Please login before reviewing this DVD. If you're a new user, register for free and enter our contest for free DVDs!

Not only does Yoga Basicsdeliver what its title promises--the basic elements of yoga--it also goes back to basics before yoga became another tool for attaining a perfect body. From an exotic palm tree and beach location, teacher Patricia Walden sets the tone by talking about the spirituality of yoga. Her first instruction is to contemplate one's daily life. Yoga, Walden explains, is a vehicle inwards. Yoga Basicscomprises a meditative opening to centre the mind, a core session which goes through basic standing and seated poses, and finally a deep relaxation. Its slow, gentle pace throughout makes this an ideal tool to relieve an anxious, agitated mind, simultaneously providing sound instruction in yoga postures. It's also perfect for those who fear that a total lack of flexibility makes it impossible to practise yoga. The use of props such as cushions throughout illustrates the point that you don't need a bendy body to benefit from this. Initially Walden's American voice comes across as monotonous, and Brits might find her evangelical tone off-putting. However, once absorbed in the yoga, the voice becomes a calming backdrop, rather than an intrusion.--Lorna V