I purchased this DVD because I did not want to spend a lot of money at a Bikram studio. I also found that I did not like how the Bikram instructors presented the class when I attended my local studio. However, I really enjoyed the sequence of asanas from Bikram and found that the video is a great alternative. I especially like how the narration is calm and soothing. I am a beginner and I find that the modifications are helpful. Super purchase. The Barkan Method: Hot Yoga
I have been reading up on Yoga for a while and discovered Bikram Yoga after an article about Jenny McCarthy and her experience doing it at her home. I looked into classes and either it didn't work with my schedule or they were very pricey.
I have several books but wanted a DVD that went through the movements to get the feel of the flow of this particular style of Yoga. I also wanted a challenge and something that would make me work.
Well, this DVD does all that. What I like about it is that it has the tutorial which goes through each movement with lots of detail. Also it has a feature during the class section. All you have to do is click on it and it will bring you right to the tutorial if you need some more detail, which is pretty cool.
I definately think the reviews that state its not a power workout or the fact you won't sweat are a bit misleading. If you do this workout the way you are supposed to in a "hot" room, and you continue to challenge yourself going further with each movement you will sweat.
For me I just use a portable heater and turn the fans off, and that creates a perfect enviroment. I don't know if its the ideal temp which I believe is slightly over 100 degrees, but I think as long as its warm enough to work a sweat that is the key thing, as you could really hurt yourself otherwise. I would think a humidifer would work as well to create the enviroment too.
Also I saw that there was a complaint about it not being detailed, which is a bit misleading as well. With the tutorial and the ability to reference it during the class, I think it's very detailed for a DVD. I think if someone is look to delve into the finer, nitty gritty details, then I would would suggest to purchase a book as well. I have done that myself and I think that is key to learn about this form of yoga in the fullest sense.
Anyway, I will definately use this DVD as part of my regular routine. It's a great economic alternative to classes and if you challenge yourself you will feel and see the results.
This DVD is everything and more than I expected. I had gone to "Hot Yoga" classes in the Denver Area and found them to be quite militant and unfriendly to newcomers -especially since I expressed that I had tennis elbow and might need to modify some things for my arm. This was met with an attitude that clearly communicated that I might as well not do the class if I had to modify anything! Also, during the class we were told repeatedly not to move to even scratch an itch on our noses or heads or fix out ponytails etc and the instructors were constantly overwhelming everyone new with too many rules to even take in 90 minutes! I thought I was dealing with the Yoga Military Police! They were polite but, very strict.
In any case, I found the Bikram's instructors in the actual classes in Denver to be very stand-offish, superior, and artificial. Also, their perfect bodies and their underwear-like yoga outfits were way over the top for me. I am not interested in survival yoga or the yoga olympics! I just wanted a good anti-aging, and destressing stretch after a hard day at work!
Conversely, I found Barkan's DVD to be gentle, not a yoga-competition, and it offers multiple chances for modification for beginners. This is perfect and saves a ton of money, since I don't have to pay for those over-priced classes or parking or gas to get there! Its the perfect at home solution. And if you need to take a break or scratch your nose no one is going to give you the evil eye or the raised eyebrow! Barkan has a very soothing and comforting manner throughout the DVD and is wonderful to listen to as well. Great DVD!
This is the best yoga DVD I own. I also love Rodney Yee's AM/PM 20 minute workouts, for but for a good hour long yoga session, this can't be beat. I tried Hot Yoga, but couldn't stand the heat, humidity, and overcrowding in the studios. I was thrilled to find the same poses I loved from Hot Yoga in an easy to follow DVD. Using this workout at home is very convenient and I've never felt better. Each pose seems to balance with the one that follows it. Just did a back bend? Let's lean forward and stretch out the other side. Don't be intimidated when you first start. Stick with the first 38 minutes, that is where the real work is done. After the standing and balancing poses, the floor poses are a welcome relief. I feel so open, physically and emotionally after finishing this workout. I highly recommend it.
I purchased this DVD after taking Bikram yoga classes for a month. I can't travel an hour to the yoga center every day (as is suggested with Bikram yoga), and though it was very helpful, I just couldn't travel. Bikram won't release a DVD because they want people attending the studios. That's all well and good, but some of us just can't do it.
THIS IS NOT A BIKRAM KNOCK-OFF!
I found the format easy to use, complete with tutorials, and the pace is easy to keep up with. I like that they use modifications and stress being gentle with our bodies if we have issues. The asanas are a workout but you can still do what you can, and gradually, you'll keep up.
I love having this to work with at home!
I have taken Bikram Hot yoga in the past and have loved it! With time schedules and the associated expense, however, I have not been able to attend as regularly as I would like. I have been searching for a Bikram DVD to use at home, and have learned that Bikram does not release video's of his class. I have also purchased multiple yoga videos, but have never been completely happy with the entire experience. The Barkan Method, however, is exactly what I have been looking for! I have viewed and practiced this video for the first time and am SO HAPPY I have purchased it! The actual class lasts about 60 minutes. The poses are VERY similar to the 26 Bikram poses. Each pose is only performed once, but there is adequate time to go deeper into each pose (but not too much time!). James Barkan narrates the class and offers many valuable hints for stretching deeper or utilizing modifications for beginners. Also, his voice is very soothing and encouraging. Again, this is an amazing class and is exactly what I have been looking for. I would HIGHLY recommend this DVD. Perfect for beginners and advanced yogi's. Namaste. - Yoga Instruction - Yoga - Yoga Dvd - Bikram Yoga'
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