All Rise...

Judge Brett Cullum is, as you read this, crouching in the Position of the Uncoordinated Yak.

The Charge

Stretch your way to a better body!

The Case

I used to think Yoga wasn't much more than a nice relaxing stretching session with soothing calm effects. Then I tried the kind of yoga done in a room heated up to about one hundred and twenty degrees, and realized Yoga (like many things today) had become extreme. Anchor Bay has gathered together five yoga workouts led by fitness instructor Lara Hudson and entitled it 10 Minute Solution Yoga. It's a part of their fitness series on DVD aimed at people who don't have time to hit the gym, or who prefer to stretch and strain in the privacy of their own home.

There are five 10 minute yoga routines contained on the disc:

• Yoga Basics
This section is all about form and breathing, and teaches you basic postures that will be the basis for the rest of the workouts. Even people who practice yoga regularly will want to make sure to check this segment out to learn how Lara uses terminology for her poses, and what the foundations are for her workouts.

• Yoga for Buns and Thighs
This all about your butt and upper leg muscles. The poses in this section are aimed at strength building and toning in these problem areas. Expect ten minutes of a lot of squatting in this segment.

• Yoga for Abs
Yoga actually makes a nice workout for your midsection; this segment is my favorite on the DVD. In it you execute and hold stretches designed to tax your abdominal muscles. This part of the program is a little more challenging for some people, but it really is an effective routine.

• Yoga Burn
This is a weak section of the DVD, because its aim is to use yoga to burn calories. It will get your heart rate up, but I would recommend a more aerobic and active cardio routine as opposed to this approach. But, like any exercise program, it beats the hell out of not doing anything at all.

• Yoga for Flexibility and Relaxation
Traditionally, this is what Yoga is all about. You stretch, you relax, and you feel better. Forget about a killer butt, trying to sweat off pounds, or flattening your tummy for ten minutes. I'd say this is the reason for buying the DVD.

The DVD itself is your standard presentation with a full screen and stereo treatment. The production values are stark and simple: Lara Hudson inside a studio working out on a mat. The special feature here is you can choose two 10-minute segments to play in a specific order. So you control which segments you want to perform at the menu. It's a nice feature, and it also allows you to pick longer sessions up to and including a "Play All" feature for when you have almost an hour to devote to your workout.

These 10 Minute Solution sets are great when you need something quick and easy before you head out to work, or after a long day. I'd say 10 Minute Solution Yoga is great to pop in once in a while when you feel stressed, or if you want to try something new for your abs. Lara Hudson is a likable instructor, and she doesn't get too aggressive with wild or hard poses. It's good, basic yoga shot with only Lara performing on a mat in front of you. If you did it daily you'd go nuts, because it would get too repetitive and become less and less challenging. I'd suggest this be your backup plan when you can't sneak out to the gym or commit to a longer session or formal class. It's fine for that. Fun as a supplement, but 10 Minute Solution Yoga should never be your primary fitness plan. But it is fun, easy, and well presented. And if you crank up your thermostat to one hundred and twenty degrees, you'll really drop some pounds!

Give us your feedback!

Did we give 10 Minute Solution Yoga a fair trial? yes / no

What's "fair"? Whether positive or negative, our reviews should be unbiased, informative, and critique the material on its own merits.

Share This Review

Follow DVD Verdict

Other Reviews You Might Enjoy

• Instant Belly Dancer: A Crash Course In Bellydance, Vol.1 And Vol. 2
• The NBA's 100 Greatest Plays
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Greatest Games
• Stop Smoking Within One Hour