FLUID POWER: VINYASSA FLOW YOGA

I had this brought down to Jamaica at the same time as "Yoga Shakti" and I made no mistake there. It continues the spirit of that DVD, with some wonderful additions.The whole concept of adding of circular and fluid wave motion took each vinyasa to a whole new level. The sometimes abstract flow was a delightful departure from normal asana movement and i was thrilled at how easily I could release the creativity I have within. I haven't done every sequence combination yet, but already I'm a huge fan of the Mandala Namaskar, the Dancing Warrior and the Mandala variation of Upward Bow (PLEASE, PLEASE, approach these poses with gentle respect for your limitations...these will fall away with precious time)Ooooh, one thing i preferred with "Fluid Power" over "Yoga Shakti" was that in the Yoga Matrix (like the best DVD feature EVER!)you can navigate back and forth, up AND down - with "Yoga Shakti", I could only go back and forth, which was a little frustrating at times)Very challenging sequences at times, like the handstand practice, which I'm new to, but see as a great guide as I evolve.This DVD, even more than "Yoga Shakti", is NOT for the neophyte - Shiva explains this in the attached handout (priceless for customising your practice) and again in the introduction Shiva exhorts you to watch the flows at least once through before you "dive in". Much Sanskrit is used for pose names and the Backbending sequences are quite challenging, from "the splits" to Natarajasana or 'cosmic dancer'. I'm someone who gets bored easily, but i don't think it's possible with this DVD, what with the level of focus needed and the vast possibility of practice combinations, limited only by you, the practitioner.A beautiful, thoroughly enjoyable way to develop a home practice.Another "gift" from Shiva.Wonderful stuff, I can't wait to see what else Shiva develops

I have to tell you, I have tried about every yoga DVD out there. From Baron Baptiste, to Bryan Kest & David Swenson. I've done them all, and I'm a yoga teacher. So I just had to do a review of Shiva's new DVD. It's just simply the BEST. Not only is it what I consider "true" yoga, but it's also an amazing workout. I'll sweat a little with other power yoga DVDs, but with Fluid Power by Shiva, the sweat pours off of me down onto my mat!! She keeps you constantly moving, and gets your heartrate in your target zone. So, it's yoga and cardio all in one!! In fact, I was so impressed with the sweat I was producing, I wore my heartrate monitor to see how many calories I was burning. Compared with other power yoga DVDs, that only burn about 200 calories an hour, Fluid Power had me burning 300. That's quite a big difference.The other things to love about this DVD are the fact that the flows are so beautifully done. You will move all around your mat in a circular fashion, doing lots of downward dogs, chatarungas & updogs. Depending on the flow, you'll throw in some warriors, yogic squats, lunges, side angles & triangles too. It's really a comprehensive program. And the fact that it comes with several pre-programmed sessions is great, but you can create your own with the yoga matrix. That's what I love to do, so I can match my practice to my mood.You've got to buy this!!! (I love Shiva's Yoga Shakti too, but this one is even better in my humble opinion.)Namaste, & Happy Yoga to you.

I bought myself this DVD for Christmas on a friend's recommendation, and I love it. I'm an intermediate beginner in my yoga practice, and at first I found some of the moves difficult and too fast. But I stuck with it, trying a new matrix line-up every day, but keeping my favorites, and now I am really hooked.I like that Shiva uses the yoga names for her moves, it's part of the whole picture. I enjoy the chanting, it focuses my mind and calms the little thoughts that distract me as I think about the day ahead. I find my heart rate reaching into the training zone, and even though I've been exercising for decades, I have developed longer, leaner muscles in my arms and legs just since Christmas. Shiva's voice is never annoying or preachy, and the scenery is breathtaking.I recommend this DVD for anyone, including beginners, who want to challenge themselves and take their yoga practice to a new level. If she goes too fast, just go at your own pace and keep your focus until you are on the same move she is on -- it doesn't matter if you miss a turn around the mat. If some of the poses seem impossible, just do what you can. Challenging yourself is how you grow.The matrix is great, and once you've watched or tried most or all of the sections, you'll know what you like and can try adding in or switching them around for something new. I like the Water Core -- ten minutes of abs without a single crunch!I own no other yoga DVDs yet, but I feel I can use this DVD far into the future without becoming bored or wanting more. Try it!