Hatha Yoga Podcast #5 from "Yoga to the People"

So I first did these podcasts from NYC (and multi-city) yoga studio, Yoga to the People, last summer, with a group of friends as we were all on the road touring a fringe festival show. Since then I've sporadically done the podcasts on my own. There's a total of 9 different podcasts from this studio, and there hasn't been a new one since late 2009. Regardless, of the podcasts I've tried, these (especially those led by Greg) are the easiest to follow and have the best workout.

The good: It's definitely a workout! All of these podcasts will get you sweating in no time, which I am all about. It's a great hip-opener, and it's a familiar flow. It's all poses any beginning yogi should be fairly accustomed to (Warrior 1 & 2, chair pose, down dog, plank, chair pose, etc). Greg does a good job of guiding you through each transition into the pose. What I like about his teaching style is that he uses words like "glide" "flow" or "breathe" to describe getting into a pose "breathe your way deeper into the lunge" etc. It adds a positive spin to the flow. And this class definitely flows. You generally do a set on each side at normal speed, and then do 2 or 3 sets at a faster pace (set by you), of the same, and that will really get your heart pumping. This podcast is heavy on the power lunges held for long periods of time which can be really difficult (I know I had to modify it). Again the pros and cons of practicing alone-- I mean it's good because there isn't the distraction of others who you might compare yourself to, but you also don't have the opportunity for adjustments from the instructor. Greg is also great about sharing positive tidbits during the practice and connecting you to what you are passionate about and reaching for it through the pose. He also occasionally curses, which I find hilarious but some might be thrown off...

The bad: You're working alone, so no instructor adjustments. Also if you are super new to yoga this podcast may not be for you. While he describes some of the steps to the poses, he also assumes you know what needs to happen with Warrior 1 & 2 and so on, so if your vocab is limited, maybe wait before trying out this podcast. Also, there are only 9 podcasts, and Greg is by far my favorite, he does all but 2 or 3 of them I think. It'd be nice to get some new classes in there! It's a 60 minute flow, so you do have to give yourself a full hour, just like any class. I know sometimes I only have time for a 30 minute workout but I'd like to follow a podcast so that can be annoying.

Love these podcasts overall, and I always feel very refreshed afterwards. Greg has a great philosophy on these practices too. That is, your practice is about you. If you need to adjust and move to child's pose for a while, even if that's 90% of the time, that's okay. It's all about how YOU feel, today, in this moment. Do what's best for your body, and listen to what your body is telling you. At the same time, don't be afraid to push yourself beyond what you think your limit is.