Fitness: Crunch Yoga Review

I decided about two weeks ago to get back into yoga. Now that I am writing and sitting more my back and legs have some seriously unhappy days. This is absolutely helping. I am not a fan of purchasing media but I hope to make up for that by putting the word out about how much I like, or in some cases, dislike the pieces found on Netflix or online.

The Crunch series has several videos in a panorama of workouts. Candlelight Yoga is one of the mellow choices. Released in 2002 and currently available on Amazon and Amazon Instant video , I found it on Netflix. The 45 minute workout and yoga instruction is appropriately listed as beginner/ intermediate.

Sara Ivanhoe began instructing in the practice of yoga in 1995 and is noted as certified in Yoga Philosophy and Ecology. Her voice is incredibly soothing throughout the video adding to the relaxing ideals in the program. Sara’s methods and explanations are grounded and fun too. How many yogis do you know that would explain the yoga breath as Darth Vader-like?

I am not incredibly flexible, nor do I desire to train my body to be a pretzel. Seriously, what is the point unless training to be a circus artist? I wanted something with a reasonable time and without the requirement of being a Vedic in training. Throughout the video Sara explains each movement and the breathing that should accompany it. She makes suggestions as to how to make the moves less stressful for those with minimal flexibility or balance. The musical ambiance was appropriate without making me feel as though I should don some prayer beads, and the colors of the setting and the clothing of the people in the video were calming.

The only complaint, or maybe more aptly, caveat I have about this video is the opening. The standard Crunch series theme and image montage is jarring. If possible, mute your television or computer speakers. Watch for the first images of Sara and her students to appear before turning on the sound again.

This is a quality yoga instruction for beginning basics, lunch breaks, or centering. I didn’t break a sweat, pull anything or get completely lost and confused. It takes less than an hour, minimal space and no special clothing or equipment.

Remember, drink lots of water, never over do it, and everything takes practice.

AdeebA Korsana Bellydance Classes:

Mondays, 6:00PM (Home Studio, Glendale)

Tuesdays, 7:00PM (Home Studio, Glendale)

Wednesdays, 6:30PM (Rio Vista Recreation Center, Peoria)

Fridays, 5:30PM (Foothills Aquatic Center, Glendale)