is an excellent workout for people who don't have 60-90 minutes that many slow-movement exercise programs require. It's 45 minutes of relatively-simple poses. Ivanhoe does a great job of reminding the viewer of the most important aspect of yoga - the breathing. this would be a great program for beginners who are looking to ease into a routine. As an intermediate yoga practioner, I do this tape 4-6 times a week!

Good instruction, no inversions or balance poses:
This is a good beginner tape to get legs used to standing poses and lunges. Several back bends and three ab exercises at end. I would suggest this tape to anyone who has taken a few classes or is a bit flexible to start with. I've been taking classes weekly for 9 months and I find this tape works well for me as a very early morning workout.

Could be better:
Overall this is a quality Yoga video. The instructor is much less annoying and condescending in this video versus Crunch the Joy of Yoga (although I actually like that workout better.) This workout is not particularly difficult, so I am not sure I agree with the "fat-burning" aspect to the title. However, it does provide some good overall flexibility and strength work. She spends a lot of time on lunging poses so if you need flexibility in your harmstrings and quads this workout will feel good. I hike a lot and like doing this workout a day or two after a hike to stretch out my legs a bit.