The Barkan Method: Hot Yoga

I have been reading up on Yoga for a while and discovered Bikram Yoga after an article about Jenny McCarthy and her experience doing it at her home. I looked into classes and either it didn't work with my schedule or they were very pricey.I have several books but wanted a DVD that went through the movements to get the feel of the flow of this particular style of Yoga. I also wanted a challenge and something that would make me work.Well, this DVD does all that. What I like about it is that it has the tutorial which goes through each movement with lots of detail. Also it has a feature during the class section. All you have to do is click on it and it will bring you right to the tutorial if you need some more detail, which is pretty cool.I definately think the reviews that state its not a power workout or the fact you won't sweat are a bit misleading. If you do this workout the way you are supposed to in a "hot" room, and you continue to challenge yourself going further with each movement you will sweat.For me I just use a portable heater and turn the fans off, and that creates a perfect enviroment. I don't know if its the ideal temp which I believe is slightly over 100 degrees, but I think as long as its warm enough to work a sweat that is the key thing, as you could really hurt yourself otherwise. I would think a humidifer would work as well to create the enviroment too.Also I saw that there was a complaint about it not being detailed, which is a bit misleading as well. With the tutorial and the ability to reference it during the class, I think it's very detailed for a DVD. I think if someone is look to delve into the finer, nitty gritty details, then I would would suggest to purchase a book as well. I have done that myself and I think that is key to learn about this form of yoga in the fullest sense.Anyway, I will definately use this DVD as part of my regular routine. It's a great economic alternative to classes and if you challenge yourself you will feel and see the results.

I read Bikram yoga and wanted to give hot yoga a try, when I ran across "The Barkan method". I feel - outside of attending a studio - this is one of the best video resources available to incorporate hot yoga into your daily routine. The asanas are straight forward and well explained. The only area I feel could use improvement is the instruction regarding breathing. There are times where he will instruct to inhale/exhale before the actual move, and it's not clear if the instruction pertains to before the move, or during the move.On another note, I practice the yoga at room temps and have had no issues. I'm not sold on the idea hot yoga needs to be performed in 105 degree heat - which is supposedly the temperature it's practiced in it's native Calcutta. I've never been to Calcutta, however weather data has the hottest months (Apr, May) topping out at 95. So unless they practice yoga at the hottest time of day, w/a space heater, not sure how they routinely practice in 105 heat. In fact, even in Bikram's book he states they routinely performed yoga at the crack of dawn which happens to be the coolest time of day - so again, 105 doesn't add up..

I absolutely love this Dvd! The funny thing is, I started out by only heating my room to 85 degrees and couldn’t even hack that! Lol. I was literally light headed and close to passing out from the heat multiple times. It is embarrassing but I have always been more sensitive to heat than the average person. I will faint after ten minutes in 97 degree temperatures with high humidity for instance. I fainted one on the subway when I was only in my twenties and perfectly healthy. It is what it is. I know people can condition themselves to acclimate, so for several months now, I simply do the poses in a 75 degree room. I will gradually increase the temps over time. Regardless, this DvD is outstanding in every way. I feel tremendous physical, mental and spiritual benefits every single time I follow it. I have a huge mirror from Ikea that I glance in to check my form, but the verbal instruction is so nicely done, that I can work on the poses without too much “mirror distraction”. There are very few fitness Dvd’s that give the right pacing in prompts from the teacher; the pacing is either too fast, too slow or explanations not quite right. This Dvd has the simplicity where I can follow well but I can also quiet my mind and go inward during the yoga. I think it is wonderful. I had never previously done “hot yoga” due to my belief I would most certainly pass out very early in the class and disrupt everything. I also am happier when I work out alone, rather than in groups. I have about 12 yoga Dvd’s and this is in my top three favorites. My other two favorites are Gurmukh’s Kundalini and Yoga For Beginners with instructor Barbara Benagh. Oh, and I should not omit another favorite, Wai Lana Yoga.

Wasn't the bikram yoga that I do at local yoga studio. I didn't know bikram included sun salutations and downward dog poses. I don't like those poses which is why I do bikram which at my local studio consist of a standing sequence and a floor sequence along with the breathing exercises.