Rodney Yee: AM/PM Yoga for Beginners

If you haven't heard of Rodney Yee, here's a little background information. Rodney took his first yoga class in 1980. In 1981 he became a full-time student of yoga. And in 1987, he became a certified yoga teacher. Since then Rodney has taught Yoga all over the world, produced several yoga videos, and has worked with Gaiam to create an online Yoga studio.

So when I was finally asked to review one of Rodney Yee's yoga videos, I couldn't refuse.

I have heard so much about him as an instructor that I was curious to see if he was all that everyone said he was. Was he really easy to follow? Did he really make yoga easy for beginners?

I was reluctant to believe that Rodney Yee: AM/PM Yoga for Beginners was going to be easy for beginners because so many yoga instructors often forget how stiff and unlimber we beginners really are. But he surprised me.

Most of the moves are done lying down, or sitting down, and only one area was really difficult, and that was the twisting of the legs. He moves gently and slowly, really getting into the stretches and I liked that very much!

In his session, Rodney says that we must awake gradually, using gentle yoga movements that coincide with the rhythm of our breath, and that's exactly what he does. He goes onto state that waking up slowly helps you center yourself, and begin your day stress-free.

The second part of the DVD features his wife, Colleen Saidman. Her goal is to help you unwind; to release the tension of the day so you can get a good night's sleep.

While I loved the idea behind this method of thinking, the moves were erratic. And by that I mean that she doesn't seem to stay in a post long enough to reap its benefits. As soon as she is in one pose, she is quickly into the next, which means her verbal instructions are also fast paced and I don't see how that helps release tension or calm the mind after a hectic day of work.





One thing I thought was neat about this DVD is that it had an instructional version and a music only version. So once you got the movements down, you could just eye the screen from time to time to make sure you're following the routine. The only thing I wish the music side had, however, was a chime or something letting you know when it was time to change movements because when you're on the floor, it's a little difficult to see what's going on.

You can order the Rodney Yee: AM/PM Yoga for Beginners on Amazon.com for just $13.49 or go directly to the creator of the DVDs at www.ShopGaiam.com

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of this DVD to review.