Yoga for Absolute Beginners Review

I agree with Megan when she says, "I LOVE this video. Yes, it IS slow... and that's the point...". It is the point.
I've read the reviews, I've watched the 9 other yoga videos I own, but this one is an instant favorite. I wish I had found it first.
As for the sound, the times past when I've taken actual yoga classes I haven't heard everything the instructor said. For me, not having perfect sound adds to the personal, one-on-one aspect of the video. As for the filming, it's not perfect but that isn't a problem because after watching it through the first time I am only glancing at the screen when checking body alignment, i.e., it is difficult to simultaneously watch the video and do Down Dog. Again, in an actual class you would not always have the teacher looking directly at you and not necessarily hear every sound.
When watching any yoga video I am focused on learning, background "studio" it is irrelevant. A fancy studio, a fast paced practice and an instructor who allows his/her ego (however well-deserved) to become part of what is conveyed and the goal for the beginner may seem more unattainable. True yoga is not about the scenery. It is more closely related to simplicity and focus, focus on the body and breath, not what a room looks like.
The two best things about this video are the pace and amount of beginner explanation. The pace may seem too slow for some but just right for others, especially, as the title tells us, absolute beginners. Add to that the gentle comments about how to align the posture, how to tell if you are doing too much, the relaxation heard in Marlon's voice and you've got a fantastic beginner video. A primary complaint I have about the other videos I own is they are too fast, I can't absorb a sense of peace and relaxation when I am struggling to keep up. The negative feelings I get trying to keep up, to move too quickly through poses that are too new and extreme for my body does not nurture developing a consistent yoga practice. If you are young and already physically fit, your perspective may be different.
The production idiosiyncracies add to the feeling of instructional intimacy. Besides, I like the subtle message they convey, that I don't have to be perfect either. Production polish increases costs. My sense is, the intention is the same as the title, to share yoga with an absolute beginner. An absolute beginner doesn't have to start with a mat, an armful of props, and the most expensive DVD.
Considering the quality of instruction, the easy, slow pace that is so perfect for a beginner, this DVD is an excellent value. If you already know what is meant by Sun Salutation, are primarily interested in the exercise aspect of yoga or a fast-paced asana routine, you may want to choose something else. Visit some of the yoga school sites and learn about the different types of yoga so you can choose an instructor who is more closely aligned with your perceptions and expectations of yoga. If you are an absolute beginner and are looking for a simple way to begin yoga, this is a great DVD and a great value. That is why I give it four stars.
Yoga for Absolute Beginners Feature
- YOGA FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS (DVD MOVIE)
Yoga for Absolute Beginners Overview
To view a preview of this DVD visit askyogimarlon.com/dvd-beginner.html Watching a yogi do intricate postures can be a little intimidating. Have no fear! The way I teach yoga on Yoga for Absolute Beginners will make it easy for you. From the very first time you follow along, you'll be doing actual Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breathing) techniques that have been handed down from teacher to student for thousands of years. You'll learn all the basic postures and breathing in 4 separate 25 -minute practices. (I know you're busy!) I've even included a couple of segments to fill you in on guidelines and my background in yoga. As you practice yoga your body will become stronger and more flexible. You'll also enjoy less stress, and experience how doing yoga surfaces as a more optimistic attitude throughout your day. That's because you'll be finding the path to health and happiness within, something that no ordinary exercise program can deliver. Join me and become a yogi today! Yogi Marlon Included on this DVD is: Meet Yogi Marlon, Ideas on Practice, Ujjayi Pranayama, Beginner Practice I, Beginner Practice II, Basic Flexibility, Strengthen I.
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Customer Reviews
Nice and slow plus incorporates breathing with postures. - Bustani - ALPHARETTA, GA United States
I enjoyed this video for some of the same reasons other reviewers found it annoying. For example, I am very happy that the music is soft because I want to hear the instruction without distraction. I like the one-on-one feel and the fact that she moves slowly. The most important thing she does in this video is to instruct and demonstrate how to breath during the postures. This crucial to yoga and is missing from other yoga videos. The introductory sections where she explains about the philosophy and breath of yoga were valuable and appropriate. She has a calming voice and encouraging demeanor. My only criticism is that she does not demonstrate enough modifications for "absolute" beginners. I am going am going to purchase other videos in her series.
Marlon Braccia is the best TV teacher I've found - E. Deken - St. Louis, MO
I had been wanting to do yoga at home but just could not find a DVD I could live with. Yoga is meant to be peaceful, tranquil, introspective, and focused. Too many DVDs have too much activity, music, distractions, etc. If you like a peaceful, introspective practice, Marlon is PERFECT. This DVD is great for a beginner; she gives lots of information on how to modify your poses and how to grow your practice. This DVD is for someone who wants to really do yoga as a full body practice (mind, spirit, and body) and deepen their yoga practice. This is not just for "doing poses" and being done with it. This is so much deeper, teaching you proper breathing, proper alignment, and more.
I am in LOVE with her series - I own three of her DVDs and have loved every one. My practice has grown tremendously and I now do yoga every morning, using what I've learned from Marlon. Again, this practice is for one who likes the quiet, introspective, breathing-focused yoga. If you want to learn yoga and truly set yourself on the path to peace and connectedness, I highly recommend this as a first step.
Namaste.
Poor Quality DVD - Wendi Wells - Nipomo, CA
My biggest complain with this DVD is the quality. I can't belive it was released in 2004. It really looks like something from the 80's. Yogi Marlon seems like a genuinely warm person, who is competent in her practice of yoga. But, the DVD totally detracts from that. I bought this DVD to replace a VHS tape I had of Yoga Journal's Yoga Inroduction with Patricia Walden because my VCR finally gave out. I thought the VHS was OK. It served it's purpose very well, and was excellent for beginners. I was hoping this new DVD would be easy enough for my 3 boys (ages 11, 12 & 13) to follow but they get distracted by some of the things she says, and the sort of "subliminal images" in one of the sections. Also, at times, it seems that she talks a lot, without really giving much instruction. So, maybe this DVD is just not for us. Its a shame.
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