Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice--First Series with David Swenson

Although I can--with a lot of grunting, a little cursing, and some rather painful twisting--assume a position that 3 out of 5 yoga instructors would snickeringly call a "lotus," it will be several lifetimes before I'm able to catch up with world-class practitioner of Ashtanga yoga David Swenson's (who does it upside down). Just as I was about to abandon all hope, however, Swenson said the magic words: "if this is too difficult, try this..." Emphasizing breath ("ujjayi") over acrobatics, Swenson exhorts viewers to concentrate on their breathing and gradually work towards the more complicated poses and moves, offering as many as four variations for each of the demonstrations. During the first half-hour, Swenson guides viewers through some basic notions and movements, while the final 90 minutes is devoted to the "first series," a veritable cornucopia of intricate moves (with plenty of options offered). Although Swenson's instruction is excellent, and the video quality is top-notch, the camerawork is a mildly distracting. The straight-on camera works fine; the side camera seems to be constantly adjusting (though its never jerky). A second tape is also available: Ashtanga Yoga: "The Practice"--2nd & 3rd Series with David Swenson (series price: $45.95). Because of the superb instruction, this is strongly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)