Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie''s plot.
Ever wonder why someone doing yoga would need a strap or bricks? Most people know what a yoga mat is and that its tacky surface will anchor the feet in position while performing yoga poses. But what about that 6-foot long cloth strap and those lightweight foam bricks? Instructor Suzanne Deason, with the help of her assistant Veronica DeMartini, demonstrate the principles of using yoga props in the video How to Use Props. As Deason says at the start of the video, “Props allow you to completely surrender to the pose.” But what exactly does that mean?
About the Video
How to Use Props is a 26-minute VHS video featuring yoga instructor Suzanne Deason. The tape is divided into three sections. During the first part of the video, Deason shows the three props she will discuss (yoga mat, strap and bricks). In the next section, Deason discusses the props in more detail while a student demonstrates how to use the props during various yoga poses. The last part of the tape includes a brief “sequenced yoga practice” where Deason performs the yoga poses with the props. This video is filmed in a room that reminds me of a ballet studio.
Suzanne Deason is a trim, vibrant woman who speaks clearly. She paces her words so that the viewer has a chance to digest what she is saying. Performing the poses, Deason is fluid in movement. Her teaching experience is evident.
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The first 1 1/2 minutes of this video features advertising for Livingarts products. Next, several screens of disclaimers are shown as white text on black background ... warnings such as: consult your doctor before beginning this or any exercise program. Then Suzanne Deason is visually introduced, wearing a white leotard, and gracefully demonstrates a yoga posture.
More About the Props
Since this video is a Livingarts production, which is a branch of Gaiam, Inc., the props used are made by Gaiam under the Livingarts name. Suzanne Deason is shown sitting on a yoga mat with the yoga strap and bricks beside her. The prop descriptions are basic without much depth.
The Mat
As is mentioned in the video, a yoga mat offers cushioning and a temperature barrier against a cold, hard floor. The mat also provides a non-slip surface for the feet so that they don’t slide while doing yoga poses. Suzanne Deason does not explain the differences between yoga mats or even how to choose one. The mat discussion is brief with the focus aimed at the yoga strap and bricks.
A yoga strap compensates for tight hips, shoulders and ham strings. Introducing the yoga strap, Suzanne Deason holds it so that the viewer can see the length of the strap and the buckle. She then shows how to buckle the strap, explaining that some poses use the strap buckled and other poses use the strap unbuckled. She does not go into detail about all the uses for a yoga strap.
Next Deason holds a foam brick and explains that bricks can help attain the correct position during yoga poses. Bricks can also add stretch to a pose or raise the floor level if the body is not yet flexible enough to go deeply into bends and postures.
Suzanne Deason introduces her student, Veronica. While Deason describes how to perform various yoga poses while using the props, her assistant Veronica does the actual postures. This section of the video is about 13 minutes long. To add contrast between the two women, Deason is wearing a white leotard and Veronica is dressed in black. Ten yoga postures are demonstrated, with Deason guiding her student into the correct positions.
Focusing on Mat Use
1. Mountain Pose
2. Warrior Pose
Using the Strap
3. One-legged Seated Forward Bend
4. Extending arms skyward (no name given to the pose)
5. Arms behind the back (no name given to the pose)
6. Reclining Cobbler’s Pose
Using Bricks
7. Triangle Pose
8. Upward Facing Dog
9. Downward Facing Dog
10. Forward Bend
The postures using bricks are demonstrated first without bricks and then with bricks.
Workout With Suzanne Deason
The video includes a 10-minute yoga practice. Deason, wearing a red leotard, performs each posture with precision and grace. Though she does not speak during her workout, her voice is dubbed over the exercise routine so that the viewer is given step-by-step instructions of the poses.
Deason terms this routine a “sequenced yoga practice”. It incorporates many of the moves that her student Veronica demonstrated.
The workout opens with Deason extending her arms above her head while using the strap. Next she uses bricks while doing Downward Facing Dog, and segues into Child Pose. A Triangle Pose leads to several other positions, ending with the Cobbler’s Pose using the yoga strap. Deason also suggests the viewer might like to use a bolster behind the head and back during the Cobbler’s pose, yet a bolster has never been discussed as a yoga prop.
What I Like About the Video
Suzanne Deason presents herself well, is obviously familiar with the poses, and is clear in her descriptions. Interacting with a student also gives the viewer a sense of having a personal yoga session with Deason. This video covers the basics of using props, and seeing the props used in actual practice is helpful.
What I Dislike About the Video
It is very basic. The video would better capture my interest if it detailed more ways to use the yoga props. Also, the Cobbler’s Pose using the yoga strap is a complex combination of moves, definitely not for a beginner. I can’t imagine anyone viewing this video more than a few times. With the workout session at the end of the video, I’m even less inclined to view it. It’s not worth fast forwarding through the tape just to participate in Deason’s 10-minute yoga session. A 20-minute workout would have been much better. Also, the video tape I own jumps a bit at the very end during Deason’s wrap-up talk with static-laced lines appearing across the screen.
About Instructor Suzanne Deason
I was amazed at how challenging it was to find information on the internet about Suzanne Deason. She has released many yoga videos and seems to be well known, yet there are few profiles or biographies about her.
Suzanne Deason first started yoga at the age of nine and has been practicing yoga for over 35 years and teaching yoga for over 15 years. Her formal training is in the Iyengar tradition where yoga unites the mind, body and breath. She is an certified yoga and pilates instructor. Suzanne Deason teaches yoga in California.
Summary
The only reason I own the How to Use Props video is because it came as part of the Yoga Essentials Toolkit. I purchased the Yoga Essentials Toolkit new for a bargain of $5.00. It includes a yoga mat, a yoga strap, two foam bricks, and this video. To buy the video alone would cost about $10.00.
To be honest, I’m not sure this video is worth $10.00. If you are completely unfamiliar with yoga props and need to see them in use, then this video will introduce you to the mat, strap and bricks – seeing them used in the poses will definitely improve your understanding of yoga props. However, if you are familiar with yoga props or have been practicing yoga for awhile, then this probably isn’t the video for you. Also, I question whether some of the yoga postures in this video are suitable for beginners.
As Suzanne Deason says at the start of this video, yoga is a “timeless system of self care”. I’ve been practicing yoga for about a year and have found it a wonderful way to relax. I breathe more easily, my posture is better, and my appetite has decreased. I can’t recommend trying yoga enough ... and maybe this video is a way for you to begin.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Video Details
Length: 26 minutes
Format: Color, NTSC (US & Canada only)
Rated: NR
Studio: Living Arts
Video Release Date: January, 2000
ASIN: 0945671172
Price: $9.98
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