I haven't had a very wide range of yoga experience -- I've never taken a live class, for example -- but I've used videos by a number of different teachers, and Bryan Kest is my favorite. From the first time I did the first video in this series, a few months after my fourth child was born, I understood it completely. Bryan Kest's cuing is clear and easy to follow, and he gives exactly the right amount of detail on how to do each pose. I could tell what the pose was supposed to look and more importantly feel like, and I understood how to modify poses that were too challenging. To my surprise, the most useful part to me was the breathing. It teaches you how to be in the moment without judging the moment, a skill that is fundamental to good mental health, and that you use surprisingly often -- while stuck in traffic or the dentist's chair. I would be uncomfortable with too much talk about the spiritual aspects of yoga, which is one reason I don't take classes, and a reason that I really like Bryan Kest. These classes are straightforward, effective, and easy to follow. They aren't easy to do, however, and I don't think I'd recommend them to someone who didn't start out in pretty good shape. I've found that when my back is feeling touchy, these classes will push it over the edge. If you have back problems, you might want to look elsewhere. If you want an athletic but still calming yoga experience, try Bryan Kest.

This dvd set is amazing! This is Bryan Kest at his best (this was filmed quite a while ago!) This yoga is for no wimps though... so hang tight because you're going on a ride of extreme yoga! Bryan has such a way of pushing you to go further in your practice. However, you don't feel overwhelmed... he is very incouraging and before you realize it, you just held Half Moon for an HOUR! No, seriously, this is a workout, but, you also know by the end you have just been "opened" up... mind, body and spirit. Plus, who cares if he's another pretty face in yoga, he's still an awesome teacher. I highly recommend this dvd.. PLUS, it's on sale now too! TAMARA'S YOGA FUSION

I have to begin by addressing the wide array of reviews here. It seems that the biggest discrepancy is whether or not Kest is truly doing yoga or if he is truly a yogi or an appropriate teacher. Really, I agree with the person who said that it is a personal thing. I had not done yoga before getting this set. I had done pilates and have a good foundation of body awareness, so that helped in overcoming the fact that I did not have a teacher there to help me with my form. But as long as I felt good, I didn't worry about it. And now, my form has improved greatly.

I have used Yoga Journal's website to read about each pose to educate myself further about body position and pitfalls to avoid. But overall, just doing the tape again and again, my body has learned the poses and grown into them.

I gained 55 pounds during my pregnancy with my now two-year-old daughter. I went from a size 4-6 to a size 14! The last two years, I have really struggled to lose the weight and it has affected me emotionally as well. This summer, I began using this tape and I immediately began to lose weight. I am now back to a size 6 and down to my pre-pregnancy weight (I was 15 lbs. over when I started this program).

More importantly, it has completely changed my way of life. It has affected the way I eat, breathe, sleep, and look at the world. I don't know why and maybe that is not the case for everyone, but I truly feel that my life has been changed by my practice.

To each their own...I greatly dislike many of the DVDs that folks who have dissed Bryan Kest's have recommended. There is no need to dissuade people from trying this because it is not "true yoga." Who gets to decide that anyway? Diversity...tolerance...acceptance...isn't that "true yoga?"

I bought this video after getting a recommendation from my yoga teacher and reading other Amazon reviews, before leaving on an extended vacation (where a live class would not be available). Like many others here, I think this yoga set absolutely rocks- it is an excellent and balanced yoga series (bends, balance, strength) which is challenging, but not dangerously so (and there are three levels to choose from). I can see how it would be a matter of personal preference whether you would like the constant chatter and direction Bryan Kest gives during the set, but in my opinion his encouragement and focus on breathing calmly through challenging poses is very motivating and keeps things focused and moving along (others may like silence and peace during their yoga) I find this series very similar to going to a live class where there is generally direction ( and this style is my personal preference). In any event I cant say enough about this dvd, I find it as beneficial as going to live class, and you will definitely get a good yoga body/ mind experience here, along with a strengthening amd motivational workout. One of my favorite things about this set is Kest's frequent instruction to work with where you are at, challenge yourself to your own edge, but if you need to bend your knees etc, so what, its your practice and you are built differently then everyone else, so push yourself only to the point where you can breathe calmly etc... good stuff and good instruction..

Finally, a personal note as to the effectivenees of the wokout series, at first I was challenged and sweating during parts of level 1 such as holding down dog for minutes at a time and the constant chattarongas (sp?)- but after 5 weeks level 1 and 2 have become challenging but very doable without much sweat and flexibility and strength have improved dramatically ( ie can now hold standing prayer twist and camel pose at length etc0 and attribute this to the effectiveness of the series ( and there were no injuries over this time)...

I used to practice this yoga series back when it was only on HVS and was thrilled to be able to update that and buy it now on DVD.

Bryan seems to inspire both sides of the spectrum in terms of reponses to his teaching, which is interesting. There's no right or wrong when it comes to a person's experience, but let me offer my own two cents on why I love these classes so much.

First, let me say that I tend to have a touch of reverse discrimination when it comes to overly-hunky or attractive teachers that seem like models rather than true practitioners. Granted, that's judgmental, but I'm saying this to illustrate that Bryan's long hair and attractive physicality and shirtless yoga stud thing was something he had to work against in me. Bu honestly, it's not even a thought in my head, nor has it been for many years, because I love the way Bryan teaches. He has a sense of humor but he also teaches things I think are universal and so healing, like reminding you throughout the class that you need to stay out of your ego, remembering that no two people are going to look the same in the poses, and that our bodies are not meant to conform to the poses, they are meant to conform to our bodies. His reassurance that if you are feeling something good and breathing deep you are doing the class perfectly is a constant reminder to stay present, listen to your body and allow the depth to come over time. How people miss that and label this as a dangerous class I don't know?

I have had a history of back problems since high school, so I'm particularly sensitive to that issue in all things. My personal favorites are the first two sets, which I personally have no problem completing in terms of back safety. Again, this goes back to listening to your body because while he is guiding you into something like camel pose, you are the one who determines how far you go.

I will agree that it's not a series I would recommend for absolute beginners; I'd say this is for advanced beginners, intermediates and beyond. I also think the varying levels represented in his class are inspiring and lovely; not everyone does the poses like contortionists, but some are very experienced practitioners and why should they be excluded from the video? Personally I like to see that. It doesn't make me feel "less than" because I'm not built that way, it just seems rather beautiful, although after the initial viewing I'm not sure why anyone is looking at the screen anyway? But I notice at least one practitioner in each class who is using modifications to make the poses approachable.

As for how Bryan physically corrects students, having been to his live classes, I've never felt there was inappropriate touching going on there. The fact that he uses the same technique for helping a male and a female student to release more deeply within a pose tells me it's not about sexuality at all. This reminds me of the objections to Ana Brett's choice of clothing in her DVD series, and I have to wonder why the puritanical residue when it comes to working with the human body?

Certainly, not every teacher will resonate for every person. I respect Rodney Yee tremendously but I'm not a big fan of his teaching style or videos. I see why others like them, but they just don't speak to me. And that's ok.

I have to wonder, with reading comments from people who really hate this series and speak of it being dangerous and back issues, if they are pushing too far or ignoring their own bodies? I don't see how a teacher could be more clear and supportive about honoring when you need to take a break and only going as far as you can comfortably, because it's your class and it can all be as easy as you want it to be...I'm almost quoting verbatim here.

There's a narrow perception out there of what a yoga teacher should look like or sound like. I feel you can teach a beautiful and transformative class without the need for such severity and austerity, as Bryan does. His personality shines through as it does for all teachers, so it comes down to whether you click with that personality. I love that he makes me smile during yoga. In his live classes, we laugh out loud all the time. It's a lovely way of releasing tension, but the yoga is pure, as is his background and training.

Needless to say, I love these classes. I find the warm up to be ample and effective, I love the sequencing, the music and the comments. I've found the concept of honoring where you are, because you're already there, so helpful in my life off the mat. So many things he says are now intertwined with my practice no matter who is teaching, and they support my experience in the world. Isn't that what yoga is all about? To yoke, to join...union? That's what I get from Bryan's classes.

My favorite aspect of this series is the way I feel inside throughout and afterwards; peaceful, self accepting, patient, focused. The physical benefits of increased strength, releasing tension and allowing energy to flow are all secondary for me.

But in a collection of over 30 yoga DVDs of all styles, this is still my all time favorite and I suspect it always will be.

I only have two complaints- (1)when it says "beginners" for the first session, that means "beginners who have done yoga before, either videos or classes, but got out of their yoga practice routine, and want to get back into it again." In other words, if you don't have experience with yoga (any kind-it doesn't have to be Ashtanga or Power Yoga) then you may want to go with something else first, so you can get the basics. I have over 20 yoga videos, but it didn't "click" with me until I did Rainbeau Mars' DVD's. (These are the best, in my opinion, to start with if you are a true beginner-she gives constant attention to correct form and you begin to understand what your REALLY supposed to be doing with your body in downward facing dog, from your toes all the way to your fingers-and other poses as well.) (2)Also,it would have been nice to have had someone in the class showing what the modified forms would be-b/c some of these poses are tough, and I didn't want to lose the focus and just plop down on the floor! Child's pose is good, but there has to be a modified version, where I would still be getting the benefits of the pose, without going as deep.

That said, if you come to this practice as someone with yoga experience, trust me-you will love it! I've never done "power yoga" before, b/c I thought it would be a lot of "moving quickly through a sequence, over and over" and I was pleasantly surprised. Believe me, Bryan Kest shows you that you don't have to move quickly to work up a sweat! I've never sweated that much to a workout video before-and I usually don't sweat that much, anyway (TMI!). It took me a while to get used to his tone of voice (not a soft, soothing voice like I'm used to) but towards the end, I liked it b/c of his intensity and I felt like I was in a gym taking one of his classes, instead of in my home. I was also proud of myself-I did a tough pose I've never done before and I kept thinking about how I want to stick with this so I can work up to doing the poses that I couldn't do! (with the correct form, of course!) And, like I mentioned before, while I wish he had someone showing a modified form, he did do a great job of reminding me throughout that it doesn't matter if you aren't able to do everything like they are-"if you're doing the best you can, then you're doing it perfectly".

Although I bought another Kest product (Spinal) I wished I would have done my homework more thoroughly and read these 1-stars. Almost everything stated here is what I also experienced and Texas Yogi had it right. Kest is a seriously flawed yoga instructor not only for the reasons that I stated in my review of the product I had the misfortune to buy (and subsequently throw away to save anyone else to suffer such a bogus yoga instructor), but for the fact that his conduct is soooo inappropriate and seriously unbecoming of a good yoga instructor. In response to another reviewer who didn't understand the rave reviews, my only guess is that they don't know any better- either in understanding the reverence in which the yogic tradition is held or the conduct of its highest acolytes- the yogi/yogini. It does not surprise me that I had, until I'd browsed Amazon.com for yoga material for backs, never heard of Bryan Kest before, read about him in the many yoga magazines I read or find anything else about him. With so many really good instructors out there, no one should bother with this bum. The upside- I've gotten some recommendations for other GOOD instructor's videos.

I cannot stress enough that this is a dangerous yoga workout. There quite simply is not enough warm up at the beginning of each section, then after the limited warm-up, he goes right into VERY long downward dog poses. Which are fine, but such long poses need proper warm-up or you WILL injure yourself. I've been doing yoga for 8 years and the MOST IMPORTANT factor in not injuring yourself is proper warm-up. Its a decent workout otherwise. When the rare occasion pops up that I actually do use this DVD, I warm up first with another yoga DVD. Not to mention his inane coaching is also dangerous. He mentions that its not important to do the poses properly, just as long as you do "something" and other nonsensical babbling like "its not important what you do, but how you do what you do" and the immediate workout killer "come down gently into plank pose as if an old lay is living underneath you". WTF?????

His 90s heavy metal hair doesn't help any either. One bonus is the beautiful women in sexy workout clothes. But that shouldn't be enough to buy this.

I strongly recommend avoiding this. Tony Horton's P90X yoga is a MUCH better workout, far better instruction and MUCH safer.

After rejecting the possibility of surgery for herniated discs, I decided a more holistic approach was best. This yoga DVD (along with weekly yoga classes at work) have made me a convert.
The poses are demanding and provide an aerobic challenge. The DVD is well produced and since I have used the DVD for over a year now without getting bored, has shown itself to be good value for money.

I've been practicing yoga for 4 years and started using DVDs a year ago. This DVD was by far the most annoying, mostly due to the fact that the music is loud and thumping. It's very hard to get into the flow and focus on breathing when your pulse starts beating like a drum in your head to music that you can't turn off (even during savasana). This might work for some, but definitely not for me. If there were an atmosphere rating (scene, music, loudness of voice) for yoga DVDs, I would have known better before buying this one- buyer beware!

This video is a favorite! The video is all about breathing and control in poses. It is advanced but all poses are easily modified. You can defiantly grow with this video! I LOVE this video. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!

I had tried many yoga videos and was turned off by the airy-fairy-ness of the instructors - that annoying need to sound peaceful by making a breathy voice. Bryan Kest sounds like a tough gym teacher or football coach.

These videos provide excellent workouts. I work a lot, and sometimes getting a workout in is difficult. I can wake up at 5:30, pop this DVD in, and I am done with a fantastic workout by 6:30. And I mean done: in my work clothes, feeling energized and calm, and ready to walk out the door and handle any amount of stress.

He does approach the spiritual side of yoga, but he sneaks it in. I find that approach more appealing, as I use yoga primarily to help my marathon training.

He has interested me in exploring yoga further: I've also bought his longer CD booklet workouts. Those are difficult but are so good that they leave you feeling like a different person. I especially recommend the Long, Slow and Deep routine.

But this DVD is an excellent everyday workout, and is definitely the best value. The DVD could sell for $100 and I would recommend it - and you can buy it "used or new" for under $10.

Bryan Kest Power Yoga Complete Collection

I absolutely love this collection. It truly is POWER Yoga-- and you get a great workout from all three sessions.

Do this often, every day if possible, and you will see your body transform by toning and strengthening the entire body.

Bryan does a great job walking you through on how to position the body during every pose and is very considerate about all types of bodies and flexibility.

However, this is NOT Yoga for beginners. If your Yoga level is intermediate, then Bryan will definitely take you to the next level.

Enjoy!

Kest's Power Yoga DVD is incredible. At first, I was somewhat unsure whether I would like it or not, because it was different from the usual videos I own--one instructor calling out poses in quick sequence. After using the workout once, I was in love with Kest! You feel as if you are part of the studio that is fortunate enough to have him for an instructor. The workouts are extremely satisfying -- whether you want to have an intensive stretching workout, or an intricate, near impossible series of poses, you have a choice because the DVD is broken down into 3 workouts. Kest explains every single pose in detail so that you don't even have to watch the video (sometimes it's pretty tricky to look up while getting into pretzel-type poses), you just need to pay attention. My only complaint is that sometimes the sound quality isn't clear, but it's a very small price to pay--the DVD is well worth the money, and more!

This DVD would be just fine if only the "background" music was not so loud. It always competes with the Kest's instruction, and at times actually drowns him out. It is very annoying, since most of the time, if you are doing the exercises, you don't want to look at the screen, just listening should be enough. I am very disappointed.

This is not a bad set of programs. In fact for their price, these three yoga classes are a great deal. That said, I wish he were less Hollywood and more real. He talks a lot about doing Yoga with the right intention, but I doubt he does Yoga for the right reasons. In these classes he sure seems to love himself and his awesome bod. I wish he had different music and more varied set of body types to demonstrate the classes. He does not give much or any instruction on how to do the yoga posses,nor does he give any modifications to the posses. Even though some of his students are advanced, many have horrible sway backs. There is no emphasis on lengthening the lower spine. Instead many of the students seem as if they are trying to curve their spines as much as possible while sticking out their derrieres. The programs do give you a variety of classes, and as I said the price is incredible, but is it too much to ask for Bryan to cover his manly chest and to put his cascading hair back?

Ok, I'm not Michael, but his wife Nicole. This DVD was the best Yoga DVD purchase I made. I bought 7 other yoga videos and this is the one that got me back in shape. I did extensive weight training and cardio for 12 years and after baby #2, I just didn't have the time and energy to commit to that kind of lifestyle anymore. Yoga was something I tried in the past at the gym and never really felt like it did anything for me physically except cause me great pain! However, after not being in the gym and lifting weights for 4 months, my muscles were relaxed enough for something new. I do like my Baron Baptiste DVD's, but Brian Kest's series really pushed me mentally to do something I didn't think I couldn't do physically. In two months I am into the advanced practice. Although I can't put my head to the floor, I am "pushing my edge" further and further w/ each practice. My muscles are longer and leaner and I feel like I've transformed my "hard body" into a feminine shape. I haven't lost one pound, but I am happier mentally and feel sexier b/c I am leaner and more graceful than before. It's a wonder I got into shape w/ this Yoga DVD at all b/c Brian Kest is so hot he is distracting. Great first purchase.

I want to get one thing out of the way first: I can see why some people were turned off by this DVD. Yes, it appears to strive for glamor. Yes, Bryan Kest's attitude stands out. Yes, he does not stop talking (I actually think he was guiding but ok, I'll go with talking). In fact, my wife, the moment I began playing this DVD, said that Bryan Kest comes across as annoying and seems to be just so in love with himself.

But I think this is all just a perception (which sometimes is everything). Here's what I noticed first about these yoga workouts (there are three of them: Energize, Tone, and Sweat). In the beginning, Bryan ALWAYS tells you several key rules in his workouts: breathing is important, "there is no such thing as a perfect pose", we are not trying to get anywhere, we are just trying to be in the present (or something like that). And when I hear this and I see how his students do things perfectly, I tell myself that with small steps I may be able to do the same poses, and perfectly, in the future. But I am not driving myself crazy about it.

All three workouts are not for beginners and cover a lot of different poses. I am still trying to figure out the rationale behind naming the workouts because regardless which one I do, after them I feel energized, toned, and drop about a gallon of sweat. I believe this is the ashtanga yoga.

This DVD is one of my favorites and I get to appreciate it more with each workout.

OMG, Bryan Kest, shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! This guy would not stop talking, except, of course, to grope the nearest human being. Not a particularly unique or inspiring series of asanas. Body's right and left sides got uneven attention.

About a year ago I was introduced to Bryan Kest. I have four of his CD's and have taken my yoga practice to a much deeper level with his instruction. However the CD's go on for 90 minutes or more, time I don't always have, so I find this DVD attractive because the three levels of yoga practice included are each around 45 minutes. For the money, this DVD can't be beat. It will challenge you no matter what your previous yoga experience, and even a beginner can benefit as long as they go slowly.

I have to say that this is the best workout and with great music, instruction, and balance. It is challenging and without being impossible. I also like that Brian Kest's instructions leave you feeling great about what you are able to do. This DVD would be great for any level.

I have purchased many quality yoga dvds since and have been teaching yoga for a while now but I always go back to this series for more.
This is a rather nice series of 3 yoga classes which last around 45mins each.
My practice is usually primarily vinyasa/flow yoga, and I use this dvd to work on strength, then I refocus on the vinyasa.
As mentioned by some other reviewers the touching when adjusting the students seems a bit full on but if you just get on with the practice you don't see it so its not an issue.
Great sequences, great explanations and I feel great afterwards.

I just bought this DVD. I tried the third segment and I liked it, however 1) I feel some of the poses were held too long and 2) The people in the class were super advanced yoga students and some of their movements were a little unrealistic (over extending backwards for example) because most people (even if practicing for years) cannot reach this level of flexibility. It would have been nice to see students who were more "average/a bit advanced." I really like the Rodney Yee videos. However, I am holding on to this DVD to keep my routines varied and keep things more interesting.

Get dvd ...Bryan really has clear instruction and this is a great video for ALL yoga students (esp beginners). Would recommend this to all and for such a great price too...

I bought these on VHS a few years ago and immediately loved his style of teaching and his yoga. In fact I loved it so much then whenever I get to Los Angeles I take his class in person. I updated to DVD on these and each separate class has it's time and place for me. Power 2 is my favorite but I use Power 1 when I want a shorter workout and Power 3 when I want to switch up, they are all pretty challenging when you work to the fullest degree you can. As Bryan himself says, do what feels right and you will enjoy these DVDs.

This is my favorite power yoga DVD!!! I own Rodney, Shiva and Alli McGraw. He's challenging for the beginner and advanced. There are 3 different programs so you don't get bored. Great for strength training and flexibility.

Good stuff but weird intros to classes. Just a personal thing.. what was he doing standing in an alley talking about yoga?

I was suspicious of this video because I hadn't heard Bryan Kest's name mentioned when talking to other yoga instructors. After viewing the video, I know why they didn't mention him. When teaching yoga it is extremely important to focus on the form and practice. Bryan Kest focuses mostly on striking poses and slinking around in denim jeans--it reminds me of an MTV yoga experience. This video also features extremely thin and overly flexible students (probably ex-dancers)who do not represent a realistic cross-section of yoga students (who come from all backgrounds and are represented by all body types). This workout also lacks a multi-level friendly approach which is important for beginning, or less flexible yoga students. I have been teaching yoga in a classroom for the past seven years and couldn't help breaking out into laughing fits watching this guy "teach" with his seductive gaze and his ridiculous voice and cueing. I ordered 4 different yoga dvd's total and Bryan Kest's was the only one I returned. Buyer beware! This video is a sad attempt of a glamour shoot for Kest-dressed-up-as-but-not an informed yoga workout.

I was never into the whole chi, karma, yoga stuff, but I got to admit that this video is good. I bought this video to help with my bad knee (messed it up in the Army) and boy did it. This video comes with three different workouts (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) and I never got past the first one, but never needed to. Besides the obvious advantages to being flexible (reduced injury, better athletic performance, etc), the yoga workout teaches you breathing techniques that calm your nerves and help your endurance. I recommend this video to atheletes with injuries and people who are having a hard time with stress.

This DVD collection provides 3 enjoyable, invigorating workouts all of which are challenging but doable regardless of your level of fitness. I highly recommend this product and only wish that there were other Bryan Kest DVDs to add to this collection.

This video (3 levels) has been a great motivator for me to add stretching to my weekly routine. I run 4 days per week and have noticed tightness in back and hamstrings as I age. When I do level one at least once per week, I find I am looser in legs and typically enjoy my runs more. I have also seen an improvement in my core strength which has allowed to add speed work to my running.
The video incorporates strength poses into the stretching so you still feel like you have had a good workout.

I really like the workouts and feel that I am getting a great workout but i wish he would just call the poses by name - hard to watch the TV while doing a backbend... and he just gives instruction instead of calling out pose names I often go into Warrior one when he means two etc. Sometimes they just talk too much - advanced yoga students don't need all that instruction on how to get into and hold the poses. Just tell me down dog, forward fold, plank, etc. - I'd rather hear music than constant talking.

Good instruction, slow paced, however holding the poses longer makes for a tougher workout. Good for any fitness or yoga level. I like when he says, we all have different bodies, there is no such thing as a perfect pose. We adapt the pose to our body, and our experience. Good video, I would recommend it for your yoga libary.

I've been practicing at home with this DVD a few times a week for several months. This is the best yoga DVD I've found--the instructor talks you through the poses in english (not yogaspeak) and encourages you to push yourself without forcing your body to do things it just wasn't intended to do. Even though I do the video consistently, I find that I am challenged every time, and it remains one of the most-used programs in a fairly extensive exercise/yoga DVD collection.

This is a yoga DVD which will quickly change your body for the better. I first purchased this years ago on VHS, but thought it looked too hard. One winter I finally gave it a try. All I can say is the first week you will probably hate it, the second week you will still be sore, the third week you will be feeling stronger and by the fourth week (if you make it), you will look forward to Mr. Kest kicking your behind. I did this DVD about four times a week then gave it away to a friend. I've just ordered another one, as there were some asanas that I still needed work on.

If you've got an hour, this is an amazing workout which will change your life. There's actually three workouts here, which for the money is lest than one trip to a yoga class (but go anyway!).