Power Yoga For Runners

While this powerful yoga practice will no doubt be of great benefit to runners--and pretty much anyone else, for that matter--beginners should beware: the material presented here is neither easy nor intended for the very inexperienced. Thom and Beryl Bender Birch have shortened and adapted the ashtanga yoga series into a “high heat, high energy” workout that incorporates sun salutations, standing poses (side and forward bends, balances, etc.), seated positions, and features a good deal of vinyasa work (i.e., flowing series of poses). The pace is brisk and the practice strenuous, but while the instruction is good, there is little or no warm-up provided and new-to-yoga viewers are definitely advised to watch the entire program in its entirety before beginning. Sporting detailed explications of the poses and the requisite attention to yoga breathing, this workout is strong stuff, but highly recommended for those at the appropriate fitness levels. Aud: P. (S. Graham)