Element: Yoga for Weight Loss
DescriptionA regular yoga practice is ideal for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Filmed in a lush garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this dynamic yoga practice focuses on both the physical and mental factors that can affect weight. Physically it combines active vinyasa flow sequences with strengthening poses for optimal body conditioning. The vinyasa flows elevate the heart rate and burn calories while the strengthening poses build muscle and create a more toned, streamlined physique. Mentally this program will help develop the inner strength of self-acceptance, focus and gratitude thereby reducing stress and creating happiness from the inside out. About the Instructor:Ashley Turner is one of the premiere yoga teachers in Los Angeles. She holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and is known for her unique approach to yoga: a combination of physical instruction and mental application to help her students channel energy, release stress and im. . . More >>
The core of this workout is acceptable power yoga with the usual vinyasas–sun salutations and dancing warriors. It’s fine for beginners with some yoga familiarity, has an acceptable flow, though there’s little here I haven’t seen in many other power yoga DVDs. Turner has a calm voice, gives some form pointers and cues well. I wouldn’t recommend this to an absolute yoga beginner, but it might be all right for a first power style practice because the pace is slower than some.
Every “Element” DVD I’ve seen has been a worthwhile product.
I was annoyed though by Turner’s introduction, that she teaches “celebrities,” and is a “mind/body expert” holding a Master’s degree in psychology. I can skip the ego display, thank you. Her affirmations, sprinkled throughout the practice (presumably evidence of this formidable mind/body expertise) were similarly juvenile to me. Anyway who claims herself a mind/body expert has just proven she isn’t one.
I wish video instructors would teach without talking down to their audience.
Rating: 3 / 5
I found this yoga workout to be both challenging and empowering. It gets your heart going and really makes you center on yourself. Great video and I will be making it a regular part of my routine!
Rating: 5 / 5
I took yoga classes with Ashley a couple of years ago, then she relocated as an instructor. Shortly thereafter, I moved to a different city. Yoga has not been the same without her. I was SO excited to see she finally has a DVD out so I could at least get a hint of what I got out of her classes. As soon as I got the DVD, I checked it out. It’s a wonderful DVD with a nice flow that will get you to break a sweat. As a comparison to her classes, I would classify this as a “beginner-intermediate” class. One look at Ashley, and it will get you to do what she tells you. She obviously knows what she’s doing! I can tell you after six months of classes with her 2 to 3 times a week, I was stronger and more centered than I have ever been. The video will do the same for you if you commit to doing it.
Ashley is great at reminding you about postures, getting you to set intentions, and overall giving you positive affirmations that help you find balance in your life and in your yoga practice.
I was annoyed at “Sue’s” negative comments regarding Ashley’s intro, where she declares her certifications. Ashley is in no way braggadocious. Sue obviously has never taken any classes with Ashley and unfortunately, completely misperceived the intro. A note to Sue: Give the girl a break. It’s her first video. She’s a yoga instructor, not an actor. It’s possible that the Element producers scripted her speech at the beginning. Besides, it doesn’t take away from what the purpose of the video is all about, which is to give you a solid yoga workout that will help you achieve positive results in your life. A great supplement for your yoga library.
Rating: 5 / 5
As someone who has taken a workshop at kripalu and gone to a retreat in vermont with ashley this DVD is almost as good as being live with Ms. Turner.
What you get on the DVD is a great workout in a short amount of time. You get bits of Ashley’s sage advice.
Since I live in Vermont and she (Ashley) in California, I am not blessed to be able to take her classes all the time, there for doing this DVD reminds me what is important and kick’s me into shape!
This is by far one of the better yoga DVD’s in the sense that you actually get a work out. I think alot of them are kept at a lighter pace so beginners wont hurt themselves, but I find them frustrating as someone who is more intermediate. Half the time I turn them off midway. To slow, or not enough difficulty. This one is not like that.
I will definetly do this DVD on a regular basis!
Rating: 4 / 5
I found this DVD to be absolutely wonderful! I thought it was practical and although I am at a very high fitness level I found it to challenge me very nicely. I did the DVD yesterday and I am already sore today in my obliques, upper glutes, legs and shoulders. I also believe that adding this yoga workout could promote weight loss! I felt so much better when I finished yesterday. I wasn’t fatigued or worn out. But I felt energized and in a “new place. ” I thought the instructor was wonderful and calm. Element DVDs are fantastic! I look forward to more excellent workouts!
Rating: 5 / 5