Chinese Yoga

VN:F [1.9.13_1145]

A 50-minute Chinese Yoga routine — a little different from Hatha Yoga. Bob Klein instructs.

While beginners can do the modified versions of this routine, it does help if you are familiar with regular Yoga. Although some of the moves are different, the approach (focus, breathing, etc.) is the same. You will need a mat, and for one (optional) section, an inflatable exercise ball, maybe just a bit larger than a medicine ball, but more pliable.

Those who are used to glossy, high budget production and youthful instructors who have passed through a stylist and makeup artist’s care might be taken aback by the home-made feel of this DVD, which was shot in the instructor’s backyard. But even if this routine lacks the fancy trappings of other workouts, it has a lot of real value if you are looking to gain flexibility, improve joint health and get a great back massage in the process. Klein has been involved in Tai Chi, martial arts and Yoga for over 40 years and the style of Yoga he teaches is more active than static, but still gentle, focusing a lot on rotation and release. The routine begins and ends standing, but most of the work is done on the mat. Whether you’re moving your limbs, twisting or doing a Bridge, you are working on loosening and stretching on a deep level. About 40 minutes into the session, there is a section that uses a medium-small inflatable ball (you can probably find this at a fitness store or Target — a child’s play ball might work, if it’s strong enough to hold your upper body weight). The ball segment is a little tricky in parts, but once you get the knack of it, it’s a fantastic spine massage. Throughout the workout, Klein encourages you to modify and do whatever works for you, and gives you breathing cues that are crucial to any Yoga practice. This DVD is a nice change of pace for anyone looking for a relatively mild Yoga workout that still offers a great stretch and release.