Antonia Kidman Yoga (DVD)

Antonia Kidman Yoga (DVD) ... The Power and Style of Ashtanga, a modified, nicely presented version of the practice that has become popular among Westerners seeking a vigorous yoga workout. The series shown here is less than an hour long, about half the length of the traditional ashtanga practice (serious users are encouraged to check out the DVDs and videos by Richard Freeman, perhaps the foremost ashtanga yogi in America), but it touches on the major areas: flowing sun salutations, standing poses, seated poses, backbends, and an inversion or two; many of these asanas demand a combination of strength, balance, and flexibility that may be too much for beginners, although easier variations are demonstrated. The instruction (by Kate Agnew; Kidman herself is the host) is adequate but incomplete, as is so often the case with yoga video products; there's no warm-up, and curiously, the few minutes devoted to yoga breathing, far and away the most vital component of any practice, come after the ashtanga series is over. More advanced users will have no problems with The Power and Style of Ashtanga, but the less experienced should watch the program once before actually doing it. Even better, if possible, take a few classes in person and then use it as a supplement to a regular practice. --Sam Graham