Two Yoga DVDs That Will Make Your Life Better
We talk a lot about getting a good workout here on FBG. And sometimes our desire to really want to be pushed and get the biggest burn we can in a short amount of time overshadows the other benefits of exercise, particularly mind-body workouts such as yoga. That’s why today we’re doing a head-to-head comparison of two different yoga DVDs that don’t really give you much of a workout. Instead they give you a whole lot more…a healthier, more balanced body and a less-stressed-out state of mind.
Yoga to the Rescue Collection
There’s only one word to describe this collection of three yoga DVDs: Therapeutic. The first DVD, Yoga to the Rescue for Back Pain is an hour-long series of poses to improve your posture, relieve tightness and ease the pressure on the low back that many of us have from sitting so darn long at work, in our cars and on our couches. The second, Yoga to the Rescue for Neck & Shoulders, includes a 30-minute tutorial on how to do each pose with proper alignment and a 30-minute flowing sequence that puts the moves together for instant relief for tightness in your upper body. The final DVD, Yoga to the Rescue Feel Good from Head to Toe, includes an hour of specific poses that address a number of common ailments such as aching feet and wrist strength, along with building core strength and general stretching.
Don’t get me wrong. None of the moves or sequences in this DVD series can be considered a workout by any means. It’s more like going to a mix of physical therapy and meditating. The pacing is very slow and controlled and instructor Desirée Rumbaugh is soft-spoken, relaxing and gives perfect cuing to get you in just the right alignment. It’s truly yoga therapy for the whole body. Nothing more, nothing less.
FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Best for: If you’ve been struggling with pain or repetitive stress issues in your body, get this DVD collection—stat!
Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility
I’ve often said that a really good and relaxing yoga session is on par with getting a massage or going to a spa, and this yoga DVD just adds more proof to my argument. (Although, for the record, I’d never turn down a massage!) With two 30-ish minute workouts—one for stress relief and one for flexibility as the title suggests—it’s a great start or end to your day.
While neither are a cardio or strength workout, I found the flexibility workout to actually be a bit more active than the stress-relief segment. With an emphasis on deep breathing, becoming more conscious, respecting and lovi ng your body and really reducing tension held deep in the muscles with stretching poses, instructor Ashley Turner gives you two routines that are just darn blissful. At the risk of sounding totally hippity-dippity, Ashley just has a gentle, happy energy that makes you zen out but not in a fall-asleep sort of way. I liked the routines so much that even when she asked me to “om” aloud, I did—without even giggling once.
FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★★
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★1/2
Best for: So many “fit” people skimp on flexibility training and taking time to be quiet. If this is you—or if you’re ready to pull your hair out from stress—try this DVD that calms, relaxes and stretches you out like Gumby.
Fit Bottom line: These are two of the best yoga DVDs we’ve reviewed. While neither are a workout, per se, they both give huge benefits in regards to flexibility, mobility and stress relief. If you have specific body issues to work towards, therapeutic Yoga to the Rescue is for you. If you’re just looking to de-stress and stretch out, Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility is your DVD.
For these reasons and more, we heart yoga! —Jenn