Last updated: Wednesday May 21, 2008, EDT 8:42 AM
BOLLYWOOD BURN, with Hemalayaa ($14.99, acacialifestyle.com)
* What I liked: The DVD is split into three self-contained segments, each of which has a warm-up, cool-down and a mix of peaks and valleys in between. Yogini Hemalayaa does a good job of pacing so that you work your heart but get to rest, too. All three routines were especially good workouts in the quad region. I also liked that I was learning new moves. I didn't get them all the first time; but some, like a move where you jump backward in a circle with one leg lifted, were surprisingly easy and fun.
* What I didn't like: Hemalayaa's honeyed Hollywood-studio voiceover was slightly grating, so if you are picky about the personality of your trainer, she may not be for you. I also felt slightly silly doing some of the Bollywood moves, even when I was all alone with the DVD. The arm moves, in particular, were a little beyond me — and I didn't feel like they really worked my arms.
* The bottom line: This is a good experience, but you have to be willing to experiment.
— Evelyn Shih
YOGA TO THE RESCUE FOR BACK PAIN, with Desirée Rumbaugh ($14.99, acacialifestyle.com)
* What I liked: Rumbaugh patiently explains basic concepts of alignment and details precise movements that get results. She targets specific problems that those with back pain usually have and gives voiceover notes for adjusting posture as she and fellow demonstrator Andrew Rivin do the basic forms of yoga.
* What I didn't like: This is more of a handbook for yoga beginners and those coping with pain than an actual workout routine. For anyone who's learned the basic forms, the pace can be stiflingly slow. After going through the 66-minute disc once, you will either use the chapter system to skip to the forms that helped you the most — or never pop it in the DVD player again. It's hard to blame Rumbaugh for truth in advertising. But keep in mind that the operative word is more "back pain" than "yoga," especially if you like a practice with a flow.
* The bottom line: This is a good component of a beginner's yoga library.
— Evelyn Shih
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