Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

I tried the whole Wimps series in a search to broaden my understanding of less-familiar exercise theories. I love aerobics and walking but when things stop working it’s time to try something different.

When I’m learning new things I don’t want to be discouraged and left behind with a workout that is too complicated. I feel better about a workout that I can master and do well than one that I can’t follow or complete all the exercises which is why I chose Yoga for Wimps. I’ve done Yoga before but it’s been awhile mostly because I don’t have the flexibility and balance that is required.

I enjoyed the Pilates for Wimps DVD done by the same instructor, Annika Carlson, so I assumed that I would be just as thrilled with the Yoga for Wimps however was somewhat let down. I found that her explanations and enthusiasm fell a little short in this workout and I didn’t leave the workout feeling like I got much out of it.

What is Yoga?
Yoga means “union” and it originated in India. It originally was a spiritual exercise which incorporated mental and physical union in a quest for enlightenment. The exercise involves stretching, breathing, and concentration. There are many benefits of Yoga such as a lower stress level, less tension, improved balance, and improved muscle tone plus many more wonderful benefits.

About the instructor
Annika is a qualified instructor with over 10 years experience in the fitness industry and certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

Equipment needed
No equipment is needed for this workout however an exercise map would be helpful. If you will be modifying the workout you will need a towel, small pillow, and sturdy chair.

The Set
The studio has wood flooring and neutral painted walls. Relaxing music is playing in the background. Annika Carlson is the instructor and is accompanied by Jamie who will be demonstrating the modified version of the workout.

The workout
As you might have guessed, the art of Yoga can not be taught in just 30 minutes. When you think of Yoga some bizarre positions may come to mind but you won’t find anything complicated on this DVD. I think any fitness level would be able to do this workout, especially with the modified moves clearly explained.

The instructor shows us 24 Yoga moves which include: mountain pose, side bends, shoulder rolls, reaching for the stars, chair pose, sun salutation, table pose, plank, child's pose, downward facing dog, inverted v, moving cat, lunge, warrior I; pyramid pose, elbow side plank, plank hover, tree pose, warrior II, triangle pose, side angle pose, arm stretches, boat pose, archer pose, bound angle pose.

The name of the move appears on the screen and the instructor mentions the move which helps the viewer learn the terminology which will be helpful for future use.

All of the moves were fairly easy and possible to do. There wasn’t any fancy pretzel shapes or uncomfortable moves. She saved the hardest movements for last. I thought the boat pose was the hardest because the body was shaped in an upside down V with the back and legs off of the ground.

How did the instructor do?
I liked the instructor and thought she did an average job in this workout. She didn’t really bring any special instructions or explanations that I couldn’t have gotten from a book. She finally had a few examples to relate the exercise to near the end of the workout.

The instructor talked non-stop. Every single moment was filled with instruction for either the modified or the regular workout. She did spend a lot of time talking about how to position the body and anyone watching it should be able to understand the position from her description. Nothing was mentioned about what muscle you were stretching or the benefits. I don’t think she spent enough time talking about breathing. She did do a tiny bit of encouraging but there wasn’t a lot of motivating that instructors typically give to the participants.

By the end of the workout I didn’t feel like quite as stretched as I do when I do other Yoga workouts perhaps because it was a beginner/overview. I felt like we no sooner got to a position we were already moving on to the next. If the positions were held a little longer I think it would have been more beneficial.

Who would like this?
This is a great DVD to learn the name of Yoga moves and the proper form for doing them.

This is fantastic for a beginner because the modified movements are discussed just as much as the regular movements.

Who would not like this?
I speculate that if you know anything at all about Yoga you won’t get the most out of this. This seemed to be an overview and the poses were very short.

A majority of the exercises in this workout will require you to be on the floor. If you are uncomfortable on the floor then I would recommend skipping this DVD. I for one can not stand doing exercises on the floor and prefer yoga on the ball.

I would not recommend this for someone who is looking for a relaxing yoga workout. This lacks the relaxing scenery, the music is not overly soothing, and the instructor talks too much, and finally the poses are too short for a good relaxing stretch.

Replay value
I don’t think that this has much replay value unless you are starting out with the modified version and work your way up to the regular workout. I thought it was kind of boring and since the instructor talks a great deal you’ll probably want to move on once you get the fundamentals.

There are 25 moves which are stated and explained in detail so you may want to memorize moves before moving on to another workout.

Overall
I would only recommend this to a person who is new to fitness and has an interest in getting into Yoga. This would be great for someone who wanted to go through the movements without adding the breathing and meditating aspects to the routine. The movements are gentle and slow so may be a better choice than others for some people. This was very textbook and lacked enthusiasm by the instructor and lacked excitement in the movements. I felt bored and the workout didn’t leave me with the desire to try it again.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV