Rea, Shiva - Yoga Shakti

This DVD kicked my butt! I love these discs for a few reasons 1) really builds up a sweat 2) has a focus on matching your breath with the poses which is something some "workout yoga" dvd fail to do 3) there are multiple long workouts on each disc however if you want a shorter workout or want to skip a section this dvd has the very cool option of choosing short flows from each work out and playing them in the order you chooseMy only critique would be there isn't much instruction for the different poses. The DVD is fast paced so some knowledge of yoga is needed. At the least I would suggest watching the workout first to get an idea for the order of poses. Also most of the poses are in what I refer to as "yoga speak" and not laymen terms, so again if you don't have some background in yoga it make take a few workouts before you can follow along with ease

This superb dvd offers beginning through intermediate practitioners four routines ranging from 30-90 minutes in length: A Basic Program, two Solar Flow programs focusing on arm balances and backbends, and a relaxing Lunar Flow.But that's not all. The Yoga Matrix, consisting of the 30 individual components that make up the larger programs, allows you to create your own sequences. Thus, you can emphasize backbends, focus on standing poses, or just do forward bends if that is your preference. That is the beauty of this dvd--the variety of practice it offers. The range includes opening meditations, sun and moon salutations, dancing warrior variations, standing pose options, backbends, ha kriya, core work, supine poses, forward bends, shoulder openers, lunges, meditation, inversions, and handstands. You will find energizing sequences and relaxing ones, challenging asanas, and options for working up to them. Times for each component are listed in the accompanying booklet. There is something for everyone in this dvd.Shiva Rea leads you through the practice on a sandy strip by the ocean, with the waves and sky behind her. Her flexibility allows her to demonstrate the full expression and beauty of each pose. Her narration is soothing and well-timed, while the music choices fit the mood of each sequence. There is a companion CD, Shakti Rhythms,if you like what you hear, or you can consult the music credits for individual pieces.The such possibilities for your practice, this dvd a must for your home library!

When I first bought this DVD a few years ago, I tried it but didn't like it because of the slow pace. Now, it's one of my favorites. I do a lot of intense cardio and heavy weight training, so adding Vinyasa yoga to my program has really increased my flexibility and lowered my stress levels.Vinyasa yoga is defined as flow yoga and focuses on breathing and movement. It is suitable for all levels.What I loved about this DVD:**the breathtaking scenery of the Maldive Islands and Southern India. The gentle sounds of the waves are especially relaxing.**the sitar music gives the DVD a true yoga feel. The indoor scenes look like they were filmed in some sort of Indian temple. For me, this is very appealing and part of the whole yoga experience. This may be too much for some folks, who prefer their yoga to be more of a stretch routine.**Shiva's voice is very calming. I feel relaxed just listening to her.**the preset practices give you good variety. I love doing the beginner flow when I'm tired and want to do a little something. Both Solar Flows are about 90 minutes long, so I save these for when I have lots of time. The Lunar Flow is perfect for an end of day workout.**the matrix option allows you to build your own workouts. Since I don't do this DVD very often, I can't remember the details of each section, so I find it hard to build a workout. I tend to use the preset routines. Some of the section times are not accurate, so it's hard to judge how long your workout will be.Some things to be mindful of on this DVD:**there are some advanced poses, like handstands and bakasana(advanced crow), which should not be attempted unless you are very strong and have done yoga for a while. Shiva does emphasize you should do what feels right for your body, but sometimes it's hard not to want to mimic her exactly.**sometimes Shiva does mirror cuing and sometimes she doesn't and this can be a bit confusing. It used to bother me at first, but now I focus on the movements and don't worry whether I'm on the correct side. I just make sure I do both sides.I highly recommend this DVD for anyone wanting a comprehensive Vinyasa yoga practice. Because of the variety allowed by the matrix, you will not get bored with this DVD.

I was a little scared off from purchasing this DVD by reviewers that said she used too much Sanskrit. I'm glad I ignored that and purchased it anyway. This is a great DVD! It's a bit different than the yoga I'm used to, but I'd say it's classic yoga stuff with a little bit of a twist. Not too out there that someone who is traditional in their yoga practice won't like it, but not your average yoga practice either. She basically just adds a little more fluidity to everything, but it's not to the extent that you feel like you are flailing around strangely or doing trance dance.My favorite segments on this DVD are the dancing warrior segments. They are very challenging, fun, and get your heart going. I like the way she keeps almost constant movement. This makes it a good workout and something to really work towards.The reason I highly recommend this DVD to everyonne is because of the yoga matrix. I do not like all of the segments in this DVD, but I like some of them. The matrix lets me bypass the segments I don't like and only do the ones that I enjoy. It also lets me create my own practice based on what I feel like doing that day or how much time I have.The setting is also beautiful. This DVD is highly conducive to relaxation and meditation, if that is your thing. I was unsure of her voice at first, but I have grown to really like it. It is soothing and she gives very good instruction.I probably will make this a regular in my collection. I still have some other favorites that I prefer, but this one is a great addition. Highly recommended.

Shiva Rea is truly a yoga goddess. If you want a yoga DVD that gives you a mindful practice and something to aspire to without condescending, then this is for you. Shiva gives clear instruction and demonstrates modifications during the practice, the benefit of this is that as you become more proficient you are not hindered in your practice with lengthy descriptions of how to modify etc.

after reading the reviews for this dvd and having tried mainly hatha yoga over the last few years was looking for a variation,therefore after the positive comments purchased a copy.Only having had it for a few days i can only say i am extremely impressed with the money i have spent and hope over the weeks of getting more familiar with its content will become to appreciate shivea reas approaches and techniques in order to find a more balanced life.Overall i would say that even though the programme is relaxing the fluidty does provide the viewer with the opportunity to take time out from the hectic outside world you also have the benefit of feeling like you have exercised both your body and mind......i would definately recommend and as with most things in life if you dont try you will never know

I have been using this DVD a few times a week and use the Matrix if I am short of time so I can still do something. It is challenging enough to keep me inspired to try progressing to the more advanced poses. I do think that you need a basic knowledge of Yoga practice to start with as there is not as much alignment technique guidance as you might get in a class. There is plenty of variety with the matrix which stops me getting board of the same old routine too.

I found this item easy to work with and uncomplicated for beginners. I would recommend it to people who were wanting to start at the beginning.

This is a great dvd with day and night practices. Where you can easily customize depending of your energy level or where you may feel the need that day. I highly recommend it.