Yoga DVD Review: Yoga Shakti
Yoga Shakti with Shiva Rea
production values, and extras that are offered, this is arguably the best yoga dvd in this category.
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Disc 1 provides you with 4 complete Vinayasa Flow Practices (Basic, Solar 1, Solar 2 and Lunar). These practices range in length from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours; and in difficulty from experienced beginner (Basic and Lunar Flows) to intermediate / advanced (Solar 1 and 2).
If you don’t always want to complete a “pre-packaged” practice, Yoga Shakti gives you the ability to create your own! A “Yoga Matrix” allows you to pick and choose from 30 different vinyasas depending on how much time you have available and your current energy level. (I typically utilize the Basic Flow before leaving for the office during the week, and on the weekend when I have a little more “me” time, create my own practice.)
Production Values:
Yoga Shakti was filmed on Cocoa Island in the Maldives. Most of the filming took place a on serene beach where the sound of the tide compliments the hypnotic rhythms of the soundtrack, and Shiva’s gentle instruction. Other segments take place in the courtyard of an ancient temple. On-screen appearance is comparable to a major Hollywood release: extremely crisp and vivid. Transitions and camera angles are interesting without coming off as far-out or esoteric.
Extras:
Disc 2 features all sorts of cool extras including a very insightful interview with Shiva Rea, a segment on vinyasa flow techniques, and information about the location. As a fan of traditional Indian music, I especially liked the section on all the musicians featured on the soundtrack. Each musician’s website is listed along with recording titles in case you want to purchase any of their CDs.
I also enjoyed the “travelogue” that was compiled during the crew’s stay. It includes footage from a temple festival featuring more than 50 drummers, bejeweled elephants and throngs of devotees around the temple courtyards. Close-range shots of the intricate stone carvings of the Kanchipuram Temple are equally breathtaking and awe-inspiring, as are images shot from a covered canoe as cast and crew enjoyed a river ride.
A Word of Caution:
Some of the asanas (poses) in the Solar Flows are extremely advanced. Shiva Rea is a long-time practitioner with Olympian agility. The extent to which she executes certain poses is utterly mind-blowing. Unless you’re at a similar level, you may want to forgo handstands and the backbend flows.
