Bryan Kest's Long, Slow & Deep: A Complete 90 Minute Yoga Workout (CD & Booklet) by Bryan Kest Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Bryan Kest's Long, Slow & Deep: A Complete 90 Minute Yoga Workout (CD & Booklet)
Book Review: try it on your mp3 player/Ipod
Summary: 4 Stars
First off, I liked this Brian Kest workout better than his others (I also have his PowerYoga multi-CD set, which I just might sell) simply because I (1) already have a pretty decent set of yoga DVDs, and (2) because as purely a verbal class, I can take it with me when I travel on business, or need some 'me' time and can therefore use it literally in my backyard or spare room away from the family.
I downloaded (almost the entire) program into my Ipod, take my sticky mat and water bottle, and rejuvenate for almost 2 hours. You will need this time, since the exercises flow well. The only step I did not download is the super-intense 10-minute Sitting Forward Bend.
One thing that I did learn from this program is that it is important to not force your body into any pose; it will slowly, in its own time, 'flow' into the pose. Very important for those of us who stop and start exercising, and get upset when we have trouble touching our toes.
As for his voice...yep, can be annoying, especially all the sighing and growning - however, it may be on purpose since it is a verbal course, and it could be a way to keep you from dosing off.
Book Review: Bryan delivers yet again...
Summary: 4 Stars
I have attended Bryan's yoga classes for years, but traveling on business every week has made it more difficult to attend. With these CD's it's nice to hear a familiar voice taking me through the steps to a true "spiritual" experience. The workbook is easy to follow if you are new to yoga. Even the dog in the pictures is relaxed. Guaranteed to touch you both physically and mentally. Love it.Book Review: Kest is Best
Summary: 5 Stars
I have several Bryan Kest DVDs and audio recordings (MP3s from his website and Long, Slow, Deep from Amazon). You absolutely cannot find a better, more complete workout than what he gives you. If you are into chanting, OM'ing and hitting a gong, forget it. If you want to stretch, get strong, sweat and generally feel awesome then buy his stuff. Personally, I find his language refreshing. He makes it funny. I greatly prefer his description of the poses (yes, even "crotch asana") to these long Sanskrit names that are hard to remember. He makes yoga totally accessible by describing the poses in detail, in English, so I don't have to make learning Sanskrit part of my practice. It's too bad he isn't greedy, I would love to see this form of yoga franchised out, it's amazing.Book Review: If I could give this CD 10 stars, I would...
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished the most amazing yoga practice ever...which is saying a lot, because I have been practicing for about 5 years now and have loved every minute. I am definitely a fan of Bryan, but he even outdid himself on this one. Yes, he talks a lot. But I like what he says, and I like to be reminded of certain "life truths" now and then, because it is so easy for me to get wrapped up and frustrated with the challenges life presents. His reminders ground me, calm me, and really complement the practice (without be too spiritual). I also don't think he was "bootcampy" as another reviewer mentioned, because he always says you can come out if you need to; rather, he is trying to encourage us to face challenges head-on rather than running away because we are scared or not use to it. After all, you cannot run away from all the challenges of life, right? This is a good time as ever to practice remaining calm.
I have been overly stressed for the past...6 months or more, especially over the last few weeks. Today I went over the edge, and needed a major calm-down, de-stress session. I tried this CD for the first time, and although I am certainly not the most "advanced" yogi, I definitely benefited. HIGHLY recommended for anyone!
I do have 2 critiques: First of all, this is definitely not 90 minutes. It is almost 2 hours, which was fine for me, but it is nice to know in advance. Also, while I don't mind Bryan's talking or groaning at all, I didn't like how the microphone was being turned on and off constantly. I kept thinking the CD was broken or stopped suddenly! I am sure I will grow accustomed to it, though, and it is hardly a major issue. :-)
Book Review: Great "Mental"-Flow
Summary: 5 Stars
First a few words about myself to make it easier for you to judge wether my opinion might be helpful to you or not. I'm a Power Yoga Teacher with my own studio in Germany. I own a lot of good Yoga DVDs to use for training and inspiration. Since I'm german my english spelling is pretty bad. Please excuse that!
I liked Bryans first DVD Set on Power Yoga a lot. Then I purchased one DVD of his newer series and was very dissapointed. I gave this DVD a pretty bad review here on amazon, for some as I think pretty strong reasons. So I'm not one of the true Bryan Kest Fans who like everything he brings out.
This having said I want to state that this CD (as well as his Advanced CD2)is really great. Bravo Bryan! The Flow on the CD is very well rounded. It is not one of the typical fast moving Power Yoga Flows. You wont find many Vinyasas here. This one's about patience and about moving into stillness. It wont make you sweat quite as much but it will challange your calm mind and your elasticity like never before. This truely is an advanced Flow. It's not suitably for those who use Yoga just as a workout.
But as another Yoga Teacher ones statet, using Yoga without adressing the mind is like going to wimbledon with a tabletennis rakett. So this workout might be more for intermediate to advanced people, because it goes more into the depth of Yoga.
It is a great Flow for those days where you don't want to work so hard on physical strength and cardio but still want to have a strong practice. To me this one is a must have.
Bryan talks a lot on this CD but in contrary to the DVD I was talking about in the beginning he does it in a calm and encouraging way. The things he says are really good advice and I like his sence of humor. Some might be distracted by his loud sighs from time to time, but I understand that he is just trying to make his students relax, to show them the right direction. I personally wouldn't do it this way in my class for it isn't my style of teaching, but I think it is very apropriate and it doesn't bother me at all.
I hope this was helpfull to you! Let me know. And ones again, excuse my poor spelling!
Check out my Listmania List on all the Power Yoga DVDs I recommend. The List is constantly evolving.
Namast?!
Kai