Yoga for the Rest of Us with Peggy Cappy

Rented this DVD from my library, and now I'm going to buy it. (It's also available on Prime Instant Video, but I want to have the DVD for my own library). There is also a 3 minute clip available on YouTube. Peggy has a very calming, encouraging voice. I am a senior - 68 yrs - and a pinched sciatic nerve causes weakness in my right leg. I became concerned that my balance was becoming affected. I believe this workout will help to strengthen my legs and increase balance, as well as strengthening my hips. There are four other people in this video with Peggy. The viewer can choose which person to follow, depending on his/her ability. Use a chair, or not, it's up to you. You may need a chair for some poses, but not for others, depending on your strength and ability. You can use it as a beginner, and then, as you gain strength, you can continue to use the video, following the more advanced poses. From the back of the DVD case: "Presented in three 20 minute segments that can be done separately or as a complete one-hour workout." First segment is warm-up stretches and breathing exercises. Second, standing yoga poses, all of which can be done with the help of a chair. Last section includes sun salutations and easy exercises for relaxation.

I like Peggy Cappy's "Yoga for the Rest of Us" best of dozens of yoga dvds that I have tried. I'm 68 and have been doing yoga regularly for only about a year, so younger or more experienced people may prefer other dvds, but for me this one works for several reasons. First, it is clear. Peggy Cappy speaks clearly and slowly so I can follow each move easily. Second, the visual demonstration includes four students each of whom may present a slightly different variation on the exercise. Third, it is engaging. I have watched many yoga dvds that fail to engage the viewer because they move so quickly with so little articulation that they clearly are designed either for very experienced users or for people who are generally quite physically motivated but also not very verbal. I like Peggy Cappy because she gives lucid explanations and proceeds at a pace that older or less experienced people can follow.Two final features make this dvd one that works well for me. First, it is divided into three 20 minute sections which can be performed separately or in one hour-long session. This makes it easy for me to do one part or the whole sequence depending on my schedule. Finally, and most importantly, Peggy Cappy stresses lots of wonderful stretches that I have not found in any other yoga dvd. She pays attention especially to arms, wrists, hands, fingers and legs, feet, ankles. In an older person, these extremities can become very stiff and lose pliability. Peggy Cappy's attention to stretching these parts of the body has helped me to regain flexibility and to feel really good. I highly recommend this dvd.

I've dabbled with Yoga on & off for the past 7 years or so, trying different DVDs, searching for a really good beginners routine that would engage me and I think Peggy Cappy finally did it. Other reviewers have pointed out how easy it is to follow her instructions, how inspiring it is to see students of varying shapes, sizes and ages, and how very nice it is too see multiple variations, so I don't need to mention that (oops, guess I did anyway). I wish I'd stumbled across this 12 years ago when my mother first came home after her stroke - although there are many poses she wouldn't have been able to do, I think I could've gotten her to do the seated head/neck, shoulder, hand/arm & leg/feet (the latter two with just one arm/leg) as well as the breathing, and they would've benefited her greatly.Anybody with a balancing problem would be able to do these, too (I have a friend with MS and I am planning to recommend this one to her - first & only I've found). Kudos to Peggy Cappy & PBS!

I have done several yoga tapes over the years and this is definitely the most basic, but that's not all bad. Peggy Cappy is not coming from a "new-agey" perspective of "mind-body-spirit" [That in itself will cause many to dismiss her]. There's not even music as background. However, if what you are looking for is a way to increase flexibility, balance, and general well-being, this will help.The DVD features ordinary people - not models or people who can tie themselves in knots. Quite the opposite, the "Meet Peggy Cappy" section interviews older individuals with all the problems of aging. And, if you are younger - don't let this be a turn off. These people are an inspiration. {Most yoga, pilates, or aerobic videos feature perky, healthy, good-looking bodies which can just plain be disgusting when you know those days have passed and you're just attempting to stay in the same jeans size.)This isn't going to make you sweat and if you are into a real fitness program, you will definitely need more than this. Yet, there are some real beneficial aspects to this as well. The focus on breathing is very good as are the foot and wrist exercises, things that are often missed in other fitness videos. I'm not disappointed that I purchased this; I will not use it on a daily basis, but when I am overtired or just want to take a break, this will be good.If you are brand new to yoga, out of shape, or dealing with an injury, this video would be a great introduction. It is encouraging, safe, and motivating. It's certainly better than doing nothing.

This program is about to save my life.... and my sister's, too (though she doesn't know it yet!). I've been doing the full dvd for just 2 weeks now, every day minus one day a week. Though I'm a very young looking 55, I am super out of shape, overweight and body hurts always. I'm a clean eater but have hypothyroidism, so my weight is crazy out of control when meds aren't working (I went years undiagnosed). At only 5'3", that ain't good. I share this to say that the simple moves on this dvd done consistently REALLY have helped me thus far. Literally just standing in mountain pose hurts my body... I cannot wait until I can stand there pain-free. I feel like it will happen with this! After the first time going through it, I ordered one for my sister, who is similar age and in similar poor physical condition.

I love this. I had long wanted to take up yoga, but the classes I tried were full of competitive, super-bendy people eager to show off their pretzel-tying ability, and DVDs presumed a degree of flexibility which I as a mature woman I simply don't have.This video, which I've been using (on and off) for five years is great. it doesn't presume flexibility. I don't have to get down on the floor (and worry about how I'll get up again), and it doesn't place great demands on my knees and other joints.Everything is very doable - even for a stiff creaky person like me. For example, the 'Downward Dog' pose doesn't require placing the hands on the floor. Instead, you put them on the seat of a chair, and get the same effect.It's a real workout though, and you'll probably feel it.After each workout, my body feels strong, stretched and alive.

Having tried the traditional yoga and not being able to do much of it due to health issues, am thoroughly enjoying this one, that is tailored for us with these issues.No matter your issues, try it, you will be able to do it and glad you took the first step.

I have to say that Ive been looking for a decent yoga dvd for a long time. I have tons of dvds that I cant do. This one I can do and i love that it has stretching exercises and a relaxation segment too. Im currently looking for more. So far, I have only two dvds I can do for yoga, this one and Leslie Sansones, Yoga you can do it. Im not a senior citizen but Im not as flexible as I use to be so this tape definately fits the bill for me! Great beginner tape!

peggy cappy's yoga dvd's are excellent for all ages, body shape and size. Unfortunately they don't do this DVD in region 2. Great for beginners - real beginners!

Idéal pour débutants ou personnes âgées.