Wai Lana Yoga Fun Challenge Series: Firming

While I admit to a bit of a giggle over popular TV yoga instructor Wai Lana's attire--for each pose she changes into a new jumpsuit, lei, floral garland headband, and ankle and wrist corsages--there is nothing funny about her routine. Designed for intermediate and advanced students (with recommendations that viewers complete the Beginner's Workout [VL-9/96] and Hello Fitness [VL-11/98] series first), the Fun Challenge Series features more twists and turns than a bag of cheese curls and may be a more invigorating workout than usual for most. In Firming, one of the three titles in the new series, the asanas are challenging, but not too strenuous, with most positions suitable for modification for beginning students. Wai Lana's voiceover outlines the benefits of each move, and viewers are invited to relax after each pose before moving on. Well-paced, and nicely shot (viewers used to yoga videos filmed in austere white rooms will enjoy the settings in desserts, along rocky coasts, and beside splashing brooks), the video's only drawback is that some viewers may have trouble with Wai Lana's accented English--a minor quibble about this otherwise enthusiastically recommended program. The other titles are: Burn Off and Upside Down. Aud: P. (J. Asala)