Crunch - The Perfect Yoga Workout: The Joy of Yoga & Fat-Burning Yoga

I have been doing this workout for about 8 years now (wow- didn't even realize!) and it's still my go-to option for a workout that's less strenuous but still effective.I disagree with the reviews here that have said that there's no way it's fat-burning, especially since a lot of them are claimed to have been written by experienced yoga practitioners. Anyone who does yoga knows that part of it's appeal is that the fat-burning effects come from the effort put forth in sustaining poses, this is why you break a sweat with a very limited range of motion. Additionally, it builds muscle, which increases metabolic rates and thus burns more calories while resting. So saying it doesn't help to burn fat is simply not true.Sarah's instruction is really great. She knows what she's talking about and is motivating without shoving it in your face (no 'Come on, you can do it!'s). She's also not pseudo-Zen like some other instructors, but doesn't take the relaxation and the 'yoga' out of it, either. I started this DVD with no prior knowledge of yoga whatsoever, but she is very careful to make sure to instruct you on the proper form. Even after doing it for so long, I still really appreciate her guidance as a reminder of where I should be, because it keeps me focused and my form in check. Also, she does this as she's doing the moves, so you're never standing around listening to an explanation. To me, it's more like having a real instructor. I also still find it challenging even as my flexibility has progressed. So it's comprehensible for the beginner, but still physically engaging for the practiced.I have exercise-induced asthma, so a lot of the more cardiovascularly focused sports and workouts are not an option for me, but this workout combined with long bike rides and healthy eating has morphed me into the best shape of my life.That being said, I will agree that there are some drawbacks to the DVD. For one, Sarah's instruction and motivation can get really old after a while (she definitely has some dorky eye-roll moments), but I feel like that can be the case with any workout DVD watched regularly. Think you could watch the same movie 3 times a week without getting sick of it? Also, the music is really bad. New-agey, hokey, and bland. BUT, this is counteracted by the fact that in the audio options on the main menu you can choose to mute just the music. So you can put on your own tunes and still listen to the instructor (I actually just discovered this today, and I am stoked).All in all, it's a great DVD and a great workout. I am so glad I found it and got in on a whim instead of some other yoga DVD, because I've tried to add other ones to my routine and have absolutely hated the style of them. I would definitely recommend it this anyone and everyone!

This is a great DVD for those just getting into yoga. The two separate workouts are very different so that it can fit your mood and/or energy level for the day.The Joy of Yoga:The mellower of the two, with a lot of great stretches and muscle workouts. If you've tried the Crunch Candlelight Yoga, this is a bit more active then that. As a beginner I could easily follow and was able to make it through the entire routine and felt great afterwards.Fat Burning Yoga:The name says it; this is a bit more intense of a workout. She includes a few "routines" so that you're continually moving and working your muscles at the same time to help burn calories while toning your muscles. As a beginner this one was a bit more of a challenge, but I loved actually feeling my muscles working (contracting) without killing myself.Sarah is a great instructor; she's extremely soothing and explains everything along the way in both workouts. There is a person to show modifications in both workouts and Sarah constantly reminds you to do whatever you're most comfortable with as yoga is not about being too strenuous on your body.I highly recommend this set of DVD's; you can't beat the two for one deal on a great set of workouts. I can't believe I'm actually uttering the words that I look forward to exercising again with these!

I have been doing Sara Ivanhoe's fat burning yoga workout off and on for the past 8 years. I recently ordered this because my VHS version broke:( I enjoy Sara as a video instructor because she uses a nice, soft relaxing voice and is not annoying as with many other video instructors. I find that I enjoy all the Crunch instructors in that way. Her workout includes poses that can be adapted for beginners all the way up to more advanced yoga practicers which makes this workout one that will continue to be challenging for as long as you'd like to use it. There was a time, back in my college years, that I was more religious about doing the workout everyday. In those days, I was able to see such a result! I noticed lean muscles and a real improvement in my balance, not to mention I felt great and really energized. Instructors frequently say, "this should feel good" which I always thought was a load of crap because...hello, I am exercising here! I can honestly say, however, that when I did this everyday and really knew what I was doing, it did feel great and I actually looked forward to my workout!Highly recommended! If at first it seems hard and you notice yourself falling over, keep at it as you will notice that you get the hang of it after awhile and trust me, the results are worth it:)

First off you should know - I've got a huge crush on Sarah - the instructor, now that that's out of the way I can tell you that both of these workouts are increadable.I've done martial arts for years - that's my base of experience and mind set - not just an exercise or self defense, but a whole mind body thing - before you even think the word "flake" that's not where I'm heading - this isn't one of those.This DVD is very user friendly - the routines are the best I've done and my wife and I have bought enough Yoga VHS/DVD's to know what's out there.The routines are hard working - i.e. you work up a sweat, but it's not overwhelming or too advanced - especially the Joy Of Yoga one - it's a fantastic workout - a little more advanced for the beginner - if you're a beginner - watch it once or twice, then you're all set.I've been doing Yoga for a few years and this DVD is heavy on my rotation - I have not tired of it or anything like that.We have all of Sarah's DVD's - I think there are only 3 of them - I can't say enough or really put in to words how great these are!

I have only tried one of the two videos contained in this set so far. It was a very good workout however I found the instructor a bit difficult to follow. Perhaps after a few times I will become more proficient at it.

La description dit "bilingual" cependant le DVD est exclusivement en anglais. Domage parce qu'il semble vraiment bon.

Deux cours de quarante cinq minutes, assez sportifs, d'un niveau nettement plus exigant que les "yoga pour les nuls" du même auteur, à aborder après la série Yoga makeover. Cadre austère d'une salle de fitness sur la côte Ouest, élèves manifestement danseuses ou gymnastes, la seule de niveau débutant-intermédiaire n'est que très épisodiquement filmée.