Barbara Currie's Power Of Yoga [VHS]

The video itself consists of four self-contained sections based on Hatha yoga techniques that can be done individually if you're short on time or all at once for a longer workout. First up is the 10-minute "tone-up" which you should aim to do daily. Once you get used to this try and do the second 10-minute "power workout" for a more advanced stretch. Section 3 is "power toning" which places particular emphasis on arms, bums, tums and thighs. And finally, section 4 brings you "power stretching" aimed at relieving tension.

At the start of each exercise Barbara outlines the muscles that each exercise is working and the benefits you will receive--and her glowing good health should be evidence enough for even the most sceptical viewer.

All four sections show versions of each exercise for both the beginner and those with previous experience. But although aimed at all levels, Power of Yoga will be of particular interest to beginners. No previous knowledge is assumed and with the easy-to-follow sequences and strong emphasis on working at your own pace, Barbara's soothing voice will encourage even the most hesitant beginner. --Anna Freeman

However... having had other fitness videos in the past, including Lynne Robinson's Pilates workout, and, more recently Geri's Yoga video, I have to say that I was genuinely impressed with this tape and I liked it immensely.

Unlike Geri's nice but more talk-and-not-a-lot-of-action yoga video, this tape is jam packed with exercises!! Barbara Currie genuinely seems to care and although you will be fed up (or at least laughing at!) her references to "DON'T STRAIN!!!" by the end of the tape, it really is a good tape, which covers a comprehensive set of exercises from beginner to more advanced. She is always advising to follow the girl doing the easier version of each exercise if you do not feel confident in attempting the full manoeuvre!

The tape is divided into 4 sections, each of which is good, especially the last two, 35 Minute Power Toning, and 20 Minute Power Stretching.

At the end of the tape I felt good. It was colourful, it was fun and what's more I want to do it again today! (unlike my other videos which get shelved after only one viewing!)

If you are new to yoga, I would recommend you to buy this video, along with a good quality yoga book, such as The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga, or Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness, both of which are easy to understand for the novice.

I think more advanced students would also find this video enjoyable, as you can 'show-off' and demonstrate all the advanced moves alongside Barbara and co. Plus, having at least one good video is a bonus, because you can actually see the only thing that books cannot really provide, and that is a live demonstration of each exercise where you can watch the whole sequence all the way through... it is easy to copy and remember what they are doing on the screen, whereas some books may only have a beginning and end pose picture.

Overall, I think that this video is a bonus to Yoga, and should be snapped up as a value for money bargain, as there seems to be an increasing amount of poor quality material being churned out in the field of fitness at the moment.

This video will shine through.


Relaxing, Inspiring and Motivational   June 25, 2001
37 out of 37 found this review helpful

1]You do not feel deflated if you try a position and can barely do it, because Barbara Currie is very realistic and motivational - so you don't feel like giving up! 2]Whilst making you feel good about what you're doing during the workout, she uses good visualisation techniques, which destress you. 3]You are filled with confidence that you will become flexible with practise - that you really will make a difference to your body 4]The video is very relaxing, so you get a great workout and feel energised, without necessarily feeling exhausted - unlike with other excercise forms 5]The different workouts are great for time management and focusing on different bodily areas. 6]You are informed of what you are improving through different excercises

I would definitely recommend this video to anyone, especially beginners, who have never tried yoga, such as myself!


The best yoga video I have seen   February 4, 2002
23 out of 23 found this review helpful

This video is brilliant. I have dabbled with Yoga in the past but since buying this tape, I have started doing at least 10-20 mins of Yoga every day. In fact I look forward to it and really miss it if I dont have time. Because the video is split in small sections you can do as little as 10 mins or upto an hour depending on how much time you have. I know I have failed to keep up exercise regimes in the past because they have required at least an hour, and lets face it how many people who are juggling homes, jobs and kids can give that much uninterrupted time? Each day I just do as much as is feasible. I get up slightlier early and my kids often do it with me! After a week I started to notice the difference in my body and my sex life has gone through the roof ( my hubby cant believe how flexible I've become!) Barbara is an inspiration to all women. She is very brusque if her approach but is so sincere and motivating. I warmed to her immediately. She is a real woman unlike Geri Halliwell. Barbara certainly is a fantastic advert for the benefits of Yoga.


An excellent Start to practising Yoga!   February 20, 2001
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

This video is a really good start for learning and practising the basics of yoga, within your own home! The video is easy to follow, and free from annoying irreelevent music, which may put some people off of exercise videos, instead there is calm relaxing sounds which really help get you in the mood for yoga! I would definitly recommend this video, especially if you are serious about following yoga from a basic to a more advanced level.


Simple and easy to follow, for all levels, very good   February 26, 2002
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I first Bought Barbara Curries 'Seven Secrets' video and was so impressed that i wanted even more variety. Never have i found a form of exercise that i actual don't get bored of, this is it for me. I have only been doing it a short while but things are firming (which has never happened - i feel like one of those stubborn bodies!) and my mood has lifted tremendously and i sleep better. I enjoyed both videos, both have different moves and it's great to take them in turn. I hope that others who feel exercise does nothing for them find this as enjoyable as i do.