London-based yoga teacher Maya Fiennes brings a calm and graceful presence to this stylish production, offering instruction and encouragement in a pleasant and engaging European-accented voice (she was born in Macedonia) as she moves through a Kundalini routine designed to tone the body and stimulate the chakras (or power centers) through movement, breathing techniques, and mantras. The overwhelming predominance of white—in her workout outfit, in the fabric covering the raised dais on which she performs, and in the background—creates the impression that Fiennes is floating in space (sometimes, when the camera angle changes, it takes a moment to visually register her position because her clothing seamlessly blends into the setting, leaving only her head, hands, and feet visible). Fiennes suggests choosing the poses that work best for the individual practitioner, offering several options for each chakra (as well as different postures), while also providing warnings for challenging positions or movements. Set to music with a light beat and gentle melody, this yoga workout is recommended. Aud: P. (F. Gardner)
Maya Fiennes' Yoga for Real Life
(2012) 60 min. DVD: $14.98. Gaiam (avail. from most distributors). Volume 27, Issue 6
Maya Fiennes' Yoga for Real Life
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