thoughts on jivamukti yoga dvd

I'm sitting in Barnes & Noble getting ready to skim through The Power (a follow up book to The Secret)-I won't be buying this one, but I am interested in skimming through it. I also have a copy of Kris Carr's (LOVE HER) Crazy Sexy Diet-This one I just might pick up, as I truly adore Kris Carr and admire her positive attitude, spunk, and perseverance. I also think she is incredibly knowledgeable and has great thoughts to share. My pile also consists of O Magazine and People (one of my guilty pleasures).

I'm feeling pretty yummy right now, not just because I have a day off and I'm chilling in B & N, but mainly because I did yoga this morning for the first time in a bit. (If you read this blog regularly, you know I was really ill, and there was no activity of any kind happening during that time.) This morning, I pulled out my Jivamukti Yoga DVD w/ Sharon Gannon & David Life. I bought this DVD back in December, and this is my second time doing it. From what I know about Gannon & Life, I highly respect both of them. I pretty much bought this DVD because their name was on it. I thought I'd share my thoughts with you about this DVD today--keeping in mind it's my personal opinion only!

Overall, I think this is a DVD I will reach for regularly. It is a fast moving practice that begins with flowing to get the body warmed up. Then, it slows down a bit and each pose is held around 5 breaths. Some of the postures include Warrior 1, Warrior 2, Triangle, Revolving Side Angle, Side Plank, Bow, Wheel, Shoulder Stand, Head Stand, & Seated Forward Fold.

The DVD has both Sharon and David moving through the postures. You can choose either of the two for the actual verbal instruction. I find that I much prefer Sharon instructing (not sure if this is because I am much more used to female voices); however, I do find her voice to be a little mechanical. I really appreciate instructors whose voices sound very authentic. Don't get me wrong, I know the importance of voice softening and using a soothing tone while instructing, but I am definitely a bit turned off if the instructor's voice sounds almost robotic.

The instruction, however, is very good. I appreciate both the physical descriptions of the poses as well as the integration of the more soulful side of yoga. There are not many, if any, modifications given throughout the practice, so I do feel this is more of an intermediate & advanced practice. Although there are not a great deal of extremely challenging postures (beyond headstand) throughout the class.

There is live music being played throughout the practice. The music is nice and not distracting (although very repetitive). If you like a variety of music you may find this music somewhat monotonous after a while. During the actual practice none of the music has words (which I typically prefer); however, during savasana the song does include lyrics. I find this to be very distracting to final relaxation.

Once again, I do think this will be a DVD I reach for regularly. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. My favorite yoga DVDs are still Bryan Kest's Power Yoga Series 1, 2, & 3. They are oldies, but goodies; however, I am glad I bought this DVD and am looking forward to doing it again soon!

For all you yogis and yoginis out there, I'd love to hear your favorite go-to yoga DVDs. Do share.

Peace, Love, Lipstick,
& Namaste'
Leslie