Yogiphobes, yoga newbies can relax with Turner DVD

DVD cover of YOGA : For Stress Relief & Flexibility
DVD cover of YOGA : For Stress Relief & Flexibility

— Those looking for a back-to-basics yoga DVD without all the incense and oms should check out Ashley Turner’s latest. The DVD Yoga for Stress Relief and Flexibility ($14.98 from Anchor Bay Entertainment) has two programs that Turner says go “hand in hand.” You guessed it, one’s for stress relief and includes a number of breathing exercises and stretches, and the other is for flexibility, and includes more fluid movements targeting large muscle groups.

The two workouts can be done together or rotated on alternating days — probably a more viable option for many since each workout lasts about 35 minutes.

Turner, a yoga instructor in Los Angeles, has a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She stresses the idea that caring for your body can help reduce stress and improve overall health. Or, as she puts it: “Health and happiness are an inside job.”

She emphasizes proper breathing technique, and a voice-over narration walks exercisers through the routines. Her set is a stunning garden overlooking the Pacific, and she works out alone.

She uses common names for yoga moves as well as some yogi speak, but even viewers who aren’t familiar with yoga should be able to follow along.

Many of the moves in the Stress Relief portion of the DVD are done while seated. Those who have trouble slowing down will be forced to in this segment. She takes her time on each movement, whether she’s doing neck rolls, stretching her arms overhead or doing a forward bend. She emphasizes that not everyone will be able to bend as far or reach as high, a helpful pointer for beginners. And she suggests ways to modify various moves.

In the Flexibility segment she gives detailed instructions on how to breathe through your nose, and during moves such as runner’s lunge and half splits she notes that not everyone will be able to keep those legs straight.

The moves, as is typical in yoga, require balance and coordination as well as strength and, yes, flexibility. Turner reminds viewers not to stretch too far and that certain moves will take time to hone — case in point: the eagle pose, which involves perching on one foot in a modified squat, crossing one leg over the other and crossing the arms in front, along with other intricate positioning.

There’s one thing that just about every viewer should be able to follow: Turner does a few “oms” at the end. No incense required.

Assistant City Editor Katherine Benenati is also a certified personal trainer. Her blog, Hot Mama: Finding Time to Break a Sweat, is at littlerockmamas. com.

ActiveStyle, Pages 23 on 02/21/2011

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