The Method - Precision Yoga [VHS]
Jennifer Kreis'sPrecision Yogapresents an active and brisk set of yoga routines that strive for three sets of goals: strength and vitality, flexibility and range of movement, and serenity and peace of mind. Each set of goals is combined with a 20-minute routine of specific yoga exercises, which are culled from various "popular styles of yoga." Kreis works through traditional salutations and appears to make up some of her own as well. Her target audience will probably already be familiar with yoga since she offers only minimal instruction on achieving poses. Familiar poses, such as the triangle, mountain, child, and warrior poses, are included. Overall, her pace is a bit quick, though she does spend ample time discussing breathing, stressing its importance while stretching. Still, her rush through the relaxing "corpse pose" felt unnecessary--she could've devoted more production time to that important pose. Be prepared to hit the pause button if your pace is slower. Her style is more crisp and no-nonsense than the more Zen-like, languid Patricia Walden or Tracy Rich videos. Kreis also stresses the mind-body connection with affirmation-like statements at the beginning and end of the video. She reminds the viewer that yoga is ultimately a relaxing and balancing exercise, not a stretching competition. The video provides three routines, easily broken up or combined if time allows. Most likely designed to accompany her other Method videos,Precision Yogacan stand on its own as an acceptable basic yoga tape.--Gilia Angell