Showing posts with label Power Yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Power Yoga. Show all posts

7/05/2010

Bryan Kest's Original Power Yoga :: Weight Loss and Power Abs Review

While I was most impressed with Bryan Kest's "Power Yoga Complete Collection" released in 1995, this 2003 release was disappointing in more ways than one:

(1) Bryan Kest: excessive talking and zero personal demonstration;
(2) Little in the way of killer techniques to tweak/improve on standard asanas;
(3) Ultra slow-paced walk through the Vinyasa flow;
(4) The so-called "power yoga" abs routines are but exercises drawn from pilates practice; and
(5) To top it all off, questionable choice of music best described as "elevator".

This 2003 release was a stark contrast compared to the well-choreographed 3-in-1 DVD released in 1995 where Kest personally instructed and demonstrated ashtanga-rooted poses, complete with just the right dose of inspirational messages and cool yoga-inspired music based on traditional Dhrupad raga Bhairavi et al. The 2003 release saw Kest merely paying lip service to simple and uninspiring moves.Yogis who have tried out both routines would not fail to notice Kest's marked weight gain without having serious thought about the 'chicken-and-egg' of it all.The sad truth is that Kest is no longer convincing as a first-rate yoga instructor like he did in the 90s.

For those serious in clinching the best home-use yoga DVD, I would highly recommend combining Bryan Kest's original series (1995) with Shiva Rea's Yoga Shakti (2004).These two DVDs are highly motivational and have the effect of eliciting future re-use value. And to each its owns: while Kest's 1995 collection offers the intermediate-beginner substantial aerobics workout from his well structured vinyasa routines, Shiva Rea's Yoga Shakti offers a matrix system where viewers can mix and match routines to the tune of their body/moods. Combining the two gives yogis the best of both worlds - strenuous workouts on perky days and less demanding yin yoga routines on "moon" days.

Product Description
This vigorous power yoga routine helps you burn fat through a low impact and dynamic flow yoga practice. Second DVD in the five-title Original Power Yoga series, this DVD offers both Weight Loss and 6-Minute Abs. You're bound to love this combination of titles for a complete routine. With Weight Loss, experience Bryan's unique cardiovascular workout, using the principles of Dynamic Flow. This workout will make you sweat, burn calories and strengthen your heart and lungs. If you want more, follow up with one of the two routines offered on the 6-Minute Abs portion, designed to target the abs, strengthen your body's central support system and aid in the strengthening of your lower back. Enjoy!Run Time: Approx. 70 minutes

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6/29/2010

Bryan Kest's Santa Monica Power Yoga, All Levels-Live Bootleg Review

I have been doing Bryans type of power yoga for years. I started with the dvds (actually vhs) and when these cd's came out, I bought them immediately! Although the poses themselves are not that difficult, this practice is definately challenging. He seriously only does sun salutations A & B, triangle- small active rest, then reversed triangle-followed by another active rest, bow pose, then he takes you to a shoulder stand & plough, finally savasana. In a normal class, this practice might run you 45-50 minutes. But Bryans unique teaching and chatter makes the difference. Prepare to sweat! Although this cd is for all levels, please have some knowledge of the poses before you start. It'll help you more than the booklet! Enjoy!!

Product Description
Try something different! A truly one-of-it's kindaudio CD of a recorded power yoga class by Bryan Kest. Listen to your guided yoga instruction, with ease of replay (there are 7 tracks and run time is approx 90 mins). The audio bootleg comes with a convenient pull-out detailing over 100 photographed asanas and instructions from Bryan Kest to assist your practice.

A vigorous and restorative power yoga practice, led by the renowned yogi, Bryan Kest, this audio CD will enlighten and revitalize you. From our friends and innovators at the Santa Monica Power Yoga Studio!

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6/26/2010

Bryan Kest's Advanced Routine-Live Bootleg Review

I really love this CD. I can't help but smile and be happy after I do it. That said, I'm also quite tired after this CD because it is a good, thorough workout. Very challenging. There are lots of standing poses like airplane and twisted moon. There are some very, very intense hip openers, some (like the one Bryan calls 'Jilly Mack Selleck Pose') that really bring me to my edge like nothing else I've ever done. I also feel this the day after in my shoulder muscles, so I would say it is a good all-over workout. This is definitely not for beginners. Be ready for a challenge.
Also, I really love Bryan. I like his attitude. His words resonate with me. He does let out some rather distracting sighs on this CD, but I've gotten used to them. I've done this CD three times in the past week. That's how much I love it.

Product Description
You asked for it, and you got it: an advanced Bryan Kest routine. We all like the physical challenge that Bryan provides within the context of yoga. Practice working at your edge while maintaining a healthy approach to your practice. Bryan himself, along with Regiane, are photographed in over 100 asanas in the accompanying booklet, which measures 8"" x 8"" square and is spiral bound.

Run Time: Approx. 90 Minutes, 18 Tracks.

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