Yoga Mind and Body

I'm reviewing this workout after doing it a number of times over the years.

There are many reviews of this here and on the forum, but since I revisited this one today and there hasn't been a recent review of this, I thought I'd post some more thoughts on this one, especially since there has been a little more interest in this lately now that it seems to be heading toward OOP (out of print) status.

General workout breakdown: Just about everything anyone could want to know about this DVD has already been covered.

One tiny nitpick from me: The transitions between series aren't always as smooth as the transitions between individual poses in a series. For some reason I've almost always struggled with the quick move to standing from the cat & cow / quarter dog series, so I have to take it a little more slowly.

Level: I'd recommend this to a decently active person familiar with at least very basic yoga poses. I also wouldn't recommend this to yoga beginners, as Erich doesn't provide detailed instruction, although what he does provide is excellent, and his approach is very non-intimidating, especially to those who fear being overwhelmed. He also provides only a few suggestions for ways to modify, so you have to be comfortable respecting your own limits (like not worrying about the fact that your hands aren't flat on the floor) or modifying / substituting as you need. This one assumes some preexisting flexibility; I know I struggled a lot with it at first because my hamstrings were so limited in their range of motion. That said, this one doesn't have a whole lot that's particularly challenging; bow and half moon may be about the most "advanced" poses. It's definitely not an advanced or really even an intermediate yoga routine.

When I first got this, I was probably a beginner / intermediate exerciser who only had at most a few years of basic yoga experience under her belt and who was still quite limited in yoga knowledge and flexibility. This was a challenge for me! Those four rounds of sun salutations seemed so long and tough. Now, as an intermediate / advanced exerciser who's been practicing yoga for about eight years and who's been able to see some improvement in strength, flexibility, and focus over the years I pull this out on days when I'm not looking for a challenge. The sun salutations (after the four rounds of half sun salutes) no longer seem like they take up half the practice, either.

Class: 3 women, including Ali, and 2 men, including Erich, demonstrate the poses, although not all of them are doing all of the poses all of the time. Ali probably gets more camera time than anyone else, while Erich gets less. I appreciate the diversity here: one of the women may have white hair, but that certainly has no bearing on her ability to do yoga (I want to be her when I grow up!).

No one shows any modifications, although some are able to move a little further into some poses compared to others.

Production: decently clear picture (this is a VHS transfer from the mid-90s) and sound. Erich's voice is a little quiet in relation to the music; you'll have to turn up the volume in order to hear his softer tones, which means you'll be listening to Dead Can Dance whether you like it or not. The camera work is definitely artsy; capturing the yoga routine performed in real time is not a major goal here. As a result, you'll rarely, if ever, see transitions between poses. Instead, you'll get artful shots of people moving into or holding the poses, often multiple scenes of the same pose but with different views or people. And, as Beth pointed out, shots of the scenery sometimes take precedence over the yoga.

Equipment: a yoga sticky mat and bare feet. Pristine white sand dunes under crystal blue skies are optional. ;-)

Space Requirements: enough room to do a sun salutation and to lie down with your arms and legs extended (make sure you can reach your legs out to each side while lying down).

DVD Notes: My DVD lists 2003 as its copyright date (the original copyright date is 1994). The main menu has Play, Chapters (introduction, breathing, warmup stretches, sun salutations, tree pose, standing pose flow, back-bending poses, leg stretches, twists, seated-forward fold, half bridge, and final relaxation / end credits. Note that not all of the chapter points are bang on: for example, if you want to skip the intro to get to the breathing, you'll first have to listen to Ali's introduction of Erich), and Spoken Languages (English).

The DVD's back cover promises a bonus new interview with Ali updating her thoughts on yoga and a healthy lifestyle, but I haven't been able to find this. If it's an Easter egg, it's very well hidden!

My DVD came in a cardboard case with plastic to hold the disc in place. It's proved decently sturdy over the years, although the cardboard is more prone to showing shelf wear than plastic.

Comments: Erich's instruction and routine are timeless; they will never go out of style. That said, aspects of this have not worn quite as well over the years, most notably the outfits, like the tie dye shirts, and the hairstyles, like the white scrunchies. No one looks absurdly silly, but they do clearly look like a product of the time. The soundtrack tends toward dreadfully dramatic at times, even if I still rather like it, and the camerawork is out of place a decade and a half later, now that the exercise video industry is well established with a different way of filming people moving. (There must be something about White Sands that brings out the "I want an Oscar for cinematography" in film crews: Shiva Rea's videos with Acacia set in the same locale suffer from similarly overly cinematic camerawork).

The dated and dramatic qualities play some part in why I don't use on a regular basis, but I do reach for it from time to time and can't bear to think of parting with it. I've actually been to White Sands, so any video set there has an extra point in the pro column on my checklist. Actually, YM&B's rather fun to do for something different, when I want my yoga practice to be a little more of an event. Because I don't do it all that often, it's one that I feel like I treat myself to. It's also one of my "yardstick" videos, meaning each time I do it I'm able to note some progress, whether it's increased hamstring flexibility or a steadier tree pose or improved ability to carry ujjayi breathing throughout the entire practice.

This video has had a direct and major impact on my yoga practice in two ways (at least): First, it made ujjayi breathing click for me. Erich's simple, straightforward two-step process made sense to me (not that there aren't other great explanations out there, just that this was the first I had come across that worked its way into my little brain). Second, Erich's simple cue of "Trees sway" during tree pose dramatically changed my approach to balance poses for the better. Before I was so fixated on being absolutely still that I was tensing up. Being told that it was OK to weeble wobble made me that much steadier, most likely because I relaxed and shifted my focus to the proper things. I know I'm not the only one who hears Erich's voice in my mind just about every time I do tree.

Erich has never repeated anything on the scale of YM&B, but he has put out some (low budget) videos. (The quality of yoga and instruction has certainly never wavered, though!) He has his Backyard Series, which are exactly as described: homemade videos of him doing a routine in his backyard. If you love Erich in YM&B, especially if you think you might prefer a no frills production, definitely check those out. IMHO, YM&B falls in between Beginning Yoga (aka Backyard Beginners) and Backbends, with Lotus being a little more challenging yet (make sure your knees are healthy and happy) and Inversions definitely geared toward much more experienced yogis. He also has videos and CDs / MP3s taped during classes and workshops available.

I find Erich's practices always very mindful and meditative. That may qualify them as "spiritual" or "mystical" or what have you. But this definitely isn't one that goes off on discussions of humans"place in the universe, relationship with the divine, or anything like that. Erich really doesn't even use that many Sanskrit names here. Like so much else, the aspects of this practice that move beyond the purely physical realm are subtle yet compelling.

One of my favorite yoga videos. It moves at just the right space and has a wide variety of poses - not exactly for beginners but not too difficult either. The scenery is beautiful and the practice is at a good pace -- you hold each pose a little and no rushing from one to the next. Even the sun salutations are at a nice even pace.

Yoga Mind and Body is a classic yoga video which stands the test of time. It is designed for those already familiar with yoga (ie, there is little instruction on how to perform each pose), and it will gently challenge you while also providing deep relaxation. The practice begins with instruction on ujjayi breathing, a basic form of yogic breathing to accompany asana (posture) practice. The warm up then continues with a cat/dog tilt series to open the spine. This beginning section lasts about 7 minutes total, but once you understand the breathing, you can skip over that segment.

Sun salutations comprise the next 10 minutes of the practice. You will begin with simple breathing and forward bends before adding lunges to the sequence. After practicing tree pose for balance, you will continue with another 10 minutes of standing poses performed in steady flow; postures in this segment include warrior, triangle, and side angle. The next 14 minutes of the workout involves floor work. You will begin on your stomach for cobra and bow, then switch to your back for leg extensions, lying twists, and bridge. The only seated posture is a single seated forward bend, and then you will return to your back for a relaxing 1/2 bridge pose. The practice ends with approximatley 4 minutes in shavasana for a total of 45 minutes.

Although others have complained about the background music, it didn't bother me--when I even noticed it, it seemed to fit nicely with the postures, as it varied from being upbeat to more soothing. One minor criticism I have of this video is that although the scenery is beautiful, the cameras sometimes focused too much on scenic views when I wanted to see close-ups of the poses being performed; similarly, there was a bit too much shifting between cameras for my liking. However, this issue did not detract from the fact that this is an excellent yoga practice which I will enjoy for a long time to come.

This is absolutely my favorite yoga video. I've dabbled with yoga for years, never really getting into it. This video was the first that really helped me experience what yoga is truly about and experience the benefits. In particular, this video elucidated the mind body connection and finally taught me how the breathing matches with the poses. I found Erich's voice and instructions (e.g. relax and enjoy what you are doing) to be affirming and helpful in toning the inner drill instructor I have in my head. It is true that there is less explicit instruction in this video than some others. I have found that over time this is one of the huge appeals to this tape. The instruction that is on the tape are the reminders that help each time I do the video, without the excessive chatter that can grate on your nerve the 50th time you've done the video. I also purchased Erich Schiffman's book Moving into Stillness and found it to be the best reference I've seen.

This was my first introduction to yoga and now I am a regular yoga-ciser. Though I now have other tapes, this is still my favourite, and I always go back to it. I also gave it to my sister to introduce her to yoga and now she does yoga regularly also. I have never taken a yoga class (I only do videos), and I think this tape has been an excellent introduction. At the same time, I still find it challenging and rewarding after doing it so many times. I would recommend this to anyone considering trying yoga, or to someone looking for a new tape to add to their collection.

I wouldn't suggest this one as a first yoga video unless you're pretty flexible already, but the video is terrific! Ali is really just a participant. Erich Schiffman leads the video, and his voice is very soothing and philosophical.

The cinematography is spectacular--nearly everything in the video is a calming combination of blue and white. It's filmed at White Sands National Park against a clear blue sky, and even the 5 participants' costumes are blue and white. There is a lot of slow motion and still photography of tumbleweeds, sand dunes, desert plants, clouds and the participants. Many of the camera shots fade into others and the effect helps one pose flow into the next. There are even a number of aerial shots of the group of participants arranged in a circle for sitting poses, and the effect reminds me of synchronized swimming. Each camera shot is carefully composed, and the genuinely artistic nature of the video adds an additional dimension to the experience.

The yoga workout is pretty challenging, flexiblity-wise, but I'm naturally pretty flexible, so I thoroughly enjoy it. This video doesn't offer as many variations as Kathy Smith's first yoga video, which is definitely a concern for the less flexible folks out there. The music is by Dead Can Dance, and it's perfect for yoga--dreamy and mystical. If this video doesn't relax you, nothing will.

I don't have any problem with the yoga moves or instruction in this video. I also thought it was an excellent workout -- but I hated the music. The background music drove me nuts. The music varies from some sort of humming and chanting with drums to single drum beats. I found it very annoying. The music had no calming effects on me whatsoever. In fact, because of the music, I won't be doing this video again.

I like Kathy Smith's yoga tapes the best because she takes an athletic approach to yoga -- rather than a spiritual approach. This video takes a much more spiritual approach -- which really bothers me.

This is one of my favorite yoga tapes. I've been doing this tape for years and I don't think that I will ever tire of it. The tape is an older tape from around 1995 or 1996. But don't think that that takes away from the yoga session. This tape is labeled intermediate by collage, and I agree, but it really is a designed for a very flexible intermediate. I wouldn't suggest it for a beginner. Most of the poses seem to emphasize not only stretch but also a real connection with your body.

You begin with a short breathing section to help you flow into the workout. You begin with a nice stretching segment doing cat tilts and dog tilts. Then you move into the first section of poses begins with sun salutation poses. You do lots of folding forward bends. Though I find I need to be previously warm before doing this tape so that I get the full benefit and stretch in the forward fold. You then move into sun salutations, then to planks and into cobra and downward facing dog then your repeat the moves a few more times per side.

You then move into some more standing postures. You practice the mountain pose moving into tree pose. Some of the other standing postures that you do are the side triangle warrior 1 and 2, the forward fold over the leg in the triangle pose, a nice leg lifting position. I may be missing a few in this series of poses. But all of the poses in these segments flow very well together. I really like some of the floor poses. I really liked the segment of back bending and bow poses. I found that it moved very progressively into the bow doing upper body then lower body lifted instead of just moving directly into the bow pose. You also do the bridge pose. Nice leg stretching poses are also included. You will see lots of leg stretching overhead and to the side positions. Also included is a nice twist that really feels great in the lower back.

But I think the best part of the video is the nice meditation segment. You get a few pointers on relaxation. Then since the music play all through the credits you get a nice length meditation section.

The set of this video is incredible. It's filmed in the White Sand Desert and has really great scenery. The instruction is voiced over, so that you only see the movements of the postures, it doesn't focus only on the instructor speaking but all the participants. This video is very well made, the nice simple but attractive outfits and the outside setting really make this video timeless. You will not get the feeling of an outdated tape. You may or may not like the music in this tape. Its very new agey, lots of instrumental and at some time a chanting, this tape really seems to emphasize mind and body connection. That said it's my favorite yoga tape.

This video did wonders for me. I have other yoga videos that I like very much. But this video is far superior. The scenery is breathtaking, the music mystical and entrancing. The workout is a perfect length. The poses are challenging but not impossible and flow with a wonderful grace. I had been struggling with the tree pose and in this video Erich Shiffman says something like "if you sway that's all right. Trees sway...". That really helped me not to be discouraged and as a result I have come a long way with my balance. Yoga, Mind and Body just makes you want to do yoga and Ali Macgraw and the other participants have such good form and look so beautiful doing yoga that it is really inspirational. While I wouldn't say this video is for the absolute beginner, it certainly is one to grow in to.

This is my absolute favorite video (of all types.) I give it as a gift to my friends who are fit and flexible and like to exercise their minds, too. I love the music and desert setting. Even the cast and their outfits are soothing. I especially like seeing the older lady doing yoga so well -- it gives me something to aspire to.

The first time I did this, my back muscles were a bit sore in places I had never felt before (probably from "bow pose"), but after that, they haven't been sore again. I've definitely improved my flexibility and balance from doing this and my other yoga tapes. I feel incredible after I do it (the whole thing or in segments. It makes an excellent study break, or something to start the day with. I can understand how some people may not like the music, but it is very unusual and has a spiritual feel. I wish they would come out with a sequel or two for this!!

First of all, this is not a beginners yoga tape. The postures are more suited for the intermediate or advanced practitioner. Second, the tape is a quality production with stunning visuals and a good soundtrack. Simply watching it can be a relaxing experience. One day I hope to achieve the kind of flexibility that is displayed on this tape but for now I am more comfortable with beginner yoga tapes.

I have to admit--I hated this video at first. It was my first yoga video (I now have about 15), and my previous yoga experience was prenatal and postnatal yoga classes that took a very down-to-earth approach to yoga. If you are looking for a video that approaches yoga from an athletic standpoint, this may not be for you. But if you are willing to explore the mystical aspects of yoga, this one can't be beat.

This video is good for the intermediate in yoga. I would not recommend it as a first yoga video. Some of the poses are quite challenging, and the chanting soundtrack, the desert photography, and the mystical approach as a whole may intimidate some (as it did me).

I can say now that of all my yoga videos, this one is near the top of my favorites list. The length is perfect (45 minutes), and it is challenging yet extremely relaxing all at the same time. I'm glad I hadn't found the video exchange when I first got this one, because I would have certainly missed out!

This video is a perfect length for me. 45 minutes of wonderful Yoga poses. I've done this video about three or four times now and feel like I'm just starting to get the most out of it. It definitely takes some flexibility and it's not for beginners (although I'm no Yoga pro - I've only done 2 or 3 others). The stretches are very fluid and well described and I really enjoyed the continuous, but sublte reminders of the spiritual quality of Yoga. Several comments thoughout encouraged me through some very challenging poses! (I almost started crying during the bow-and-arrow pose. Not because it hurt but because it took so much concentration and effort. It was like an emotional release when I achieved it!) I really felt my spine stretching and releasing. It was very nice.

I already notice a difference in my flexibility and I attribute at least part of that to this tape. I think it also really helped to have done a tough cardio workout right before (tonight's was Gin Miller's IM).

I love the soundtrack too, but I'm also a Dead Can Dance fan. The scenery is incredible. It is very artsy and beautiful (i.e. sand, clouds, birds, etc.) The ending stretches and relaxation is a perfect length. Not too drawn out but enough time is spent to be very effective. I really recommend this one!

This was a surprise video for me. When I first viewed it I didn't think I was going to like it at all. I didn't like the chanting music at the beginning or the monotone-like voice of the instructor, but the more I do this video the more I really like and enjoy doing it. The scenery is gorgeous, mostly blue and white and I like the music with the exception of the chants (or moans or whatever they are), the music seems to flow with the poses. I really is not only yoga for the body, but also for the mind. I found myself to be very relaxed and energized and even though I am not very flexible, the instructor tells you enjoy the process and only go as far as you are comfortable. I like the flow of the poses and found they moved slightly quicker than Kathy Smith's New Yoga tape which I thought was too slow for me. I try to do this tape at least one a week but I feel so good after doing it, I would like to use it more often.

Well-cued, energetic, beautifully demonstrated yoga routines for advanced levels. Location/photography on white sands a treat for the eyes