Power up yoga – Rodney Yee – GAIAM – DVD

Description

Power Up Yoga is the newest video from renowned yogi Rodney Yee. This DVD, which will be released by Gaiam on March 5, is divided into three unique sections that flow together to create one energizing, approximately hour-long yoga experience while also giving viewers the ability to follow just one or two of the sections depending on how much time they have to dedicate to their yoga practice, as well as what they are interested in focusing on.

My Experience
As a yoga teacher and a student of yoga, I’m always eager to expand my yoga horizons, and the idea of a video that was divides a yoga practice into three distinct sections that can be combined together or performed separately piqued my interest.

The first section of the DVD, “Connect,” is all about building strength in the body based on “power through connection.” This 25-minute long segment focuses on sun salutations and various standing postures such as warrior II and warrior III in addition to cultivating core strength and awareness, all of which honestly left me breaking a bit of a sweat.

RELATED: If you really wanna sweat, you may be interested in hot yoga. But check out our nine things you need to know about bikram yoga before you sign up for a class.

The second section, “Energize,” strives to enhance flexibility and create more space in the body by delving into the idea of “power as energy.” This 17-minute exploration of asana had me moving through standing poses like triangle and balancing half moon before progressing on to back-bending postures such as cobra, floor bow, camel, and wheel. This spine-strengthening series was followed by supine hamstring stretches to lengthen and energize the back line of energy in the body before moving to a comfortable seated position to reconnect with the breath, serving as the perfect transition to the third segment, “Breathe.”

The 15-minute conclusion to this video explores “power through stillness” with a focused approach to opening the hips with asanas such as cobbler’s pose and seated forehead to knee stretch before culminating the practice with a blissfully relaxing savasana.

The Takeaway
I’m a big fan of Rodney Yee’s style, from his cueing and tone of voice to his ever-changing flows and creative choice of postures. And the amazing Colorado scenery that serves as the backdrop adds to the experience.

Power Up Yoga artfully blends the physical focus of a yoga practice, such as increasing strength and improving flexibility, with the meditative qualities of connecting with breath and being present in the moment.

RELATED: Whatever your goals, yoga can help. Find the best yoga class for you.

While the first segment of the video moves a bit quickly given the dynamic nature of the flow leaving minimal time for detailed explanation of each posture, the movements are relatively easy to follow, making this video a suitable option for those who may be a bit newer to yoga (though it may involve viewing the video a few times to get familiar with the names of and correct alignment in each pose). At the same time, the DVD serves as a good option for the seasoned yogi looking to add variety to their practice.

Overall Power Up Yoga left me feeling challenged, balanced, grounded, and energized, all of the things I look forward to following a great flow.

GET TO KNOW RODNEY YEE
Rodney Yee was a professional ballet dancer who later studied Iyengar yoga. He travels nationally and internationally to teach workshops, teacher trainings and retreats. Rodney has been designing and performing in Gaiam programs for over 10 years. He has been featured on Oprah and other national programs.