Bryan Kest - Power Yoga, Vol. 1 - Energize [VHS]

Bryan Kest Yoga
Out of all the yoga dvds I own, this is, by far, my favorite one. I've only been doing yoga for a few months when I got this dvd, and it was very challenging at first. I could barely hold the poses, but Bryan was very encouraging and, overall, he is a great instructor. With time, I became better at it, but I still feel like I get a great work out when I do it, and still enjoy it a whole lot. Once I'm through, I can feel the energy in every part of my body. I LOVE the way this dvd is set up - starting with several Sun Salutation based exercises, and gradually going into more relaxed poses. Like I said, I love this video and go back to it all the time.

Glad I Found It
Rather than focussing on the teacher doing the poses, Bryan actually moves around the class correcting postures and pointing out helpful tips. I like that. His explanations and corrections help me better understand what's going on and to see what I need to do to improve my own practice. They do show him doing the correct form so we see that as well. As a teacher myself (dance), I liked the way he was so physically comfortable with his students with a very hands on approach to his instruction. The class was a nice mix of men and women, which I liked. To my eye, there is a subtle difference between the way men and women do the postures, and so many of the videos I have seen out there are geared to women that it's refreshing to see a blend. As a guy, it was good to see other guys in the class. The students demonstrate different ability levels, which is nice when I'm still struggling with the moves. Most instructional videos are actually pretty useless in my opinion. You can't use them unless you already know the material. Bryan's video is actually teaching me more than I have learned in the yoga class I have been attending, which is quite a compliment.

Excellent for all levels
Bryan Kest has a gentle style and his approach to Power Yoga in this three-part DVD provides excellent guidance, even for beginners. Viewers will always feel healthier and stronger after performing to the DVD. Well-valued when you consider what going to a Yoga studio would cost. I have used the DVD personally around 100 times, and it always seems to help me physically and mentally.

Great workout
I practice yoga about three times a week at a studio, and bought this dvd to add some additional vinyasa flow workouts to my routine at home. I'm very happy with the dvd - each of the three workouts feel like an actual studio class. I especially love the warm up and the final resting (savasana) pose, which other dvds tend to leave out. However, my only "complaint" is that Mr Kest doesn't use sanskrit names for the poses. For someone like me, who is used to studio yoga, it's harder to anticipate a pose without knowing what exact pose I'm getting into. Overall, a great supplement to my yoga practice.

Preaching to the choir
I was excited when I purchased this DVD in hopes for an addition to my collection that would rival Rodney Yee's awesome Power Yoga DVD. I was greatly disappointed when I actually tried this DVD. I tried both Level 2 & 3 practices, as I wanted to give it a fair shot, but I have to say I was tempted to just turn it off within 5 minutes of beginning it & several times thoughout. But, I stuck with it due to the rave reviews it has received. To be fair, the actual yoga practice is good - it's just too distracting to actually use this DVD due to the excessive talking/preaching from Bryan Kest about the wonders of yoga & the cheesy 80's filming. For me, simple is better when it comes to yoga DVDs - all I need is clear cues, a nicely structured routine, & an instructor to be able to quickly glace at when I need some guidance. Unfortunately, he talks literally NON-STOP the entire practice & it alternates between a classroom setting & "artistic" shots of him doing yoga. I would probably do this again & forgive the cheesy filming if it weren't for the talking. I buy fitness DVDs to do on a consistent basis & I don't know how anyone (no matter how much they enjoy the actual practice) can listen to him say the same thing everyday (let alone once through!). This one has already made it to the waste of money pile.