Baron Baptiste - Hot Yoga: The Power Yoga Method - Level 2 (DVD, 2003)

This is one of the toughest yoga workouts I've done yet: the warm up alone is roughly 15 minutes long! The DVD was recommended to me as a solid step forward from my first favorite yoga workout, MTV Yoga with Kristen McGee. It took me some before I could approach Baron's session without critisizing the DVD for petty details--measuring it up against everthing I loved about MTV Yoga--and appreciate the it for its own strengths. For one, I was a little dissapointed with the music and overall look of the set; but eventually the whole program grew on me and I learned how to accept the low-budget fare. As an intermediate, there is a lot to challenge myself with here: advanced warrior balancing, bridge, upward bow, eagle... I do generally like when instructors perform the moves right along with the models, but with time, I was able to adjust without it. I also missed having chapters to make a button-press skip forward to one section, or return back to another, but figured a way to cope without :) I do like how the models give me no doubt that they're there to work, not look pretty; they are human: showing a little limitation, and making a few mistakes. Again, the details that have nothing do with the actual workout can still effect my enjoyment.

I bought this DVD on a whim one night and thought how "hot" could it make me -- it's yoga, for cryin' out loud! Well, it definitely makes you sweat, not to mention sore! If you're into yoga and have a basic understanding of basic moves already, try this if you're into a challenge.

I have the first Baron Baptiste DVD and I loved it! I thought the second one would be just as good, and it was! This 2nd DVD is challenging and teaches you new poses. If you are ready for the next level, this one is a good choice. Baron is an excellent instructor and has a great flow to the poses which makes it fun.

I don't think I've ever used one of Baron's videos and thought: 1. "Oh, this is easy!" and 2. "Boy this is too spiritual for me."

His workouts (this one especially) are terrific; if you don't have a Baptiste Power Yoga center near you, definitely check out this video. I'd say that for the beginner who wants to move and progress to the first stages of the intermediate level this is perfect. You'll recognize the moves and some of the Sanskrit names for the moves, but it is all presented in a serene way but at a pace that keeps the heart rate going. Nice for the arms and abs as well. Highly recommended!

This workout definitely makes you sweat. Felt very powerful once it was completed. This was the first Baron Baptiste workout I ever completed and will not be the last. He guides you through each move at a pretty quick pace-fast enough to get your heart moving. Very challenging for a beginner.

I looked long and hard for a decent challenge in a yoga video, and here it is. This is a good workout that will keep you in shape. It is long enough that it is not too easy, but Baptiste provides modifications throughout so that a newer yoga student can enjoy the video too. I suggest that you begin with his Level 1 video because in this video he builds on concepts introduced in Level 1.

I liked Baron's earlier CD titled Power Yoga because it centered more on the abs and didn't require as many balancing poses. This CD however, goes at a slower pace (holding poses for a few seconds longer) and focuses more on leg strength. I like playing this video after a workout, when my body's already warmed up and sweating.