Delivers what it promises!
Although there are many yoga videos that claim to be "relaxing," most move too quickly to allow you to truly relax into the poses. I'm happy to say that Kripalu Yoga: Gentle is different, as it delivers exactly the gentle, relaxing yoga practice that it promises. The video consists of two half hour practices (the first is slightly longer) designed to be done either together or separately. The main instructor, Carolyn Lundeen (Sudha), provides a soothing, instructive voice-over to the slow yet steadily flowing practice. Although many familiar poses are included, they are frequently motified to be more gentle--eg, Eagle pose done with the arms only.

Unlike many other yoga videos, this practice begins in a seated position. After a focus on breathing, you do simple seated stretches to begin warming the body. Next you move to your knees for a lunge series and additional twists. Following this, you do a series of three very gentle sun salutations: this is a very relaxed, slow-moving but flowing version of the sun salutation postures. Finally, you will do some standing poses (Warrior I, II, and Triangle) before moving back to the floor for reclined postures.

The first program ends in relaxation pose, and the second practice picks up from this point. Towards the end of the second practice, there is a several minute long "free" period during which Carolyn and her two assistants perform whichever poses they want; they instruct the viewer to do the same. I actually found this to be somewhat distruptive to the flow of the workout, as I would have preferred Carolyn's guidance to being left to my own devices. Overall, however, I found this to be a unique, soothing, and relaxing yoga practice which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The one I recommend to friends
If you are new to yoga, or,like me, have been a beginner for years, Carolyn Lundeen is the ideal instructor. Calm, soothing, clear and understandable, her voice is like soft rain water and you are the summer day. The postures are easy, yet still challenging. She shares the stage with two, I assume students, who show various ways the postures can be attained. The background music is unobtrusive, but hypnotic. I am giving this tape to my friends for gifts and for introduction to this brand of yoga. Up until now, the only other yoga instructor I liked was Rodney Yee, but Carolyn matches him posture for posture.

Kripalu is for everyone!!
I am such a beginner that the first time I started yoga, was 6 days ago. I did this tape and now I'm hooked. Every day I look forward to working up a mild sweat and relaxing...at the same time! I borrowed this one from my mom to get a taste of yoga and now I can't stop. My mom liked it, and I like it- from teenage to middle age- this works for everyone! I really suggest this tape to anyone! It's an amazing workout! I'm already getting more flexible after three sessions. After doing the exercises I feel so relaxed and centered and taller! It's the yoga experience minus the scary names like "the praying mantis" or "the double ended pretzel loop cat jump". As Sudha says "Get grounded" and get this tape!

Painless!
My neck and shoulders are in constant pain due to fibromyalgia, and I love yoga but it is difficult to find good restorative yoga. My mother bought this video a few years ago, and since she hadn't been using it, I gladly took it off her hands...it is great! Finally, yoga that helps me more than it hurts. I know most people probably don't wind up in as much pain as I do just from stretching a muscle the "wrong" way, but I think anyone could benefit from this very relaxing tape.

Sends me into the peace zone
I have lots of yoga tapes, but this is absolutely the most relaxing tape I have ever seen. It's not fancy -- no Hawaiian beaches, just a dark studio with three ordinary-looking yoga practitioners. I guess it's the combination of soothing voice, soothing music at just the right volume, and restorative poses. I highly recommend this for anyone, beginner or experienced, who is feeling tired or stressed out. A candle or incense goes well with this one.