Product Description

Master the essentials of the Ashtanga Yoga system developed by K. Pattabhi Jois under the guidance of acclaimed instructor Nicki Doane. An accessible approach to this physically challenging practice that features vinyasa, flowing postures that link mind and body. Includes instruction in ujjayi breathing techniques to establish rhythm and techniques for internal locks to regulate the flow of energy in the body. (DVD 1 hour 25 minutes)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58875 in DVD
• Brand: Yoga.com
• Released on: 2003-10-07
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Formats: Color, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Dubbed in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 85 minutes

Features

• Learn yoga or a new style of yoga by building in increments
• Yoga as a flow
• Clear guidance from Nicki Doane
• Sun Salutations A & B to establish the rhythm of movement and breath.

Amazon.com
Yoga Journal's Ashtanga Yoga: An Active Practice, Introductory Poses offers another take on the gamut (or glut) of yoga videos out there. Instead of picking the "time crunched yoga workout" or "weight-loss/relaxation/back/stomach" workout theme, Yoga Journal's Ashtanga Yoga presents a straightforward, old-fashioned set of beginner asanas (poses) in the rigorous Ashtanga method. Ashtanga yoga places emphasis on focusing inward, using "breath-synchonized movement" to flow from pose to pose in a precise order. This is not a "yoga's greatest hits" composite stretching video, but rather an introduction to a very specific method of practice. The video begins with some chanting in the hero pose, and instructor Nicki Doane invites viewers to repeat along after her. While standing on a scenic ledge in Hawaii, Doane slowly demonstrates the two beginning series, Sun Salutation A and B, which include familiar poses such as warrior, plank, and downward dog. Her instruction style and voice is markedly different from the dreamy and almost soporific likes of Patricia Waldon or Susanne Deason. Doane keeps the viewer "active" by punctuating the silences with her strong, almost stern voice and demonstrating each pose with her incredibly strong body. This viewer lost count as to how many "pushups" she does from plank to upward dog positions. The 60-minute tape covers ujjayi breathing and a few cursory poses outside of the familiar Sun Salutation, and could serve as either a basic wake-up sort of video, or merely an introduction to very basic poses. Viewers with this solid base introduction to the flow of Ashtanga yoga practice will be well-prepared for the next step. --Gilia Angell

Customer Reviews

Simply the Best in Sun Salutations
I'm a beginner to Ashtanga yoga and I liked this video very much. The editorial review above says it all. Nicki Doane's slow, steady pace and her stern voice help me concentrate on breathing and work deeper into each pose in Sun Salutation A & B. I tried and liked Rodney Yee's "Power Yoga" before, but his pace was a little too fast for me.
With Nicki's instruction, I can inhale and exhale to my full lung capacity, and I can have the time to fully appreciate my body's reaction during the practice. My body is fully stretched, generating a lot of heat, and I feel very refreshed, peaceful and strong after every workout.
You shouldn't expect to get into other poses than in Sun Salutations, since this video is aimed to build up the foundation for further yoga practice through repetition of these basic movements. So, if you are already familiar with Sun Salutes, you might want to start with her "Ashtanga Yoga Beginner's Practice," which includes some standing poses in addition to Sun Salutations. Or, if you want more variety of poses packed in shorter time, David Swenson's "Yoga Short Forms" would be very helpful.
But personally, I believe that a serious beginner should try this Nicki Doane video first. She doesn't talk much about yoga's spirituality, but you'll find it through the practice yourself, which I think is the way it should be.

not for the novice....
i had to give this dvd 5 stars because it really is good and just what the editorial review said it was...niki's voice is calm and soothing but a little stern almost as she takes you from one position into the next...however, it is not easy and if you are looking for a dvd to practice simple yoga this is not the one...this one will make your heart beat a lot faster and you might even break a sweat!! i have been doing yoga for about 18 months now and i am determined that i will get through this dvd...i have to say that when i finish what i am able to do (which is about 35 minutes) i feel exhilarated! i would also advise you not to do what i did and buy the two dvd's at the same time (the beginner's practice is the second dvd in the series) until you are sure this is a yoga practice that can work for you...

Best Ashtanga instruction I can imagine
If you don't know what Ashtanga Yoga is, this is not your DVD. If you understand that Ashtanga includes a very difficult, set series of poses and would like to get off to a careful and serious start, this is terrific. If you know you'll never be able to do the Ashtanga Primary Series, but would like to do what you can, this is a great DVD. It only includes the two Sun Salutations, building them up bit by bit. Each one is 20-25 minutes long, repeating the salutation by steps until it is complete.

This DVD will let you get a solid footing in the salutations. If you know them cold, you could probably skip to Nicki's other beginner's video.

The additional features are well worth watching. The sample of the full Ashtanga program is amazing, and the interview makes Nicki Doane very accessible. I love her straightforward, to the point tone.