I never saw myself doing yoga but I read an article about this type of yoga and it sparked something in me which piqued my curiosity. Everyone seemed to think that Kundalini Yoga is doable for anyone but it doesn't focus on difficult poses, but also features movement exercises which anyone can do. So, taking advantage of the sale on Amazon, I bought this one and I'm thrilled with the results. Just the fact that it keeps me coming back for more is a revelation. Kundalini Yoga combines postures, movement, stretching, breathing, and mental focus, in a way that leaves me energized but also relaxed. If you're exercise resistant, like me, but know you need to do something positive or yourself, then look no further than this!

I have never tried yoga before so I thought this would be a good one to start with given all the great reviews. I should have done my homework. Kundalini is not for me!! It involves alot of meditation and is very slow paced. I recently purchased Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and love it. The two are drastically different. If you enjoy lots of meditation you will probably enjoy this dvd, I just wasn't comfortable with it. I have purchased about a dozen different dvd's and will be sharing reviews as I do them.

I scoured amazon.com for a well-reviewed and well-rated beginning yoga DVD. This one seemed to have the most positive feedback, so I got it. I should have employed my buying-books-by-the-cover logic and realized that the instructor's outfit and pose on the cover meant everything.

First of all, there's no class behind the model. There's a voice over, an obnoxious narration in an NPR sort of tone. This was awkward because it made feel like a voyeur rather than a participant. I have read some of the reviews where others suggest that the skimpy outfit makes them feel like the message is sexual rather than healing and informative, and other readers have the audacity to accuse them of having a perverted mind. This is the same argument -- pointless -- regarding "art" and "pornography." Where some see art, others might see pornography. For me, the model is under-dressed. I would have been more comfortable with a more fully clothed instructor. Longer shorts. Pants even.

I had hoped to involve my husband in the exercises. Unfortunately, I didn't feel comfortable doing them myself. Keep in mind that women may NOT want to have their husbands participate in viewing and doing these exercises.

In any case, there are other yoga DVDs that are more instructional, less awkward, less alienating, less voyeuristic, with instructors who actually speak and who have students in the class with them. These DVDs also feature instructors who are wearing more clothes, that are just as flattering as the tiny outfit, and which are also considered yoga/workout clothes. Take a cue from the cover of the DVD when it comes to the model's/instructor's outfit, if clothing or modesty is a concern you might have.

Lots of people have liked this DVD, but the average beginner in yoga might find that a different DVD will make them feel more comfortable doing yoga, especially for the first time. Kundalini yoga wasn't for me. Before buying this DVD, make sure you understand what kundalini yoga really is. There are video examples on Youtube if you're curious (actually, there are clips from this very DVD on it, posted by the authors).

In yoga, I think it's important to like your instructor and to enjoy the sound of their voice. I didn't like either of those things about this DVD.

I HAVE DISCOVERED KUNDALINI YOGO WITH THIS DVD - IT IS SUPER - ALL THINGS AND MOUVEMENTS ARE VERY WELL EXPLAINED AND THE MUSIC IS SOFT - I AM KEEN ON THIS DVD - I USE IT ONCE A WEEK TO BE AT THE TOP OF MY FORM-

This was the second dvd I purchased for Kundalini yoga, and it definitely fueled my curiosity. It is a really nice variety of kriyas and is a wonderful way to gain understanding of kundalini's potential. I do this dvd when my energy level is moderate and I need a boost. Also, Anna and Ravi's timely and subtle cues make good sense and are relevant even to the beginner. I am so glad to have this title in my library.

I like how this DVD started off slow enough for beginners to keep up. Once you recognize the pace of it, it's easy to follow along when the 5 Tibetans start. I enjoyed it! The reason for only 4 stars is because, I like to sweat more during my workouts. I've been doing pilates for 5 years and was curious about Kundalini. I think I'll use it more as a cool down due to the fact that it IS a more slow and meditative workout. FUNNY COMMENT: the background music they play on the DVD is kind of addicting. I did the routine again last night and that song has been stuck in my head all day..haha

This is the first yoga DVD I fell in love with! I could feel the good effects in just minutes which prompted me to write to the instructors to try and find out more about this type of yoga. They were so nice and patient answering all my questions. I just love them! I am a student and I swear this even helps me think better! This also has built my core muscles so I am sitting up straighter and even my mother has commented on my posture. People are actually asking my what I do for such great posture!
The two sets are fun and the first is a do anytime one, the second is a little more challenging and will build strength quickly. I have practiced Hatha Yoga so I recognize all the postures. I love the way this style of yoga adds movement and breath and great music. The instructions are very easy to follow and encouraging as well. I highly recommend this one to anyone!

I have found most yoga programs too hard to get into. This one eases you right into a great workout starting with sitting exercises for the spine (you can do them crosslegged or even in a chair). This set is awesome if you ever have back troubles. Better then a chiropractor visit! The second set eases you towards an Intermediate level with strengthening poses made interesting by flowing between one strength building move to another. Awesome! I got results so quickly I wrote to Ravi & Ana to ask for their suggestions as to what to buy next. They wrote back within the next day which was great! Check it out!

Not safe!!! I almost passed out and it took hours to feel normal again. Kundalini isn't something you play with at home. I live in spiritual community with lots of Kundalini guru's this isn't something you just work out to. It can mess up your energy if not done properly. I feel stupid for even trying this. I just read all these rave reviews and thought why not, because I wasn't willing to go to a class. I felt emotionally trashed and I was light headed for hours. This might be silly to all the people that think this is a flawless program but it's really scarey when you think you might pass out. Just beware.

This DVD is a great start in learning a practicing Kundalini Yoga. As a Yoga teacher trained in other Yoga traditions as well as Kundalini Yoga(by Ana and Ravi), I have found the breath practices and basic spinal set presented here have become favorite teaching set of mine and I usually recommend this DVD to beginning students looking to build a Yoga practice at home for this reason. The movements are accessible for most with the modifications provided and most of the essential techniques of Kundalini Yoga are included in the sets.
Ana and Ravi pace the instruction in a way to support working at your own level in the practice and some modification are suggested for those who feel limited. The mood of the DVD is calm and encouraging and I think this is essential for those trying to get back to exercise if they have been sedentary for awhile. Be patient with yourself and have fun as you begin, results will come as you apply yourelf!!!
Like some other reviewers, I had not seen a presentation of the 5 Tibetans before this. Ana and Ravi did a good job including this in the DVD. It is a simple and powerful practice to grow into over time.
Finally, I also agree with the reviewer Lisa below who suggests that students read up on Kundalini Yoga to expand their knowledge further. I also encourage people to find a Kundalini Yoga class at some point in time in order to enjoy the community and group spirit that can spark inspiration and ongoing motivation to practice Yoga.

I have never used a workout dvd as much as this one. I actually look forward to doing it at the end of my workday. No matter what happened during the day, this workout makes me feel like I did something really good for myself. I feel stretched and worked out in all the right places and the stress of the day - gone! The instructors are very clear and are considerate to beginners in reminding them to go at their own pace. Above everything else, I appreciate that they made doing yoga a fun workout and not a chore!

This is about the 10th yoga tape I've tried and it's the one that made me finally stick to a regular yoga practice! It is now in my daily rotation(I rotate with their Fat Free Yoga and Beauty Body - both powerful fat burners!). Ana & Ravi are the best at keeping you motivated and keeping the workout fun. If a workout is not fun I just won't do it but they really do make it over the top fun! I've been using my Ravi/Ana tapes for 2 months and was already seeing and feeling results after 1- 2 weeks! The 5 Tibetans is the more challenging set and I am still working up to the 21 repetitions that each flowing set of exercises is supposed to be done for so I would recommend this DVD to beginners like myself,who still that want a good,toning strengthening workout, cause it works up a sweat! Don't worry - it leaves you blissed and relaxed too!

Astrologer Jenny Lynch

I ordered this video because it was the highest rated DVD on amazon. I was hoping for a more 'modern' yoga video. If you are interested in the true practice of yoga, including chakras, then you may enjoy it. I've never tried a traditional yoga practice, so the first few times I did this video it was all just very odd for me. It's growing on me and I feel good afterwards but I dont know the video is the right fit for me overall.

Ana and Ravi have created a fantastic video that truly can be used by a beginner to Kundalini Yoga. I usually practice Hatha style yoga and switching to different type of yoga was at first difficult. I admit when I first saw one of Ana and Ravi's DVDs, I didn't really like Kundalini all that much. I definitely suggest if you are a beginner to kundalini yoga to try this DVD first. The movements are simple, but at the same time challenging. This practice allows the person to perform the movements at their own pace, since each asana is repeated multiple times which increases the benefits. This type of yoga is also really easy to stick to! Plus the new matrix menu option is awesome. It allows users to choose certain sets if they are short on time or need a quick relaxation pick me up. Get this DVD if you want to try something fun, that will stretch you out and get you going while at the same time keep you relaxed and focused.

I can't thank Ravi and Ana enough for making their yoga so readily available, easy to follow and FUN! Before Ravi and Ana's Kundalini, I had been very into Ashtanga. I still love Ashtanga, but it was almost like a chore a lot of the time to roll my mat for it. I knew I would feel great after, but it took a lot of intense concentration and sometimes I would get impatient. This yoga is easy to give my concentration and easy to follow. I feel calm and comfortable, yet challenged and rejuvenated. I can't tell you enough how grateful I am to have found these DVD's.

Beginner's and Beyond is a perfect start for any beginner. There is a great little section that goes over the two different breaths. I still like to do the breath primer actually because it makes me feel so good, and is a great way to start practice. The warmups are fantastic, and the spinal exercises make your back feel so strong when you are finished. The 5 tibetan rites, can be a bit challenging for a beginner, but the thing about Ravi and Ana is if you just try your best and breath, you will get incredible benefits. I do try to perfect my poses, but I am not as impatient about it with them as I was with Ashtanga. It just feels great to breath and go on their Kundalini journey.

Also, as a side benefit, since I have started their yoga, I am getting told by EVERYBODY that I look so young and refreshed. When I meet people they are astounded to find out that I am in my thirties as they would swear I am in my mid twenties. It is really amazing what this does for your body inside and out.

I hope this has helped even one person decide to get this, trust me, you won't be sorry.

this dvd gives a wonderful insight on the energy and pure delight of kundalini yoga....beautifully done, simple to move along with and fun, delightful and inspiring. thank you ana and ravi....in joy anita

This DVD is beautifully done. I love the whole thing. Ana is very careful and easy to follow. Everything is meticulously executed, right down the the thoughtfulness of the aesthetics. (I love the simple, round, pink mat in the middle of the flower petals and lack of distracting elements.) I have been doing Kundalini Yoga for a year and didn't know it. I had been practicing the Five Thibetan Rites and needed a boost because it was getting boring. This tape has the Rites but done in a slightly different way and also another workout that I love. I feel invigorated and energetic when I do these exercises. I ordered another DVD to try because I love it so much and just want to experience some variety.

It started with this dvd 4 months ago. And my life has changed in the most wonderfullest way. And I am continueing on my journey through life with kundalini Yoga.
I wish there were more titles. I now have all of them and enjoy every one.
This is truly an amazing practice. As an ex dancer I was looking for an exercise that could give me that special zone I use to get from ballet. And I am happy to have found Ravi and Ana's dvd's cause they do exactly this. Take you into the wonderful world of Kundalini Yoga. You build strength physically starting from the inside out. Emotionally, spiritually, and in other ways I'm not even aware of. If you get hooked on this consider it a blessing.
It has been hard for me to find instructers that teach from such a insightful, caring and skilled level that it keeps you coming back again and again. Day after day to practice.
Thank you Ravi & Ana, and patiently waiting for your new releases as well as music c.d and book and whatever else you have in store.
:)

I do believe this is one of the best yoga programs out there. I started doing Ana & Ravi DVD's recently and I can't imagine my life without their workouts. I have now updated to the matrix menu option version of this so you can progam your workout beforehand and include the segments you want. That way you stay in the zone and don't have to fumble with the remote at all. The exercises are all emminently doable and very easy to follow, with modifications supplied as well. One major selling point for Kundalini Yoga is that you really feel the benefits right away. It is a great style of yoga, a whole body workout, with no impossible poses. With this DVD I get stretching, energizing, strengthening, relaxation, and peace of mind! This DVD will do whatever you want it to do for you.

I've been working out at the gym like a madwoman, but I've been wanting to get back into Kundalini Yoga with Ana & Ravi, because when I think about it, their DVD's are the only thing that's helped me with my hips, posterior, and to keep a long line. I think the breathing along with the exercises stokes your metabolism, and this approach just gets in there and helps with those stubborn areas. This DVD feels exactly right for me. I always feel lighter after this workout, both physically and mentally. I bought this in 2006 and I loved it. Now I'm going to write myself a note to remind myself that this DVD works wonders!

This dvd is actually great no matter your level. It will ease you gently from a beginner level to a more proficient intermediate level. Ana & Ravi are seasoned teachers and you can really trust you are getting a safe and effective practice! What I love most about Kundalini Yoga are the unique postures. You'll see poses in this video you won't see in most of the other Yoga dvds such as alternating from up-dog to down-dog, bridge to staff, flexing hero pose, moving camel, washing machine!!! (I feel clean as fresh laundry after this one!!!) and quite a few I don't know the name of yet. I own almost all of the Ana & Ravi DVDs. Everyone of them gets regular use but I have to say that this one is one of my favorites for what it does for my back and moods!

I can't say how disappointed I was with this DVD. I have practiced yoga off and on for 30 years and thought I would start my daughter off with a well reviewed program. I have practiced Hatha, Iyengar, power and hot yoga.......this Kundalini is a total yawn. It is basically a breathing yoga and not physical at all. I would not recommend this for someone who is anything more than sedentary.

. I've been doing this yoga set every night after my daughter goes to bed - after a c-section a beginner set like this is about the right speed for me. I highly recommend this dvd to people looking to check out Kundalini and to practiced yogis too!

When I first experienced Ravi Singh and Ana Brett in a kundalini yoga class in Washington, DC, I couldn't believe how packed the room was. Asking a few students how they heard about the teachers, they said "their DVDs". Finally I watched "For Beginners...". Now I know why so many students find kundalini yoga through their DVDs.

I really enjoyed the music transitions in the rest periods, and the consistent reminders to mentally chant the mantra "sat nam", helping me relax and prepare for the next exercise. For even an experienced yogi like myself, it was very nice to be shown modifications, coupled with reminders to go at ones pace or take breaks whenever needed - to accommodate any beginner's limitations; for example, during the standing rotation, stare at a spot on the floor to regain balance

Both Ravi and Ana had a lot of catchy phrases - some with rhyme! - about the health benefits with every exercise, for not only the body but also the mind, that were memorable and made the experience more enjoyable, for example:

"expanded lung capacity brings expanded awareness" (during spinal twists)

"in spite of all that holds you back, the navel will carry you forward" (from double leg lifts)

"if your mind wanders, don't follow it - let your mind come back to you" (during the meditation)

I thought it was cool that they used a Tibetan series for the second kundalini yoga kriya. Doing so gives one a sense of the universality of the teachings. It was nice to know how camel pose affects men and women differently. And the meditation to chant based on ones pulse was very cool, especially if one is patient until one actually feels the pulse. Once the pulse vibration comes through the fingers, it gave me a sense of connection with my internal self - that was amazing!

The production itself was clear, colorful and gentle. Even in the credits Ravi and Ana gave just the minimum info needed, and checking their website, www.raviana.com/, I saw that too had the same friendly vibration.

This was the first DVD I bought from this series by Ravi & Ana. And I have gone on to buy more of their DVD's. Not only do I own them, I practise the yoga regularly. They are essential to my health and my peace of mind. I highly recommend this DVD, no matter what level you think you may be. It is a great introduction for beginners, and a great tune-up for the seasoned yogis. I like to do this when I feel I am misaligned, and regularly rotate this DVD into my morning routine.
Their instructions are so clear and concise, and I often garner pearls of wisdom from their DVD's. At the end, I always feel I have done a great thing not just for myself, but also for my family, for my peace attained radiates out to them as well.
Try it for yourself, and you will not regret it! Sat Nam.

I was extremely disappointed in this dvd. First off, I couldn't even stand to watch this girl with her belly hanging out the whole time, in her underwear, and making weird [...] movements. Ridiculous. Very boring background and music. Just wasn't feeling this workout I guess. It was very hard to even get through the whole dvd because I was laughing too hard. I honestly don't see how this dvd was rated so high in the list. Can anyone give me some examples of dvd's that have more actualy yoga poses in them, more upbeat music, and instructors who do not have their bellies hanging out?

Another great DVD from Ravi and Ana who make yoga fun and effective with dramatic results. You can't go past this DVD for a great mind, body and soul workout. Do this DVD for health, happiness and longevity. Where Ana and Ravi go beauty follows and healing happens!!!!!!

This DVD is an excellent example of kundalini yoga the way it is supposed to be. It encompasses meditation, breathing, as well as the poses. Whoever wrote that the DVD only deserved one star does not understand Kundalini yoga, and clearly has not taken the time or put the effort into learning about Ravi Singh or kundalini yoga. Ravi Singh is a yoga master, an inspiration, and someone everyone can learn from.

This is a 0 dread factor yoga DVD for me. The music, the way the poses flow (no static stretches held ad infinitum), the soothing voices of the instructors, and above all the amazing benefits, make this a DVD workout I can't live without. If you want to experience a style of yoga that you will want to everyday, this tape is perfect for you.

I had high expectations of this dvd but was utterly disapointed. The exercises don't give you a good worked out feeling afterwards. The music is pretty boring and the voice over sounds drowsy.

There's nothing better than the sound of Ravi Singh's raspy, yet whisper sweet voice offering you gentle congratulations and words of encouragement after moving through an asana or, better yet, an entire set of them. On Fat Free Yoga, in the `Fire in the Belly' segment, shortly after holding the "bow pose" that voice comes along and tells you to "relax no longer think about the pose, be in a new place" Okay, is the man reading my mind?? (that's supposed to be still right now, by the way!)

Those were just some of the reactions to my first Ravi and Ana Kundalini Yoga DVD! I found the collection last year while browsing Amazon for meditation CD's. I had recently lost about 20-25 lbs and was getting bored with my current morning workout routine. I'd tried yoga before and found it cumbersome and difficult. And, there was NO way I'd be able to actually clear my mind while trying to hold a pose. Or so I thought. Life was really beating down on me at the time. So the thing that attracted me to these DVD's more than anything was reading review after review that spoke about the calming affect of the workout on your mind. Well, I tried it and IT WORKED!

Fat Free Yoga was my first DVD. I did the entire 1 ½ hour routine the first sitting, every segment, every meditation. And you know what? Instant reprieve! No, not total relief...that would have been astonishing. I was coming down from death in the family, near death and life changing illness for another close family member, and death of a friendship. After my first practice I felt more genuine reprieve than I had in quite some time. I started to practice in earnest twice a day. My thoughts were taking on new form and so was my form!

My body was shedding pounds in places that have held long, lasting, meaningful relationships with FAT! My belly, my thighs, my ARMS were trimming and toning in ways that they never had before. And my skin, (something I admit that I always get compliments on anyhow) was in rare form! I was amazed at the glow!

Now, and this is just my take on the matter- but all of the physical changes, I wholeheartedly attribute to the "Breath of Fire." As Ravi says, it's more aerobic than aerobics! With Ravi's soothing voice, and Ana's expert moves I breathed my way into a new body and new state of mind. I've always been a spiritual person, I meditate, try to remain conscious in what I do . . .but this yoga (this moving meditation) opened new things in my world.

I have in my collection Fat Free Yoga, Kundalini Yoga for Beginners and Beyond, Yoga Beauty Body, Dance the Chakras, Yoga Hip Bliss, Ultimate Stretch Workout, and Journey Through the Chakras! I do love them all and they are all challenging in different ways, but I truly believe that Fat Free and Beginners and Beyond helped me to work through a lot, both spiritually and physically! Initially, I hated for Beginners and Beyond because of a sequence that requires you sit on your heels. OH THE PAIN!! However, with determination (helped along with a little fire in the belly) I worked my way into the asana with ease, eventually preferring that pose to meditate in. I would be remise if I did not mention that I love, love, love Dance the Chakras and even more I LOVE the Chakra Mudra chant at the end. Instant happiness, instant bliss! The first time I did it, I sat in the bed and played the DVD afterwards just to sing along!

Two final, important things: Ravi and Ana's monthly newsletter and CHAKRA44 reseller. When you go to Amazon to purchase, make sure you go into the used option and purchase your items directly from CHAKRA44 that's Ravi and Ana!

If you visit their website www.raviana.com you can sign up for the monthly letter. With this, you are kept abreast of any new projects, appearances (they teach all across the country) DVD specials, and most importantly the monthly question and answer segment. About 4 questions are highlighted each month. Here I always find something that speaks to me.

Most profound was the answer Ana gave to a customer about their smoking habit. It was such a free and easy answer. She said, "Don't worry about it, keep at your practice and when it's time it will happen for you!" I followed the advice. Months later, I was feeling a rising desire to quit. In frustration, I asked, out loud, "What is this hold on me?!" An answer came to me in the form of a feeling. The feeling I got was of a deep deep inhalation! I immediately thought, "That is the Dumbest thing you've EVER come up with!" I like to smoke because it feels so good to inhale??? Come on now... The very next day, the newsletter came and in it was a letter from an ex-smoker, who wrote about missing the deep inhalation once she quit. Oh yeah, I breathed my way through every urge! Although I've made many attempts prior to this, this time it was done with ease!

As I mentioned in my daily post circumstances took me away from my yoga practice, but I am ever so happy to be back.

Lifeis: so much better with Kundalini Yoga!

I love this DVD because after many stop and go attempts at a yoga practice, I finally found a yoga I can stick with. This type of yoga is accessible in that it works from the inside by loosening up the spine where stretching actually should begin. This type of workout is very well sequenced and does't work your outer larger muscles until they're ready. The first set Rise & Spine is a great opener for the whole body with lots of gentle twisting and flexing which gives the shoulders and lower back a nice release. The second set is a great core strengthener which hits every muscle that you'd work at the gym. I think what I love most about this type of yoga is that you don't hang out in one boring pose forever. You do a series of different movements. It's so easy to follow. There's no neck craning at your TV. Ana & Ravi are so entertaining (but at the same time unobtrusive), there's never a dull moment. My advice is to get this one.

This tape is absolutely excellent for beginners as it really easy. But this simplicity deceives. The postures combined with kundalini breathing are very effective and will benefit every level of practitioner to quickly balance and recharge their system.
It is a blessing that this knowledge is being taught to wider audience. It works on vital forces which has nothing to do with mere physical benefits (which will still come).
From a personal experience it helped me overcome extreme inner tension after having lost someone very close to me. Western medicine could not help at this point as nothing manifested as a physical illness. Where Western medicine ends this kind of yoga begins. Having found these exercises at the time it supported me to overcome the energetically tension and restored my balance for which I am extremely grateful. This does not replace that one grieves or does not have to find a way to deal with whatever happens in our life, but somehow it seems to support you to flow more natural with it.
Give it a try for 2 weeks and if you can just stick with any of these DVD's for a month & see for yourself! Experience will convince.

To even remotely compare what is being done in this video to yoga is extremely lame. It seems like a great workout, but I find the girl in her underwear annoying, and overly sexualized. I got a huge laugh at the end of the video when the girl started doing the hippie shake. It's just so corny!

Given a choice between yoga and working out, I opt for working out, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found this great DVD to be the best of both worlds. You work every part of the body and this DVD leaves you energized, opened up, and relaxed, all at the same time. The first set Rise & Spine is a great back releaser and aerobic in its own way. The second set, The Five Tibetans, is a great overall strengthening routine. After the workout the relaxation and short meditation are icing on the cake. Everything on this tape has opened up new possibilities for me. If you're a bit trepidatious about trying yoga, I can think of no better place to start than with this one. Ana & Ravi are great instructors and you will enjoy taking this journey with them.