Elements of Yoga: Perfection Attained in a Yoga DVD

Word to the wise: Elements of Yoga: Fire is not yoga for weight-loss, core strength or body sculpting. It is not a hybrid of yoga infused with calisthenics, martial arts or — God forbid — weights. Its aim is not to take you to the next fitness level, but to build confidence and empower you from within so that you may know yourself. It is exactly what yoga is supposed to be, pure and simple, and I for one, love it!

I might be a bit infatuated with Tara Lee, the instructor in this yoga DVD. Her style is classically simple, not distracting; her voice is enchanting (who doesn’t love a Brit’s accent?); and her message is one of loving transformation. She oozes peaceful mellowness. Serenity personified, she is everything a yoga instructor should be.

The “element of fire” concept is not a gimmicky marketing ploy. Tara has extensively studied shiatsu and has found the pressure points used in that ancient healing art have a direct correlation to many traditional yoga poses. This workout was developed to utilize those points to help balance overall physical and mental health with a good energy flow.

Format: Elements of Yoga: Fire offers three short programs (20 minutes/20 minutes/35 minutes) that can be experienced by themselves or combined to create a personalized longer practice. From seated core work and hip opening to balances and inversions, each subsequent segment advances in difficulty. However, they all start with an intention and end with an affirmation, making each one feel complete.

A separate five-minute conventional savasana is offered to put the finishing touch on any of the three workouts.

Instruction: Even though the workout is intended for those who have an established practice, Tara gives helpful alignment cues and explains such things as kapalbhati breathing for those who aren’t fluent in Sanskrit, but a basic understanding of the asanas is optimum.

Audio: Tara is not jabbering away during the workout. In fact, her melodic voice has been pre-recorded so that her mouth is motionless, making her the teacher as well as the student. Mystical sounding East Indian sitar music soothes, is perfectly accompanied to the movements and, as usual, always optional.

Cinematography: Filmed outdoors at night, the lighting is perfect and the quality is exceptional. Not surprising given that Tara Lee has a background in documentary making.

Bonus: There are three additional short programs included with the DVD. Fire-Core is 11 minutes of yoga work concentrating solely on the abs. Earth is a 9-minute balancing sequence. Air &Water is 10 minutes of breathing meditation. (Full-length Earth and Air & Water are available in her Elements of Yoga series.)

Also included is an interesting question and answer interview with Ms. Lee to get to know your instructor.

From the tone to the instruction to the energy, Tara Lee’s Elements of Yoga: Fire is the next best thing to a studio practice. To be sure, with the continued practice of yoga you will indeed gain muscle strength and definition, but more importantly you will gain strength of character and an inner knowledge of yourself that is priceless.

FBG Rating (Out of 5): 
Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★★
Music: ★★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★

Fit Bottomed Line: Part mat work, part vinyasa flow, this DVD offers a solid practice with expert instruction. If you are looking for an at-home practice that mimics what you get at your studio, Elements of Yoga: Fire can’t be beat.

What do you aim to gain from your yoga practice? —Karen