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| Is anyone familiar with the following Ashtanga DVD's: Ashtanga Yoga - John Scott, Intro to Ashtanga Yoga - Richard Freeman, Ashtanga 1st Series - David Swenson?
I'm looking for something more for informational purposes, not for a home practice. If I decide I would like to actually try it, I would go to a class but there don't seem to be any "Intro" Ashtanga classes around here so I thought a DVD might be a good way to get familiar with it.
The John Scott DVD is pricey at $35 but it does sound pretty cool with 2 audio options and optional camera angles.
Any suggestions?  |
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| Hi Kathy Ann,
I am not personally familiar with John Scott's or Richard Freeman's DVDs, but have heard many good things about them. I do have David Swenson's DVD and find it to be very useful (both for informational purposes and for home practice). He includes a 30-minute introductory segment in which he covers bandhas and ujjayi (sp?) breathing. He also breaks down the jump back and jump through (both of which I have yet to find myself doing in my own practice!).  The next hour and half is the full primary series. He adds useful tips for alignment, and also includes modifications. I think his DVD is excellent, and his gift for instruction comes through. Of course, since I have no reference, I'm slightly biased. Hope this helps!
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| Thanks amechan for the info.  |
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| Richard Freeman's is the slowest and easiest to follow if you're new. Since the series doesn't change, the yoga is the same but the discussion is a tiny bit better. They're the 3 I'd recommend, although you'll seldom find me recommending a yoga video.
You know how to best use one of these puppies, don't you? It's not like aerobics where you throw it in and try to follow.
Kathy Ann, to this form of yoga, you are a newbie. Well, at 6 months or so you're a newbie anyway, right? This "family" of yoga, which includes Anusara, Ashtanga, Viniyoga, Iyengar and several off-shoots, is totally different than the Bikram Form in style, preformance and purpose of the pose. I am not being snotty when I say this, but if you haven't read how to use one of these dangerous, accidents-waiting-to-happen they call videos, please let me give you a brief run-down? Particularly if you're going to try a form of yoga that is my joy. I'd want you to experience it as positively as you can, vs. it being a really stressful, difficult and potentially injury-possible experience, OK?
Thanks,
Christine |
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| Christine,
Thanks for your response. No offense taken.
I guess I didn't explain myself very well. I have NO intention of actually trying to follow along with the video if I get one. I only wanted it to observe so I could get familiar PRIOR to taking a class, IF I decide I have enough interest. Does that change your opinion of the various videos? Are you familiar with the John Scott one? It just seemed to have some cool features that the others didn't, especially if I was just going to view it, not follow along. I'm just exploring, want to get familiar with the different styles. I don't have the discipline to do ANYTHING like that at home!
This may be a lost cause anyway. There are very few Ashtanga classes around here. Lots of Anusara and Bikram. |
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| All three are really nice tapes. You can't go wrong with any of them, so pick the one that strikes your fancy.
C. |
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Ashtanga DVD's
