Element: Hatha & Flow Yoga for Beginners

I used to practice yoga quite some time ago at a great yoga center. I moved away and got away from it, especially after coming down with severe rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia some years ago. I tried several dvds, but most of them either went too fast with not enough explanation (so I was paying more attention to the video than my practice), were distracting in one way or another and/or were too rough on all my joints.I just ordered this video today and absolutely loved that I could use it right away by purchasing it on Amazon Video (one less thing to clutter my home, as well!) My daughter and I tried it out immediately and loved it! Tamal is fantastic. His voice is pleasant and he takes the time to explain each pose and proper breathing without talking too much or too little. I was thrilled to not have to constantly stop to stare up at my television. I also appreciated being able to hear his breathing, at times, to help keep me on track. The Hatha session was great for my arthritis and I enjoyed the use of yoga straps (FYI-We both used tea towels folded lengthwise as yoga straps as my yoga strap won't be here for 2 days. It worked well for my daughter who is 4' 2" and fairly well for me, except for a few times the folded towel was too short. I think I'll be happier with the strap.) My daughter and I were very relaxed after the Hatha session which ends in a guided meditation (which was great as we meditate together regularly.) She went on to continue enjoying her relaxed state in her room and I chose to continue on to the Flow session.I started out great with the Flow session and really enjoyed it, but it is definitely a bit more difficult than the Hatha session, but not ridiculously so. Most of my difficulties stemed from the portion of the session where downward facing dog is performed often, as I had trouble with that pose after a bit due to the arthritis in my wrists. It may have also been from going from doing no yoga for some time to suddenly trying to do an hour of it. :) I think it's a great session, but I will be using my wrist braces next time. I'm glad that the Flow session presented more of a challenge than the Hatha (while still remaining beginner level), as it gives me something to work towards. I simply modified a few moves in the Flow session (until I can work up to them) and then jumped back on course with the session as it changed to poses that came easier for me. I enjoyed how encouraging Tamal was throughout both sessions without being saccharine and how he put emphasis on not pushing yourself too far, but rather helping modify the pose to your ability. This was exactly what I would want for a beginner video and am thrilled to have found a video I love on the first try this time! I'm excited to do both sessions again (although, don't feel you have to to do both in one sitting or even in a day.) I also look forward to Tamal's other yoga videos. Enjoy!

This is very soft and nice flow yoga. Nothing extreme. Great morning routine.

My main issue with this DVD is that the difficulty level of the two workouts is really quite extreme and some people might not be prepared for that.The Hatha session is wonderful, soothing, and relaxing. It will definitely relax you at the end of a long day and help work on flexibility. I encourage everyone, beginners and advanced yogis alike, to use the strap as the instructor demonstrates. I didn't because I never use straps or blocks in my yoga practice but one day for the hell of it I did and it really adds a lot to this session. You feel and stretch your muscles in new ways.The flow session is quite a power packed little workout that those new to yoga, overweight, or new to fitness in general will find very challenging. It is miles away from the ease of the Hatha session. There are some great strength building sequences, very good core and balance focus, and you will get a decent full body workout in 30 minutes. I would hesitate to call this a beginner workout though. You will need a beginning understanding of basic yoga poses and knowledge of proper form.If you approach the flow session by going easy on yourself, taking breaks when you need to, and focusing on doing the best you can at that moment I think you may like this video and will be encouraged by your progress the more you do it. Use the Hatha session as your reward for putting in a good effort.The instructor is encouraging and manages to strike a good balance between being motivating and babbling on and on to the point of distraction. His focus and guidance on breath, the essence of Yoga, is excellent.For those brand spankin new to Yoga I recommend the beginner Yoga Zone dvds. They are, IMO, the best at explaining proper form, giving a good background on Yoga, and guiding you as you learn about this great form of exercise that nourishes your soul at the same time. For beginners with a basic knowledge of poses and alignment but wanting a little bit more challenge (not quite as difficult as the flow practice on this DVD) I recommend Baron Baptiste Power Yoga Level 1. Don't be scared by the title. You will work up a sweat and get a good workout that is very accessible and easy to follow.

I'm 70 with a lot of back pain. Hatha yoga is the best as it's not just about the stretch but the breathing too. This DVD gives you a wonderful and gentle relaxation, not to mention it improves my back pain.

Both of these practises are great for a beginner like myself. He goes slowly enough that you can get into the poses and offers some variations. He talks a far amount about breathing and accurate alignment, but his voice isn't annoying like some exercise DVDs. I have back and neck issues and am not very athletic, but I can see these really helping me because it's easy enough that I can do them. I also have some restorative yoga DVDs, and this is a completely different style of yoga, but was still relaxing. I am still going to try getting to yoga classes at a studio when I can, but this allows me to improve by daily practise and I can fit it in after a day at work without getting a babysitter or having to drive somewhere. If you need a relaxation method and a way to cope with back pain but you're hesitant to try yoga because you would be caught dead in leggings, looking like a goof at a studio, surrounded by perky millennials in their matching outfits....ugh. Give this DVD a try. The instructor is young but not annoyingly cheerful. He wears normal gym track pants and a Tshirt. It is filmed outside in his garden and the music is just sort of there, but not overly loud or intrusive and his instructions are excellent. I have a yoga strap but my 6 yr old son did these practises with me using a towel. Really, it's easy enough for a 6 year old to follow along....not super fast transitions. I've had a cervical spinal fusion and I have other back issues, too, but it's not super hardcore (I'd still check it out with your own doctor first.)

I bought this DVD some time ago. I have short muscles from cycling and not stretching. So I find this video challenging. Tamal Dodge is a super instructor. He is clear in his instruction, and encourages you to do hat you can. His manor is relaxing and kind. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn yoga.It may not be the best video if you are looking for a fast pasted sweaty flow.Contains two 30-min workouts. I find they compliment a morning and evening routine.I've since bought his other two videos. And find them all fantastic. The routines and focus vary enough for me to feel like they are all worth doing each week.I hope with these videos my tight muscles will be a thing of the past.Thank you 😀

Easy to follow, clear explanations

I like the way everything is approached. It is a nice relaxing experience. You must remember that the teacher is very experienced and that you will not be able to do the stretches and "exercises" as well as him. Do what you can and keep it up! Be positive. I have only done the routine twice so far and like how it went. It took a lot of years of self abuse to get my body in this shape , and I know rehab does not happen over a short period of time. That is the key word.....time.

I have never done yoga before and will admit I am not very fit so I wanted something to ease me into yoga. The Hatha section was good for a beginner like myself, I struggled of course but was able to follow the moves and keep my balance even if I couldn't push my body as much as I'd like. The Flow section however I would not say is for beginners. I found it extremely difficult, there was a lot of pressure on my wrists and I found the transitions between moves too fast.But overall I am happy with the DVD for the cost. I will continue to practise and hopefully the Flow section won't be so hard as time goes on.