Focus on Fitness: Yoga

Yoga is series of carefully defined “poses” with a strong emphasis on breathing, concentration, flexibility and toning. At a very controlled pace, participants move into a position, hold it, then move on to the next pose. The poses can range from very simple, relaxing stretches to strenuous positions. Yoga is considered ideal for restoring a healthy mind/body balance, increasing flexibility and reducing stress.

As part of our mission “to inform, enrich and empower”, JCPL staff members have created the “Focus on Fitness” guides. “Focus on Fitness: Yoga” highlights key titles for this subject area; our list includes resources addressing general information about yoga, as well as specific instructional routines, and companion materials. A combination of formats has been selected in order to connect you with the resource that best suits your purpose/preference.

About Focus on Fitness

Audio Books Video Websites

Appendix

Created by: Rebecca Gibson

rgibson@jasperco.lib.in.us

Last Updated April 7, 2003

About Focus on Fitness

“Fitness” is a hot commodity—hundreds of materials are marketed each year. With so many titles available, choosing can be an overwhelming task both mentally and financially. The Jasper County Public Library System has a wide selection of fitness materials encompassing a variety of fitness levels, needs and routines: our collection offers you the opportunity to try out programs that match your goals and interests.

Selection Criteria

All items have been selected in accordance with one or more of the following criteria:

· Favorable Reviews

· Reputation/Significance of author/publisher

· Effectiveness of style, format and content

· Need for breadth and balance

*JCPL still maintains audiocassette and VHS tape collections; however, in keeping with technological development and popular demand we are selecting most items in CD and DVD format when possible.

Review Sources

In addition to standard professional review sources such as AudioFile, Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly, we have also based our selections on reviews appearing in the following fitness publications: Fit, Fitness, Oxygen, Self, Shape and Yoga Journal.

Video Fitness Level Descriptions

The levels included in the video descriptions are taken from product information and reviews; they are based upon the following descriptions:

· Beginner: just starting to exercise/haven’t exercised for 6+ months.

· Intermediate: fairly active in sports, dance or some type of regular exercise (2-3 times per week)

· Advanced: very active in sports or have been exercising 4+ times per week for 6 months.

*For each workout “type” selected for our collection, all fitness levels are represented.

Audio

Do you prefer listening to reading? Do you prefer to listen to an instructor guide you through a routine—minus video? Are you looking for a soundtrack to listen to as you guide yourself through a routine? Audio is an ideal format for all of the above.

· Bed Top Yoga

Author: Carol Dickman

Publisher: Yoga Enterprises, Inc. June 1997

Description: Audiobook Cassette. Guides listeners through

a series of simple stretches and yoga postures to be done on a

bed or on the floor, ending with a brief relaxation. Intended for

those wanting a gentle form of exercise.

Length: 33 minutes

Reviews:

“ Dickman has a reassuring style, appropriate for an audience

that might be reluctant to exercise because of injury, disability or

age. She focuses on breathing and self-awareness, and gives

time after each exercise to experience its benefits. This is an

intelligent, useful presentation.” Yoga Journal January/February

1996.

Amazon.com customer rating: 5 out of 5 (based on 1 review).

Vendor Information: http://www.amazon.com. List price: $11.95

· Journey Into Power: How to Sculpt Your Ideal Body, Free Your True Self and Transform Your Life with Yoga

Author: Baron Baptiste

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, May 2002

Description: Audiobook CD. Offers a condensed

version of the author’s popular weeklong “boot camp”. Presents

tools to gain “a complete physical, mental and spiritual

transformation”. *Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award.

Length: 3 hours

Reviews:

“ . . . covers a lot of ground . . . eight principles

summarize the elements of mind-body mastery and meditative

self-awareness . . . every part of this program is designed to

influence the listener in the deepest possible way . . . .” AudioFile

Reviews December 2002/January 2003.

Amazon.com customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 20 reviews).

Vendor Information: http://www.amazon.com. List price: $24.00

· Shape Magazine’s Yoga Music

Author: Various Artists

Publisher: Capitol, January 2003

Description: Soundtrack CD. New-age hits by the original artists.

Quiet, ultra-relaxing mostly-instrumental music especially chosen

to complement a yoga workout. Includes “Chalice” by Michael

Deep, “A Thousand Small Gold Bells” by David Arkenstone,

“Ethereal” by Amesthystium and “Out of Earth” by Simon

Wynberg.

Length: 60 minutes

Reviews:

“Shape magazine is a well-respected fitness resource.” Rebecca Gibson,

Librarian/List Creator

Vendor Information: http://www.amazon.com. List price: $13.98

· Yoga Rhythms

Author: Shiva Rea

Publisher: Sounds True, August 2002

Description: Soundtrack CD. Rhythmically sequenced

music ideal for “flow” yoga. Shiva Rea teaches flow yoga at

workshops and retreats worldwide; she is a contributor to Yoga

Journal.

Length: 60 minutes

Reviews:

“Shiva Rea is a well-respected yoga instructor.” Rebecca Gibson,

Librarian/List Creator

Amazon.com customer rating: 5 out of 5 (based on 4 reviews).

Vendor Information: http://www.amazon.com. List price: $16.98

· Yoga Zone: Music for Yoga Practice

Author: Various Artists

Publisher: Windham Hill Records, September 1998

Description: Soundtrack CD. New-age hits by the original artists.

Quiet, ultra-relaxing mostly-instrumental music especially chosen

to complement a yoga workout. Includes “White Spirit” by Uman

and “Bridges” by Night Noise.

Length: 60 minutes

Reviews:

“Yoga Zone is a well-respected resource for yoga-related items.” Rebecca

Gibson, Librarian/List Creator

Amazon.com customer rating: 5 out of 5 (based on 6 reviews).

Vendor Information: http://www.amazon.com. List price: $16.98

Books

Do you prefer reading for instruction? Are you looking for in-depth information or still photographs of specific poses? Books are ideal for all of the above.

· Yoga: The Poetry of the Body

Author: Rodney Yee, Nina Zolotow, Michal Venera

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, January 2002

Description: Guides beginners through eight full yoga practices,

each prefaced by a student-teacher dialogue. Hundreds of

photographs. 345 pages.

Reviews:

“. . . an excellent book for the beginner and the

experienced . . . Rodney Yee has made a name for himself—one

that has become synonymous with the word “yoga”.” Bookpage

Reviews January 2002.

Amazon.com customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 20 reviews).

Vendor Information: http://www.amazon.com. List price: $21.95

· Living Yoga: Creating a Life Practice

Author: Christy Turlington

Publisher: Hyperion Books, October 2002

Description: Illustrated guide to yoga for practitioners of all levels.

Explores the eight tenets of yoga; includes various postures from

beginning to advanced. Offers instruction in the art of meditation.

Includes tips on planning one’s home according to vastu principles

and lists of yoga schools across the country. Christy Turlington is

a Yoga Journal contributing editor. 276 pages.

Reviews:

“ . . . clean, Zen-like layout and simple prose make it

accessible. . . aim is to help students who may be overwhelmed

by the unlimited information available on yoga . . . combination of

serious yoga talk with memoir-like reminiscences make for an

engrossing and inspiring overview of yoga . . . .” Publishers

Weekly September 2002 #3.

“ . . . complete with a history of yoga, an overview of

different styles, an extensive glossary of terms and a resource

directory, this elegantly illustrated book is ideal for beginners or

advanced practitioners looking for some inner equilibrium . . . . ”

Bookpage Reviews December 2002.

Vendor Information: http://www.amazon.com. List price: $24.00

· Yoga for Wimps: Poses for the Flexibly Impaired

Author: Miriam Austin, Barry Kaplan

Publisher: Sterling Publishing Company, May 2000

Description: Step-by-step approach targeted to those who want to

learn yoga but think the movements are too difficult. Each series

of poses is demonstrated in large, color photographs and

accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions. 108 pages.

Reviews:

“ . . . excellent . . . especially recommended for those who

haven’t exercised in years. . . .” Bookpage Reviews June 2000.

“ . . . yoga for the rest of us . . . fresh and totally worthwhile .

. . “. Publishers Weekly May 2000 #2.

Vendor Information: http://www.amazon.com. List price: $17.95

· Life is a Stretch: Easy Yoga, Anytime, Anywhere

Author: Elise Browning Miller, Carol Blackman

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications, January 1999

Description: Addresses a variety of needs for those on the go who

find it unrealistic to add another big commitment. Offers a variety

of routines including exercises which can be used at the desk and

while traveling. Postures are accompanied with step-by-step

instructions. 213 pages.

Reviews:

“ . . . worthwhile addition to the bookshelf . . . good

guide for the beginning yoga student . . . .” ForeWord Magazine

Reviews February 1999.

“ . . . useful for those who want to make yoga part of their

everyday life . . . great for those who have little “time” for exercise .

. . ”. Publishers Weekly January 1999 #1.

Vendor Information: http://www.amazon.com. List price: $17.95

Video

Do you prefer to be shown AND talked through a routine? If so, video is an ideal format for you.

· Crunch: Candlelight Yoga

Instructor: Sara Ivanhoe

Publisher: Anchor Bay Entertainment, 2002

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Description: DVD. Gentle moves selected to “release

tension piece by piece, breath by breath.” Focuses on breathing,

flexibility and relaxation. Light and airy set with brightly glowing

candles. Quiet instrumental music with some soothing nature

sounds. Includes a bonus 15-minute workout.

Length: Warm-up: 13 minutes, Standing/Floor Yoga: 25 minutes,

Relaxation: 5 minutes

Reviews:

“The music is soothing, the instructions are easy to follow and

there is a focus on proper form. A great way to unwind after a

stressful day.” 5.0 rating (on a scale of 1 to 5) Oxygen magazine

February 2003.

Amazon.com: 4.5 average customer rating (on a scale of 1 to 5)

Collagevideo.com: 4 positive customer reviews, 0 negative

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $14.95

· Crunch: The Joy of Yoga

Instructor: Sara Ivanhoe

Publisher: Anchor Bay Entertainment, 1997

Level: Intermediate

Description: DVD. Demonstrates a solid series of basic

yoga positions in a casual, non-technical manner. Emphasis is on

enjoying the movement, not perfecting each pose. Features more

energetic, upbeat music than most yoga videos. Includes bonus

workout: Crunch Fat-Burning Yoga.

Length: Warm-up: 6 minutes, Standing/Floor Yoga: 23 minutes,

Relaxation: 6 minutes

“A fine workout that treats yoga more like a sport than a

religion.” Fit magazine

“Upbeat, athletic-style yoga class of basic standing and floor

postures . . . refreshingly free of yoga-speak.” 4 out of 4 star

rating. Shape magazine January 2000.

“Soothes body and mind . . .” Fitness magazine March 2000.

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $14.95

· Crunch: Yoga Mama

Instructor: Sue Elkind

Publisher: Anchor Bay Entertainment, 2000

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Description: VHS. A pregnant class, from the first

through third trimester, demos a variety of basic yoga poses. The

poses are pregnancy-modified classics; the attitude is non-

intimidating and not-too-serious. Quiet music.

Length: Warm-up: 7 minutes, Standing/Floor Yoga: 18 minutes,

Stretch: 13 minutes

Reviews:

“Very relaxing. Easy to do during all trimesters of your

pregnancy” Fit magazine

Collagevideo.com: 1 positive customer review, 0 negative

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $14.95

· Kathy Smith’s New Yoga Basics

Instructor: Kathy Smith

Publisher: Sony Music Entertainment, 1995

Level: Beginner

Description: VHS. Designed for beginners. Focuses on

proper breathing, relaxation and simple poses.

Length: Warm-up: 3 minutes, Floor Yoga: 26 minutes, Standing

Yoga: 14 minutes, Yoga: 8 minutes, Stretch: 3 minutes

Review: “Unintimidating but highly effective” Fitness magazine

Fit magazine: 4.0 rating (on a scale of 1 to 5)

Self magazine: rated Best

Shape magazine: 5.0 rating (on a scale of 1 to 5)

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $14.95

· Kathy Smith’s New Yoga

Instructor: Kathy Smith and Rod Stryker

Publisher: Sony Music Entertainment, 1995

Level: Intermediate

Description: VHS. Co-taught by yoga expert Rod Stryker.

Poses range from easy stretches to a few more difficult positions

Length: Warm-up: 8 minutes, Yoga: 9 minutes, Standing Yoga: 12

minutes, Floor Yoga: 13 minutes, Relax: 9 minutes

Review: “Unintimidating but highly effective” Fitness magazine

Fit magazine: 4.0 rating (on a scale of 1 to 5)

Self magazine: rated Best

Shape magazine: 5.0 rating (on a scale of 1 to 5)

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $14.95

· Kathy Smith’s New Yoga Challenge

Instructor: Rod Stryker

Publisher: Sony Music Entertainment, 1995

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Description: VHS. Powerful, athletic approach to yoga. Led

by Rod Stryker.

Length: Warm-up: 6 minutes, Yoga: 9 minutes, Seated

Yoga: 15 minutes, Floor Yoga: 24 minutes, Stretch: 3 minutes

Reviews:

“Unintimidating but highly effective” Fitness magazine

“Both aerobically challenging and relaxing. This is a well-done,

visually pleasing video.” 4.0 rating (on a scale of 1 to 5) Fit

magazine February 2000:

Self magazine: rated Best

Shape magazine: 5.0 rating (on a scale of 1 to 5)

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $14.95

· Power Yoga: Beginner Workout

Instructor: Bryan Kest

Publisher: Warner Studios, 2000

Level: Beginner

Description: VHS. Flowing series of basic yoga poses.

Emphasizes deep/free breathing and concentration on workout

goals. Quiet music.

Length: Standing/Floor Yoga: 24 minutes

Reviews:

Oxygen magazine, February 2003: 4.0 rating (on a scale of 1 to 5)

Collagevideo.com: 2 positive customer reviews “energizing &

challenging . . . strongly recommended.”

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $19.95

· Power Yoga: Energize

Instructor: Bryan Kest

Publisher: Warner Studios, 1995

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Description: VHS. Ashtanga-style workout. Fast-paced,

strenuous routines. No eastern philosophy or demands for the

“perfect” pose. Artsy, sepia-toned film style.

Length: Standing/Floor Yoga: 50 minutes

Reviews:

“Extremely satisfying” Fitness magazine February 2000

Collagevideo.com: 10 positive customer reviews, 0 negative

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $14.95

· Power Yoga: Tone

Instructor: Bryan Kest

Publisher: Warner Studios, 1995

Level: Advanced

Description: VHS. Emphasizes balance, flexibility and

strength. Includes Prayer Balancing Twist, Plough and Spinal

Twist.

Length: Standing/Floor Yoga: 50 minutes

Reviews:

“Extremely satisfying” Fitness magazine

Collagevideo.com: 9 positive reviews, 0 negative

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $17.95

· Power Yoga: Sweat

Instructor: Bryan Kest

Publisher: Warner Studios, 1995

Level: Advanced

Description: VHS. Poses require superb flexibility and lots

of upper/lower body strength. Includes easier modifications

Length: Standing/Floor Yoga: 50 minutes

Reviews:

“Extremely satisfying” Fitness magazine

Collagevideo.com: 9 positive reviews, 0 negative

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $14.95

· Power Yoga: Weight Loss

Instructor: Bryan Kest

Publisher: Warner Studios, 2002

Level: Advanced

Description: DVD. Fluid, deep-muscle poses

Length: Standing/Floor Yoga: 42 minutes

Reviews:

“Traditional yoga with a faster flow. Postures with clear

instructions on form and breathing.” 4/5 Oxygen magazine

October 2002

Collagevideo.com: 5 positive reviews, 0 negative

Vendor Information: http://collagevideo.com. List price: $19.95

Websites

Are you looking for quick information that you can access at any time? A quick yoga-break at work? Check out these sites.

· Yoga Journal Magazine: The Voice of Yoga Online (http://www.yogajournal.com/)

Description: Launched in October 2001, the site includes a searchable database with hundreds of articles selected from past issues of Yoga Journal magazine, yoga poses database searchable by anatomical focus/therapeutic applications and features a comprehensive, searchable directory of yoga teachers and studios. Links.

Review:

“Online version of a popular, well-respected magazine. Provides access to hundreds of articles.” Rebecca Gibson, Librarian/List Creator

· Desktop Yoga

(http://www.mydailyyoga.com)

Description: Animated sequences that can be done at your

desk to reduce stress and prevent repetitive stress injuries.

Site co-designer, Ellen Serber, is a certified instructor; Ellen

regularly presents workshops and has had articles featured in The

International Journal of Yoga Therapy, Yoga Journal and

Somatics.

Review:

“This site makes it easy to incorporate simple moves into the

workday.” Rebecca Gibson, Librarian/List Creator

Appendix

Item Record

Title	Kathy Smith New Yoga
Publisher	New York: Sony Music Entertainment, c 1994
Description	1 videocassette (60 min.): sd., col., stereo.; ½ in.
Notes	Not rated. Intermediate level. Executive producer, Russell K. Kamalski; created by Kathy Smith and Rod Stryker; director, Jamie Legon; produced by Mona McCartney; written and choreographed by Rod Stryker. Instructor, Kathy Smith.
Contents	Deep breathing—Standing poses—Floor and finishing poses— Guided breathing and relaxation.
Manufacturer No.	LV 51551; SMV/Sony Music Entertainment
ISBN	1573309885
Subjects	Yoga Exercise Physical Fitness Exercise for women.
Alternate Title	New Yoga. Stretch & relaxation, intermediate.
Other Authors	Smith, Kathy Stryker, Rod Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.
Library Holdings
Call Number	Notes	Status
VHS 613.7 KAT		Due 03/18/2003

Marc Record

000 ngm Ia

001 GEACPlusBT373445

003 OcoLC

005 20020708124651.0

007 vf cbahos

008 990114s1994 cau060 e vleng d

020 $a 1573309885 : $c $14.95

028 42 $a LV 51551 $b SMV/Sony Music Entertainment

035 $a ocm40622281

040 $a UUC $c UUC $d XCA

049 $a XCAA

090 $a RA781.7 $b .K384 1995

099 $a VHS 613.7 KAT

245 00 $a Kathy Smith New yoga $h [videorecording] / $c

Kathy Smith and Rod Stryker; Handheld Productions.

246 30 $a New Yoga.

246 1 $i Subtitle on container spine: $a Stretch &

relaxation, intermediate.

260 $a New York : $b Sony Music Entertainment, $c

c1994.

300 $a 1 videocassette (60 min.) : $b sd., col.,

stereo. ; $c ½ in.

500 Not rated.

500 $a Intermediate level.

505 0 $a Deep breathing – Standing poses – Floor and

finishing poses – Guided breathing and relaxation.

508 $a Executive producer, Russell K. Kamalski ; created

by Kathy Smith and Rod Stryker ; director, Jamie

Legon ; produced by Mona McCartney ; written and

choreographed by Rod Stryker.

511 0 $a Instructor, Kathy Smith.

538 $a VHS.

650 0 $a Yoga.

650 0 $a Exercise.

650 0 $a Physical fitness.

650 0 $a Exercise for women.

700 1 $a Smith, Kathy.

700 1 $a Stryker, Rod.

710 2 $a Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.

945 00 $a NYOGA99000

946 $a PO 11262

994 $a E0 XCA

998 $a MONO

998 $a MONO

999 $zVHS 613.7 KAT $z $z Due 03/18/2003 00:00:00

Collection Uses

In addition to making the mediagraphy available via our website (with embedded links), print brochures could be created and made easily available to our patrons via our brochure racks. Also, this list can be used to create a physical display of materials to entice browsers—the inclusion of some fitness-related items such as dumbbells, measuring tape etc could make it quite eye-catching. Articles in our monthly newsletter or the local papers are also viable options.