Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9570 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-09-30
• Rating: Exempt
• Formats: Colour, PAL
• Original language: English
• Dubbed in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 100 minutes

Synopsis
The core of the Ashtanga Yoga practice is the sequence of postures known as Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation. Here, Nicki Doane, a dedicated student of Patabhi Jois (the father of Ashtanga yoga), introduces newcomers to the vigorous Surya Namaskar A and Surya Namaskar B sequences. Her instructions are precise, no-nonsense, and fully supported by impeccable demonstrations of each posture. She also covers the essentials of Ujjayi pranayam (a breathing practice that creates inner heat and focus) and a few seated postures. Set on a lovely outcropping in Maui (where Doane and her partner operate a yoga studio), it is as visually stunning as it is practical. Note that while the title refers to 'Introductory Poses' it is not for the brand-new yogi, but for an intermediate student who is ready for a more intense physical experience.

Customer Reviews

Clear instructions and beautiful demonstration
Being a part-time yoga teacher, this DVD is the very first ashtanga yoga that I bought. It contains Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) A and B. You need to first get familar with A before moving to B. It is with less postures but more physically demanding than the classic Surya Namaskar.

Nicki is a great yoga practitioner. Watching her demonstration gives me a sense of peace, simplicity, and joy. Compared to other yoga DVDs that I have seen, Nicki can place every posture accurately and almost without any minor adjustments while changing between the postures. It is flowing so smoothly and effortlessly. The instructions are pretty clear - not too much or too fast, so that all the details can be well captured after practising together with the DVD for few times. The pace between each viyansa (one breath + one movement) is moderate which will help you breathe deep enough in order to catch up the speed. I also like the way to chant ashtanga mantra in the very beginning, but for the text of the mantra you have to find it by searching in Google. The DVD which runs smoothly can be used for daily practice.

The DVD was shot at Hawaii where Nicki lives. The scene setting is next to the sea. The background music with mantra chanting is also great. Be sure to watch her interview, which will inspire your yoga practice.

If you are not sure for the posture being demonstrated, in the DVD you can jump to a session that gives you more details, and after than the DVD will bring you back to the original point of demonstration.

The only thing to improve is the inserted poster which gives Surya Namaskar A only. Do not understand why B is not provided. But if you follow the DVD for few times, your body will remeber it, so for me it is not really necessary to have the poster.

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to explore ashtanga yoga, regardless with yoga experience or not.

Good Introduction and Well Presented.
If you have never done yoga and you want a form of yoga that is going to really work your body into a sweat then this is the DVD for you. It is challenging enough as an introduction and is detailed enough for a total beginner to follow. If you have done another form of yoga, e.g. Kundalini, then you will find some of this is familiar but there is more of a continuous flow. Highly recommended.

Thorough instruction by a top instructor!
After several 'hit and miss' tries with different yoga programs on DVD I have finally found 'the one' and I will stick with it. Whenever Nicki Doane is ready to come out with her next set of lessons I will be eagerly waiting. In the meantime this will be part of my daily routine.
She not only obviously has the stamina to carry you through all the steps and doesn't just tell you to do repetitions-she does them with you which, along with her wonderful voice, keeps you going. Her interview is lovely as well, gently inspiring and completely natural..a good sense of humor.