Yoga Zone - Yoga for Abs Review
Yoga Zone: Yoga for Abs
Like 'Total Body Conditioning' this 40 minute program consists of two separate, 20 minute pieces. Al Bingham leads the first section, and Jennifer Moness models the sequences. Al's section focuses on the body's core, and he challenges his audience to see it as a seat of power. His method stems from traditional Indian metaphysical theories, of a life force (prana) circulating between the 6 chakras, which are the main energy centers of the body. They operate along a central channel from the top of the head to the tail bone.
Keeping the audience's secular interests in mind, Al simply guides the viewers to examine their spinal alignment. His checklist includes three points, the solar plexus, the naval, and the pelvic bone. In the mystical sense, these areas correspond with 3 of the 6 traditional seats of power, but they are also logical focal points to work with, when looking to improve our upright posture.
Like the earlier ''Total Body Conditioning'' this is not an abs-workout that guides sets of crunches or push-ups. The resistance is psychological, as it is an internal exercise which enables the viewer to see and feel the interaction between his abdominal muscles and his lower spine. The moderator asserts the importance of maintaining a strong bodily core, in relationship to a powerful yet serene state of mind.
The postures (that also reappear in later segments in the series) are varied but not strenuous. He alternates between repetition and stasis: The lone palm tree, for example, asks you to see your body in terms of a series of lines, which is an excellent guideline for Yoga, in general. He and Jennifer move seamlessly between side and vertical stretches, and forward bends. They hold several static postures which lean frontward, which are exercises in maintaining balance. This upholding of these positions requires stability in the body's core, and its application is a corrective tactic with the needs of their audience in mind. It compensates for the degenerative effects that our current lifestyle has on our spinal column. It returns equilibrium to the bodies and minds that so often are stooped over, be it in front of a steering wheel, a computer screen, or a kitchen counter.
The program also incorporates some balancing and resistance routines that build strength in the abs. They do a plank pose, and later, they reverse it, supporting the body on its heels. Toward the end of the series, he explicitly walks you through sitting abdominal-spinal twists that aid in flexibility, and he throws in a couple of reps of the dynamic bridge. Finally, in a cross-legged pose, they encourage sitting tall, yet relaxed.
Jennifer Moness leads the next segment, accompanied by Jean Turner. Like all of the twenty minute pieces of this trio, her program can either operate as a continuation of the earlier, or stand on its own. Her goals build on what has been established, broadening the focus on how to build strength and flexibility in the midsection, and why. Her addition demonstrates the correlation between the abdominals and the lower back.
She starts in a seated position, tadasana, where they left off in the last video, reminding the viewer to maintain a ''long spine.'' She flows into the table-top position, and following with a couple of reps of the (dynamic) thunderbolt position, and a series of forward bends. Consistent with all of the previous programs, she emphasizes the physiological importance of doing movements and postures correctly, while conveying that less is more.
She guides a series that enables stretching, and the release of tension in the lower back. The program includes a dynamic contrast between plank pose, and cobra pose that accomplish that goal. Several movements follow Al's earlier lead, that alternate between stretching forward (and backward,) balancing, and reaching tall. She winds down by returning to the cobra posture, and the extending and lengthening forward of the dynamic cat, which reverses and complements the stretch in the spine.
Yoga Zone - Yoga for Abs Overview
Looking to develop those six-pack abs to show off on the beach? Then yoga is not for you. If, however, you want to strengthen both your abdominals and your lower back, while keeping your stomach muscles supple but not rock hard, then yoga's the way to go. This two-part, 40-minute program from Yoga Zone uses a variety of poses (some of them joined together in flowing sequences known as vinyasas) that are obviously directed at the abs; the scale pose (also known as the boat), for instance, will certainly work those muscles hard, as will the table pose, the "forearm plank" (the upward pushup position, but with elbows on the floor), and others. But both parts of the practice also incorporate a variety of other asanas, such as standing positions and side stretches, that develop abdominal strength more subtly, as the instructors frequently remind you to tilt your pelvis forward and tuck your stomach muscles in, thus gently but firmly engaging your abs throughout your entire yoga routine. You'll work reasonably hard, but you won't endure endless series of crunches as you relentlessly "go for the burn." With a selectable DVD menu, you can sequence the poses any way you like, or jump to any particular section. You can also turn off the instruction and do the practice accompanied only by the music track. This is a peculiar option; the point of practicing yoga is to take your awareness inside, not stare at a TV screen, and the teacher's vocal guidance is usually an essential part of that process. But if it works, go for it. --Sam Graham
Yoga Zone - Yoga for Abs Specifications
Studio: Koch International Release Date: 03/13/2001
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