Yoga Zone - Premiere Collection (Beginners)
60+ reviews
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Pick This * DescriptionTrying to learn yoga from a videotape could try the patience of a bona fide yogi. How to know when your form is correct versus when you are risking injury? If you can't do that downward-facing dog with your legs as straight as the model on the tape, what's the best way? This beginner's boxed set solves the first problem through detailed and careful explanation of the asanas, then sidesteps the second by having two different instructors demonstrate both advanced and beginning version of each pose. It's a thoughtful, responsible, safe approach, one that reminds students to go at their own pace and to pay attention to their own bodies. Soft-spoken, non-intimidating Alan Finger begins each of the Yoga Zone's programs by demonstrating proper breathing technique. He then guides students through a clear, logical, and appropriately paced sequence of poses, emphasizing correct placement rather than throwing or forcing the body into position. The Introduction to Yoga program covers most of the basic asanas used elsewhere in the series, including the potted-palm series, cat, dog, mountain, and triangle, while subsequent tapes move on to more advanced variations on these fundamental yoga building blocks. The Conditioning and Stress Release program systematically relaxes every muscle in the body, and the more vigorous Flexibility and Tone uses standing exercises like sun salutations to build heat in the system and promote flexibility. Finally, the two sessions included on the Meditation tape provide a welcome reminder that yoga is about much more than just working out. Unlike many videos that bill themselves as "introductory," these Yoga Zone tapes will leave neophytes feeling relaxed and renewed rather than clumsy and confused. This is the boxed set to buy if you're looking for a nuanced understanding of how yoga works rather than just sweat-drenched intensity. --Mary Park More |
Rave Reviews (15)*
1) An excellent collection!!!
by Yvonne M. Drukenbrod on October 02 2000
120+ helpful votesI'm addicted!!! I do one of the tapes in the collection every day. I had never tried yoga before getting these tapes. They are awesome tapes. Alan Finger's voice and accent are calming. Alan gives instruction, while other's perform the poses (asanas). It's helpful because one of the models does modified poses for those who are less flexible. Since I've gotten these tapes, I've borrowed others (done by other people) from friends and I must say my Yoga Zone tapes are still my favorite. The models seem so serene, no pasted on smiles. I can't say enough, I feel wonderful doing these tapes. My muscles get a workout, and my mind relaxes.
2) Expert Instruction!
by Rhonda L. Thomas on March 04 2002
100+ helpful votesI first began Yoga in the latter 70's, but stopped when the aerobics craze hit full swing. I had also purchased Alan Finger's book "Yoga Moves" in the 80's, which is also available on video and is taken directly from the book, which came out in 1984, but is a little outdated now. However, the "Yoga Zone" tapes are his newest works and with them you CANNOT go wrong!
My spine is out of alignment, which has caused some back and shoulder problems and pinched nerves. My chiropracter advised me to take Yoga up again. He couldn't emphasize enough how good it is for you, so after researching tapes and reviews for some time, I decided on this set.
Alan gives VERY clear and detailed instructions throughout, so your are only limited by your own level of skill and capabilities, but that will change with practice. The workouts are nearly an hour each, but it doesn't seem long. Yoga is supposed to be as much introspective as it is physical, and the slow precision that Alan undertakes is the perfect accompaniment to tune into yourself as you perform the "Yoga Moves".
Don't let the term "Beginner" fool you. I tried the Yoga for Dummies, which is very well done, but is for EXTREME beginners. This is more advanced than that, but not extremely so, so your goals should be easy to achieve with time and practice.
Alan is a Yogi-raj and has practiced Yoga for 40 years now, so he knows what he doing and so will you if you follow these videos!!!
3) The best workout video I've ever tried!
by Christina M. Anthony on June 01 2000
80+ helpful votesAfter receiving my Yoga Zone tapes, I did the workout twice the day I got them. I had never tried Yoga before using these tapes and had no idea that you could get such a total workout not only for your body, but your mind as well. I am a firm believer in the power of yoga now! Alan Finger, the instructor, does a wonderful job of helping out the viewer at home feel at ease with his calming and assuring voice. 'Even if you can't make it to the ankles, the knees are just fine!' I highly recommend this set to anyone who is curious about yoga!
4) A well rounded collection
by Lisa K. Pike on June 27 2000
50+ helpful votesThis is a great collection of videos. I had practiced yoga in college, but had not practiced in a few years. This set was a great way to get back into it. This is a well balanced collection. Alan Finger does a great job of emphasizing breathing and only doing as much as you can. Each tape is an hour long, so you are getting the most for your money. I highly recommend these videos for anyone wanting to try yoga.
5) Fantastic Yoga tapes!!
by Sheba on August 01 2001
30+ helpful votesI'm a beginner at yoga, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this beginner box set. Alan Finger has a wonderful and thorough way of explaining the positions. You don't feel bored or watch the clock. His descriptions are clear and precise. He has a real calming effect on your nervous system. I highly recommend it to any beginner...
6) Perfect!
by Anonymous on February 04 2002
30+ helpful votesThe tape recommends that you watch the tape at least once before attempting to practice. I'm not the type to do that and fortunately for me, he describes the movements so well that I did not even need to watch. He has a excellent voice for instructing. For me, a bad or annoying speaking voice can ruin anything. Definitely not the case with this video. There are two female instructors demonstrating the postures as the tape goes on. One instructor demonstrates what to do if you are already flexible and the other demonstrates the technique for those who are less flexible and includes ways to minimize stress on tight hips. I do these before bed and afterwards feel as relaxed as if I've had a few drinks, but energized at the same time. The next day, I still feel great. For me the results (relaxation/energizing) were immediate and I have to talk myself out of doing the tapes too early in the evening, as they help me to sleep.
7) Perfect for Beginners
by Anonymous on July 04 2001
30+ helpful votesI was basically unfamiliar with yoga but sought to improve my flexibility and reduce the effects of stress with these tapes. The instructors do an excellent job by both demonstrating the moves and giving explicit verbal cues. The pace is perfect and you are finished before you know it. There are brief relaxation/meditation sessions at the end of the tapes which are the icing on the cake. These are some of the best fitness tapes I have ever used. You will not be disappointed.
8) You'll be glad you bought it!
by Anonymous on December 04 2002
20+ helpful votesI had never done yoga before and wanted to get started by purchasing a video. I read the reviews for this set and I echo all the positive feedback.
I am a busy Mom of two toddlers and run my own home based business, hence "my" time doesn't begin until after 9pm every night. At that hour of the night an aerobic workout was not happening, but now I look forward to the nights I can do Yoga Zone.
With the box set I have options each night and surprisingly I really enjoy the meditation video (I was a skeptic!).
Alan Finger's voice is incredibly soothing and his explanations for each pose are very descriptive. I am confident that I am doing the poses correctly.
I am reaping the benefits of better sleep, the perfect end to each day and total relaxation!9) Alan Finger is a wonderful instructor
by Ronald Mackenzie on September 01 2002
10+ helpful votesI'm a 47 year old male beginner, having bought this box set and also having gone to four classes at local Yoga Centers. Alan is so much better than the local instructors I've had here (in San Francisco). His voice is very calm and soothing. His instruction tells me how to move into the poses and tells me how to not hurt myself. He allows for someone like me who is not very flexable and tells us how to accomplish beginner poses very easily. The tapes are a very good value. You get a lot for your money. I've been through two of the tapes about four times and plan on using them once or twice a week for quite a long time. I feel very peaceful and relaxed after doing one of the tapes.
10) strengthen your mind and body
by Anonymous on April 01 2003
10+ helpful votesI bought these tapes because I wanted to increase flexibility and strengthen and tone my body. I found by buying these tapes I have strengthened physically, as well as mentally. I had always wanted to take a yoga class but I work the nightshift and have a toddler son, so commiting to a class schedule was difficult. I bought these tapes because of the high ratings on Amazon and great reviews by everyday people like me. I cannot stress how wonderful these Beginner Yoga Zone dvd's are. In one month I have increased my flexibility, strengthened my body, and I see muscle tone starting to appear. The instruction by Alan Finger is so easy to follow, even the first time through. There are 4 dvd's in the box set and each one is individualized and easy to follow, even if you have never done yoga before, like me. I see improvements in flexibility and strength each time through these tapes, and that is truly rewarding. There is a spiritual quality you get from yoga that will not be understood until experiencing it yourself. Yoga reminds you how wonderful you really are and to take time for yourself, you really deserve it. I will be buying more yoga zone tapes in the future, and I encourage you to do so too.
11) This is an excellent series for beginners, but...
by Anonymous on December 05 2003
10+ helpful votes... Buyer beware! I have had a problem loading the "Flexibility and Tone" DVD since I first received the boxed set. The other three worked just fine and are great for learning to practice yoga, but that one video just hasn't been working for me. I even ordered that particular DVD again from another online retailer and I got the same result - the DVD just does not work. I'm not sure if I'm the only one that has had this problem, but I believe the defect is a manufacturer's error. Amazon.com refused to issue me a refund. So if you purchase the set, hope to receive four fully functioning DVDs, otherwise you might end up with only a 3-video boxed set (for the price of 4) - like me.
12) Positively wonderful!!
by Anonymous on January 15 2004
10+ helpful votesI never thought I could bring myself to try yoga, let alone enjoy it. But this set of DVD's presents the exercises in an unpretentious and encouraging manner. I am approaching my 58th birthday, and am more than a little overweight, and also pretty unflexible. Yet after about three weeks of using the introduction, the stress relieving-conditioning and meditation programs, I find myself looking forward to my exercise time. I feel much more limber, my energy level is higher, and the sense of wellbeing that comes at the end of each workout is unbeatable. The connection between the physical and spiritual benefits of the exercises becomes immediately apparent, and Alan Finger's soft-spoken and often gently humorous instruction is challenging and comforting in the most positive manner. I would urge anyone who wants to feel better on many levels to try this. Although some of the stretches were difficult for me at first, as I continue to use the program, I find that my level of performance is improving, and the workout becomes that much more rewarding and satisfying as I am able to do a bit more each time. So don't be put off if, at first, some moves are too difficult. Keep with it and it will be worth the effort. A definite 5 star item.
13) WONDERFUL! Thank goodness for this set
by M. Schifferdaker on July 21 2005
10+ helpful votesI love this set. I am a newbie to Yoga and a roll off the couch out of shape couch potato, who huffs and puffs just making the bed!
This set is perfect. The pace is slow enough to follow along and not feel lost. Mr. Finger is a great teacher gently guiding you through without making it too complex. So far I have only watched the first DVD in the set but it's a perfect start for a couple months worth of building stamina, balance and strength.
The Asana poses are perfect for beginners like myself who are brand new to yoga.
I also bought 2 other DVD sets "Yoga Journals Step by step set" and "Yoga for inflexible people" and Yoga Zone is by far my favorite!
14) Fantastic Series of Tapes!
by Kristin A. Choate on August 23 2002
10+ helpful votesWhen I purchased these tapes, I was a true beginner at yoga. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. These tapes are fantastic. Alan Finger is a great teacher and keeps you focused on breathing and correct form. There are two women performing the poses and one of them shows the poses in a modified manner. Alan is constantly describing modifications to do if you have a weak back, a weak neck, weak knees, etc. He is also honest by telling you when a pose is very difficult and tells you only to go into the pose further if you can take a full breath.
The first tape that I would suggest doing is the Introduction to Yoga tape. You will learn very basic yoga poses and it is accessible to a beginner. The other two tapes include some more difficult poses as well as building on the poses you learn in the introduction tape. A meditation tape is also included which is great for calming your mind and body.
Being a beginner, I was a little daunted by yoga. BUT...this tape really makes you feel comfortable with the poses and allows you to progress at your own speed. I have noticed a big difference since beginning to use these tapes. My posture has improved and I sleep better at night. I hurt my back in a car accident a couple of years ago and have found that yoga helps to eliminate my lower back pain. You will be surprised by the number of muscles that yoga works. It helps to tone your entire body and is a great supplement to more traditional cardiovascular exercise.
15) Excellent for those who are out of shape
by A reader in Southborough on June 04 2003
10+ helpful votesIn my late 40s, I was terribly out-of-shape and had already taken two months of yoga classes. I realized I needed to do yoga more than once a week to improve my aching body so I asked for this DVD set for Christmas. I started with the Intro to Yoga and worked my way through, saving the meditation one until last. Each CD was very do-able and varied enough so that I didn't get bored. My favorite one is the Conditioning and Stress Release (teal cover). I didn't think I would benefit from it because I don't consider myself stressed, but it helps relieve muscle stress, too, which I suffer from because of long hours at the computer. It has really great neck/shoulder workouts. I'd definitely recommend this set, and I was happy to hear that my yoga teacher thought highly of it, too.
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