E1 ENTERTAINMENT Yoga Zone: Flexibility and Stress RELEAS

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!

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...

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.

This is one of the best yoga dvd's I own. Alan Finger has been practicing yoga since he was 13 and is a very good teacher. He focuses on breathing and form, and his prompts come at the appropriate time so you can follow the moves easily. I own several yoga zone dvd's and think they are among the best for real yoga. I'm a beginner at yoga, and I think the beginning and intermediate levels are appropriately named. The poses are moved through slowly and thoroughly, and he encourages you to push but not strain yourself, to work at your level. One assistant performs the poses fully, while another performs them at a limited level for those who are less flexible or have physical problems.

Even though this was filmed many years ago, the practice is timeless and the video transferred well to DVD format. Beautiful setting, clear instructions, great sense of humor. Nice to have each asana demonstrated in a full and also a modified pose. Great reminders throughout that each body is different each day, so do what you're able this day and let go of the rest. Really great video.

I've been practicing yoga for 3 years and once a week go to a yoga class with an excellent instructor. These Yoga Zone DVD's are the very next best thing to a live teacher. The instructions are very explicit, the pacing is excellent, the variety of poses work all body parts and the final meditational pose is really relaxing and enjoyable. I would recomment all the beginning and this intermediate DVD to anyone.

A painful workout- not because of the exercizes, but because of the narration. Despite being labeled an intermediate workout, the first part of the video is for the absolute novice in yoga. This video seems geared for someone who is unfamiliar with yoga- the instructor takes time to define the "sit bones", breathing through the nose and vinyasa. The poses do not flow well. The instructor gives a great deal of verbal instruction with each of the poses being described in painstaking detail instead of simply using the name of the pose. For example, after describing Down Dog the first time, he would continue to describe this pose each time instead of just saying the name. One good thing about the incessant talking of the instructor is that you do not notice the cheesy music in the background. He also does a prolonged relaxation where he encourages you to visualize colored lights with each of the chakras. This is the first Yoga Zone video I have tried, and probably the last. If you are new to yoga, I recommend any of the Crunch videos, and any of the beginning Gaiam videos. For intermediate yoga workouts, I recommend Bryan Kest's Power Yoga series or any of the intermediate Gaiam videos.

Suppose this might be a good video for some to try Yoga with but definitely not for beginners and for someone that has a hard time kneeling or sitting Indian style. Not made for bigger people.

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

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.

DVD won't play in my DVD player. Very disappointed.

I used to watch the series (and do the workouts) when it was on Channel Health, but that was pulled so I was really pleased to see the DVDs available on Amazon and placed an order. This was in September 2005. Unfortunately, the first set I received wasn't YogaZone, but the New York City Ballet Workout - even though the label on the disk itself was YogaZone. I sent it back & Amazon sent out a replacement - same problem, New York City Ballet not YogaZone. Same thing happened again, so I just cancelled the order. Two years later, I thought I'd try again, but this time tried renting one of the DVDs. Nope, still the ballet so it's been returned. Each time I've told them what the problem is but they just don't seem to have done anything about it. So, just watch out - if you order these DVDs you may not get what you're looking for.