Fat Free Yoga - Lose Weight & Feel Great w/ Ana Brett & Ravi Singh NOW W/THE **MATRIX**

In June'08 when I went for my annual medical checkup and a routine blood work - the blood reports indicated that I had Hypothyroidism.My doctor gave me a prescription of Synthoid (thyroid hormone replacement) which I had to take 1 tabled a day in the morning for a lifetime. I was devastated.I did not want to start any medications that I had to take for a lifetime. and hence thought of exploring some alternatives for another 6 months to an year and then start the synthyroid only if the natural alternatives fail.After endless Googling day and night, I came up with these reasonable alternatives which I could try over the next one year: (1) Fat free yoga - this DVD - thanks to another reviewer (Amber) who suggested that this could cure Hypothyroidism (2) Increasing Selenium intake - Brazil nuts are a rich natural source of SeleniumThis is exactly how I implemented my own research:================================================= (1) Fat free yoga-> Full 90 minutes of workout (all the workout routines in this DVD)-> Once a week (yes ! only once a week) since I had a busy lifestyle and dedicating 90 minutes a day would have been difficult (2) Fat free yoga-> First 25 minutes of the workout ('Breath Primer', 'tune in', 'Start your engines')-> Twice a week (3) Brazil nuts-> Consuming about 3 to 4 slightly roasted brazil nuts day as a part of my breakfast cereal-> 4 times a week:::: It does not matter which time of the day you do the yoga workout. But mornings are the best. I used to do this yoga either between 7 to 8 in the morning or 6 to 7 in the evenings.Results - 1st round===================To track progression, I took a Thyroid test 6 months later and found that my Thyroid activity had improved. TSH levels had improved from 5.3 to 4.2. Borderline, but not idealI continued to follow the exercise routine in the same frequencyResults - 2nd round===================I went for my next annual medical checkup and blood work in July'09. The doctor gave me an strange look when I mentioned that I am not taking Synthyroid, he ordered a comprehensive thyroid test (Thyroid panel test) which will not only test TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone), but also T3 and T4 which are the actual Thyroid hormones.When the results came out, not only was I floored, but the doctor was in total disbelief :)My TSH stood at 2.7, compared to 5.3 an year back. My T3 and T4 thyroid hormones looked in a perfectly normal range !Other benefits===============Like the other reviewers have mentioned that the DVD is very well done, good voice over, Excellent music that goes well with the exercises. The innovative MATRIX system which was very helpful to pick and choose the exercises.It helped me improve my energy levels, my cardio-vascular functioning, lose weight ...More about Thyroid numbers===========================What is T3 and T4 ?These are your main thyroid hormones. T4 is Thyroxine and T3 is triiodothyronine. A 'normal' thyroid test does not test for T3 and T4, ask your doctor/lab to test for T3/T4 in addition to TSH for a comprehensive testWhat is TSH ?Your body secretes a hormone known as TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, it is like an email sent from your body to the thyroid to secrete more thyroid hormones (T3 & T4). If the TSH is more, it means that your thyroid is not doing its job and your body is sending more emails (TSH) requesting the thyroid to secrete more of T3/T4.A few precautions=================-->Some of the exercise involves a lot of neck movement for thyroid. You want to be careful and take it slow and easy else you might hurt your neck. Do not overdo, anything for that matter. Infact, in one of the exercise, the narrator - Ravi Singh mentions that it is ok if your neck feels uncomfortable, but not painful : Very important point.-->Finally the disclaimer !! I am not a medical doctor hence this is not medical advice. My only intention is to share my research and help others, just like other reviewers have shared their knowledge which has helped me !

Let me say that I was a bit skeptical about Kundalini yoga after having a bad experience at a Yoga studio. I am a die hard Power Yogi fan so this was a little out of my element. I can say that I am really pleasantly surprised by these DVDS. I bought these DVDS because I was feeling fatigued and run down and having difficulty losing weight. I felt my energy was stagnant and that no matter how much aerobic exercise I was doing the weight just was not coming off as quickly as it used to. While I could just slough it off to getting older, I decided that perhaps all the years of accumulated stress had finally taken a toll on my body and I needed to do something different. I needed to move the stagnant energy and unblock areas of my body that perhaps has been affected. I was also interested in what another reviewer had written about the section on "Your Life is In Your Own Glands" for fertility as well as the Dr.Yoga House Call DVD. Some reviewers have criticized the breathing exercises as silly or them not breaking a sweat in general. While this is true, you will not be holding poses for a long time to build up heat as in Ashtanga or Power Yoga, the breath of fire is very effective for moving stagnant energy (prana). You may not break a sweat, but you will definitively find yourself "panting". The main breathing technique "breath of fire" is indeed aerobic (literally meaning "with air") and will burn calories whether or not you are breaking a sweat. It also detoxifies the body and brings oxygen to the blood and vital organs. The section on the glands on this DVD focuses on the Thyroid and Pineal glands which are master glands for sex drive, hormones, and you guessed it....metabolism! So, I get the same benefit with some extra bonuses without having to jump all around.Here are some of the things I have personally noticed after using the DVD:1) My breathing is now slow, deep, even and steady. Most of us don't breath evenly out of both nostrils, usually one is dominant. Just try breathing onto a hand mirror and see. Also, when we are stressed, breathing usually becomes shallow and restricted. But after doing these exercises I noticed a difference for the better in the way I breath.2) I'm sleeping better and not getting up in middle of the night to pee.3) I feel like I am vibrating, alert, and energized afterwards, practically buzzed on oxygen.4) I am losing weight (combined with change of diet of course).I love the Matrix because you can customize your own work out which is helpful if you are short on time or want to break it up into two or more shorter sessions. Personally, I like to break it up into 2 x 30-40 minutes sessions. Doing it all at once would be pretty intense. Fortunately within the sections, there are short rests/meditations which I actually like. Just because you are not doing jumping jacks does not mean this is not intense. Working with energy, breath, and moving prana should be done with care.The sections are as follows:Primer 4:28Tune In 3:11Energizing Breath Exercises 4:28Start Your Engines 13:27Fight Fire With Fire 21:31No Impact Aerobics 12:45Your Life is In Your Own Glands 11:37Deep Relaxation 3:11Teapot Meditation 3:42Meditation to Transform Emotions 7:52Closing Prayer 2:24I find that the sections flow so easily from one to the next that I don't necessarily notice. On some DVDS the transitions can be counter intuitive and choppy. Not so with this DVD. The meditations are divine! Very different than traditional meditation, but using breath in such a different but effective way. I especially liked the Teapot meditation. I really have a hard time sitting still and doing nothing in mediation, and I'm not much of a chanter, but I found these sections very interesting and doable.It is very different from traditional "working out" or sun salutation down ward doggy yoga. If you can keep and open mind and notice what is happening to your breath and energy, essentially your life force, I think you will be very pleased with the results.

ho appena ricevuto il DVD l'ho già provato molto coinvolgente mi piace molto e' un metodo un po' diverso quello della kundalini yoga che da' molta importanza alla respirazione e concentrazione

This was my very first Raviana purchase. I didn't really know what to expect from Kundalini Yoga, and I did find it a bit strange at first, but I love it now and can't imagine my life without it. I have 13 of their DVDs and have been doing one workout per day, every day, for close to four months now. I've seen very dramatic results and am constantly asked what I have been doing. I tell them all about Ravi and Ana's DVDs, and although this type of yoga may be a little different from what you're used to, know that it comes highly recommended. I've lost approximately 25 pounds over the past few months, but it isn't about the number, it's really about how great you feel at the end of each workout, and each day afterward.Instead of running and jumping around like a crazy person while trying to get into shape, I now do Kundalini Yoga. It works on the glands, hormones (especially the thyroid which is a major factor in weight gain and the inability to lose weight), your moods, your mind, and your spirit, in addition to shaping your body. I've never felt better mentally, physically, or spiritually. They really changed my life. Thank you Ravi and Ana! :D

I came to Kundalini Yoga through the book and DVDs by Maya Fiennes (whom I wholeheartedly endorse). I wanted to try this DVD, due to the excellent reviews, as I was keen to lose stress accumulated fat.Now, I must confess that I have only done this DVD a few times (I only received it a few days ago and I can't stop doing it)but, as I have done Maya Fiennes Detox and Destress, Chakras and Mantras series, I know what I like KY wise.I always watch a workout before attempting it so I know what to let myself in for. I must confess that while watching (rather than doing) I was not impressed: the production looked tacky and Ravi's voice seemed a bit creepy. But, crucially, when you do the workout, Ravi's voice soothes rather than grates. 90 miniutes literally flies by and feels like 10!I like the fact that the workout feels attainable while still being challenging. I have done some work with Maya Fiennes' DVDs, so strictly speaking I am not a beginner but, I have a long way to go and this DVD is not out of reach for beginners. I would say that it's great for improvers too as some of the exercises would take practice to complete fully.Modifications and suggestions are offered to enable all levels to participate fully. The voiceover is encouraging and I found this helpful to keep going when the 'going got tough'. I am finding, with this DVD, that the breath of fire is becoming more effortless to perform and sustain.The DVD is in 4 workout segments so you can compile a workout of your choosing. I will not re-iterate the structure of the DVD (others have done that) but I will say that if you have the time-do the lot-you won't regret it.I particularly liked the meditations. The 'teapot' one is sooooo soothing and would be great for calming the nerves. Then emotional healer meditation is awesome! You basically conjure up feeling of hurt, anger and upset and you are encouraged to let go through the mantra Sa Ta Na Ma. This may sound cranky but, when thinking of one particular incident, I cried, but as soon as I began to chant Sa Ta Na Ma, my feelings of upset were progressively replaced with joy. My hands were vibrating after that meditatation. Powerful stuff but embues a wonderful feeling.After you have completed the workout and 'tuned out' you are treated to a session where Ana does a lot of 'goofy' dancing. When I watched this for the first time I thought 'no way' but when I actually completed the workout I couldn't stop myself from doing it. I felt so uplifted and without restraint that I joined in too.The only negatives about the DVD are that Ravi's voice is so calm and monotone that I sometimes missed cues as I did not hear (probably concentrating or blissed out). Also, I'm so impressed with this DVD that I want to buy all the Raviana titles but can't afford them (booooo!)I will update regarding the weight loss side of things as it's too soon to say if this will be of benefit.

I really like this DVD, being able to select from the menu is really beneficial.

Excellent workout that works all aspects of your body. Fat Free yoga uses the breath of fire more than some of their other workouts. It really works your cardio and is a very cleansing breath. The workout is just over 80 minutes, but it has the matrix option so you can modify it if you have less time. I find that when I do these workouts the time seems to fly by and after I feel so much more uplifted and ready to conquer the day in comparison to other forms of yoga or aerobics. I have been doing these workouts for 4 months and I look and feel the best I ever have. They are truly addictive. I love the positive physical, emotional and spiritual effects that Kundalini yoga provides so much that I rarely go a day without doing one of their DVD's. Truly transforming workouts!