Yoga Anatomy - by Leslie Kaminoff - Review
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff lets you literally see under the skin of common yoga poses. But the strength of this book lies in how it infuses lessons on anatomy with a core focus on breath and gravity. Through wonderfully detailed illustrations and easy-to-understand text, Yoga Anatomy depicts the skeletal and muscular anatomy of many common yoga asanas.
From breathing to standing poses, Kaminoff (with illustrator Sharon Ellis) helps you see how each muscle is used--and how slight alterations can enhance (or reduce) the effectiveness of a pose. With these images and explanations, it becomes clear how the spine, breathing, and body position are all fundamentally linked in the journey to find a balance point between breath and gravity.
Namaste Yoga by Kate Porter
Namaste Yoga by Kate Porter - Saw a gorgeous yoga program on FitTV called Namaste Yoga by Kate Porter. Appears to be a Canadian series. Absolutely gorgeous throughout. Seems to emphasize creating a series of poses in each program that focus on moving with the breath (Hatha Vinyasa). Very much like the power yoga (ashtanga yoga) series approach, but this isn't aggressive at all. Very relaxing with slow movement coordinated with the breath.
Evangeline Duy
In the series, Evangeline Duy is so far my favorite instructor. She's been featured in the programs I have viewed. Her favorite pose is the triangle, and she appears to be quite aware of her beauty. As stated on her page at the Namaste Yoga website:
I'll second that, but all the instructors are gorgeous, as are the settings used in the program, the music, the lighting. Really top-notch "production values" and what appears to be an excellent, well thought out program designed by Kate Porter.
Yoga Instructor Sara Ivanhoe
Sara Ivanhoe Yoga - Watched an excellent instructional video, Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies with the beautiful and poised Sara Ivanhoe. Very well produced and directed (except for the annoying sound effects used to highlight tips, note, and warnings). Ivanhoe comes across so clear, effective, and genuine. She'd make a wonderful television anchor. Top notch. Further, it looks like the DVDs produced by Anchor Bay share excellent production values and information.
The DVD goes through 12 basic poses, describing each clearly and simply. I never found the format boring or tedious. Useful tips sprinkled throughout kept the presentation interesting, yet you get full yoga session by watching the presentation. Very effective format and structure. Hate to say it, but these Dummies products tend to be pretty good.