Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Yoga Boost: Beginner's Yoga System for Men and Women Who Don't Normally Do Yoga, with Modifications for The Inflexible. Build Muscle, Lose Weight, Soothe Sore Muscles, and Relieve Stress.

Top positive review

Not just for guys - for anyone that can't touch their toes!

November 28, 2016

I am not a guy, but I love this yoga video series.

If you aren't that flexible, have never taken yoga in your life and are a little out of shape, this is a great way to get into it. Everything is clearly explained and alternative options are given for those of us who struggle just to touch our toes. Don't think for a second that makes this a leisurely workout. If you take it seriously, you will notice that you can hold poses longer, stretch a little deeper, breathe a little easier and transition a little smoother every time you do it. After not being able to touch my toes when I started, a few weeks of this and I can easily bend down and touch the floor with my hands flat.

I've tried other videos and been irritated by the stupid music, breathless whispering of the instructor and inability to explain what the heck I'm supposed to be doing. This really is THE BEST way I've found to learn basic yoga poses and get some flexibility back.

321 people found this helpful

Top critical review

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Joe

Dean is pretty annoying

August 14, 2018

Dean never shuts up, and the commentary is not particularly value-added for a beginner. He is vague on which muscle group should be exercised.
The production quality is poor and makes insufficient use of available technologies to illustrate where on the body the practitioner should feel a tautness or a release. The shift from using color in the oblique views to using black-and-white in the frontal view is absolutely jarring and unnecessary. I thought my DVD player dropped off or something.
I've used the video a few times and will probably stop. I'm still in the return window and may just return it. About all I use it for now is pacing, and even that is questionable since some moves seem really rushed and others drag on for too long - if the desire is an overall balanced stretch.
If you're a beginner, and want good instruction on how to start yoga, this is not the DVD for you.

14 people found this helpful

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cbazten

Nice guy teaching you what you need to know, how to progress

February 9, 2018

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

I like this dvd. The guy is very personable. He looks like he wouldn't be but you can tell he is quite flexible. He's got a friendly soothing voice which goes well with the idea of doing yoga. I do wish he didn't wear a shirt the whole time -- the cover is a bit misleading. I don't mean this in a piggish way but I know from classes I have taken that either tight fitting clothing or going shirtless allows a student a better understanding about what muscles are being used/flexed and to what degree.

The dvd comes with some offers about additional info on a website which I checked out but haven't done anything with. I am still on the beginner lesson and expect to be for some time.

11 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

A great starter for those that want to try yoga and are intimidated! Fantastic results!

April 14, 2018

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

I have NEVER felt compelled to write a review on a product. But, this has been a life changer for me. I am 51 and was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. I had a great deal of lower back pain and discomfort. I was frustrated because I was gaining weight and could no longer do my normal work out to lose weight. I was also lacking flexibility and had a tough time even bending over to tie my shoes. I was frustrated and searched online and fortunately found this dvd. I have seen incredible results in the past 90 days. This is something that I want to do because of how great I feel. I have gotten much stronger; have greater flexibility; lost weight and look leaner; and have more energy. I can acutually see muscles that I have not seen in 20 years! It is amazing the great results in such a short period of time! I know that this sounds like I am a paid spokesperson, but I am just a guy that got frustrated with the way I felt. I also wanted to write this review because I just purchased the latest dvd, Yoga Strong. I would have a difficult time with the poses if I had not spent time learning the basics with this dvd. Do yourself a favor if you want to look and feel better...try this.

11 people found this helpful

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slicchic

Exactly what I have been looking for... something I find that I am sticking with.

November 2, 2018

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

I stumbled across BBY on Amazon, and so very thankful that I did. I’m not a man, but Dean’s “man yoga” is exactly what I’ve been looking for all along – yoga for fitness without the all of the “yoga” hoopla. I am really enjoying his style. He is very likable and easy to listen to (and look at for that matter … a bonus for the ladies ;). For me, there is nothing annoying to get in my way, which is why I’d abandoned yoga so many times before. Dean provides the perfect amount of clear instruction, explanation on technique, why you’re doing it, what you should (and shouldn’t) feel, injury prevention, modifications (for both easier AND more of a challenge), etc. These are great work outs for building strength, balance and flexibility. He’s even cool enough that my teens (daughter and son) want to do it with me. I’m only three+ weeks in, and can already tell a huge difference in my strength, see daily progress / growth in my ability and balance. My son is very athletic, and I love that this appeals to him too.

About me: I’m 51, 5’3”, right at 120 lbs, and although I’m not much overweight, I am out of shape right now (strength and muscle tone). I’ve spent the last 18 years having babies and raising kids, without consistent exercise. I positively don’t have time to go somewhere every day, and although I do like group exercise, a group of women is not my thing. I quit running, and exercise in general, about 4 years ago after a fall down the back stairs caused torn ligaments in my knee and ankle, along with multiple broken bones in my foot. I have mild arthritis (hands, knees, and left hip), and know that osteoporosis is a concern for me. I have always been, and still am very limber, but have never been able to do a push-up and balancing poses are a challenge! For a number of reasons, I’m done with running and high impact, but need and enjoy fast walking, strength conditioning, weights, flexibility, balance training etc. My first goal is to be able to do push-ups.

Anyway, I’ve found the right “guy”, I can fit this in everyday before my shower, and I’m really enjoying the workouts. I started with Boost, and very quickly purchased Yoga Strong (more challenging for me than Yoga Boost) and Yoga Edge. I will likely add the variety of workouts available through the Man Flow Yoga online membership once I progress further. I have always struggled with upper body strength and have never been able to do real push ups, but can see that I am really making significant progress with my upper body strength and with the balance poses in only a short time. I was looking around on the BBY / MFY website when I found a recent post with information and videos on how to diagnose your balance issues, and specific exercises to do to help. Dean has a lot of great resources out there and puts a lot of thought into addressing issues you might be having (both in the video workouts and online). He makes you feel very comfortable and normal if it’s hard or you can’t quite get it, and offers up encouragement and suggestions. I really like that he provides constant reminders and instruction what muscles to engage and how to increase the intensity of the pose. I’m so impressed and pleased with his method and the workouts. The production of the video may not be exactly perfect, but it’s good, and Dean is awesome, so I’m thrilled and would recommend him (and this video) without hesitation. Just try it, and stick with it. You will see results!

ps: I have three senior women in my life in their 70's-early 80's. None of them could do this. The workouts on this DVD are not that kind of beginner workout. A certain amount of overall fitness, balance (stability), and mobility are required. The purchase of this video does give you access to YogaStart (online video free of additional charge), which is yoga using a chair (for absolute beginners). This same video workout is available for purchase on Amazon digitally (for streaming or download), but does not seem to be available for purchase in DVD format. Even so, with using a chair, some of it still is not doable for the seniors in my life. I'm too concerned with their balance and fear of them falling. I wish that Dean would do a DVD just for less fit older seniors with very limited mobility using a chair ... whatever that may look like (not much I'm sure, but better than nothing for some of them). My senior women wouldn't stream anything from a computer or TV, even with me setting it up and showing them how. Guess it is what it is.

4 people found this helpful

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Desert Mama

Requires Flexibility

August 20, 2018

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

I bought this DVD for my husband who is overweight and inflexible; it did not work for him. He couldn't do at least half of the poses. His belly does get in the way of a lot of yoga poses, and so I have since looked for a "plus-size" yoga video for him (granted, all the ones I've found so far are for women). However, I have enjoyed this yoga video. It's a good 30-minute workout for me. I am not experienced in yoga, but I consider myself to be semi-active and pretty flexible. The workouts challenge some of my flexibility and also improve some of my muscle strength - especially since they are slightly geared for men with more upper-body strength. I like the calm voice that gently explains the moves and reminds you of ways to do the moves correctly. I also like the calm music in the background. He does a lot of the Warrior poses and often uses the term "goalpost arms," which seems "manly" if that's what you're looking for. He does use a block and a strap at times, though in my opinion you can do the vast majority of the moves without those props.

5 people found this helpful

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Melissa Lamphere

4 sessions in, less pain and moving better!

July 6, 2018

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

I have low back pain and chronic hip bursitis that makes walking painful and also impacts my ability to sleep. My left arm has limited mobility as well, so I wasn't sure yoga would work at all. To my amazement, my husband was willing to do it with me. After the first session (Sharpen), we both felt better, generally. It leaves you feeling invigorated, yet relaxed. We actually look forward to feeling better and better, and we are telling family members about it!

6 people found this helpful

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Andie B

Just the boost I needed

April 3, 2019

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

I absolutely love this DVD, seriously I can't even rave enough about it. I've had it for a little over a week and by day 3 I noticed a big difference with my body, I wasn't as stressed or achey, my tension headaches were nearly gone and I slept better than I have in YEARS, considering I suffer from insomnia, this was an unexpected treat. He's very easy to follow, has a soothing, patient tone and really explains each step and how it helps your body while also showing different modifications for any injuries or discomfort you may have. I have a fairly small at-home gym DVD collection ranging from P90x to Zumba to Julienne Micheals and this is probably my absolute favorite. I've tried yoga before and always felt disappointed having spent more time pausing the videos than actually participating because they were too fast paced and didn't explain wth was happening which makes this DVD so awesome, there isnt any of that, in fact, I look forward to it and have started using it 2x a day! There isn't any background music which I think is great, some might not but it isnt hard to pop some on at home if that's your thing. I find it feels more intimate, or personal, like you would with an actual face to face trainer, I can hear what he's saying and learn and grow without all that distraction that's in EVERY excersise DVD I've come across. There's 4 different segments, the very first is an in depth session on all the moves but is still a workout, just the launching pad for the rest of the DVD so you don't have to struggle to figure it out even though he stays very in depth through all segments, the 2nd and 3rd are more workout, I've sweat and felt my muscles shake from the challenge but not in that I'm-going-to-throw-up-a-lung type way which I'm so over, mentally and physically, I just don't want to feel that super intense strain on my body anymore. The 4th is a de-stress segment, for after another workout or whenever you need to just relax and stretch your muscles after a crappy day,I wouldnt say it's a "work out" but I totally recommend, I use it daily. All the aches and pains I grew used to and ignored are essentially gone, I don't feel like I'm a 100 yrs old anymore, I feel happier and healthier, less broken and weighed down. It's been fanstastic! Oh, also a little quick background on me if that'll help you decide if this is for you - I'm a 29yo work-at-home mom/step mom, my husband and I have 8 kids ranging from 19 to 7, I've always loved working out but the past couple years I've really let myself go by being too busy or too tired and I gained 80 lbs during that time, ish! I've since lost some of that weight but still felt bored and restless by my other workout DVDs and this is exactly what I needed to keep me going and really I guess, aside from saying hey, try it, it's awesome, I also wanted to say thanks.

3 people found this helpful

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Ski Suffield

Great Yoga routines for a beginner!

July 7, 2017

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

This video is terrific! There are four separate workouts called Sharpen, Strength, Sweat, and Stretch. I have tried out all four workouts and really enjoyed them. My favorite was Sweat, an intense 25 minute session. I am a woman over 60 and have never done Yoga before, but I am a runner who also does floor exercise and weight lifting. These routines are a wonderful addition to my exercise regimen, challenging but not so difficult that I won't keep it up! The instructor is very easy to follow and his voice is relaxing.

9 people found this helpful

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Frances King

Excellent, detailed instruction.

July 26, 2019

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

My Situation--A 51 yr old woman working towards getting back to the advanced fitness level I was prior to cancer treatment two years ago. A "home gym" fitness junkie, my menu included Cathe Friedrich, P90x, Insanity, etc. I also have a very physically challenging job that was beginning to feel even More SO than usual. Plus, sporting more weight than I'd like due to slowing down. Having returned to weight training and various cardios, I decided to stop ignoring the one thing I never liked--stretching and slowing down for balance and functionality.
I have always admired yoga as the valid art form that it is for wellness; those who practice certainly exhibit the evidence! I had no patience, and also was turned off by some of the dreamier and "hypnotic" presentations available.
I like this guy--his instruction is detailed, focused and constant--something I needed in terms of getting the most out of Why and what is supposed to be happening during the poses. It makes me focus on all the details of the movements and poses and makes it a more active, productive event for me. The modifications are plentiful and he actively demonstrates them instead of merely describing them. His language is straightforward and non-scary.
And how I feel after having done all of the flows in rotation now for weeks, in conjunction with my weight training and cardio cross-training is exceptionally better than my die-hard approach before. The overall result is a more well rounded, flexible state because the yoga unifies and enhances the benefits of the two pieces. As he states, it enhances the benefits of the traditional training and also helps fill in the blanks that are missing; i.e. imbalances that one tends to ignore such as one rotater is tighter than another. And then it helps address them:)
Now I view the rest days as productive and important, and look forward to purposeful movement that makes me feel better and stronger. I'm embracing the added dimension of yoga as the essential piece to my fitness plan on my way to getting back in shape. I wish I had done that years ago; could have skipped a lot of inexplicable soreness. I appreciate his presentation in every way, and have purchased the other two programs as well.

3 people found this helpful

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Beto

Great beginning yoga for real people

January 26, 2018

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

I just received this dvd. It is my first real experience with yoga. For some years I had been thinking of trying yoga, but when reading about other programs one can get on dvd, I was somewhat turned off. It was due to the chimes, prayers, and chants all done on these exotic, tropical looking beaches. When Yogaboost came up on Amazon, it caught my attention. Upon reading the description, I thought, now THIS is what I might be able to handle. The week that I have had this dvd, I have been doing only the Sharpen section. Already I have more neck rotation and flexability. There still is a bit of tolerable pain, but at least I can turn my head to the sides and up and down. I am looking forward to advancing to the other programs.

4 people found this helpful

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wylona

Perfect introduction to yoga.

June 12, 2019

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

My husband and I decided to try this together and we both ended our first work out in a light sweat and feeling it in our cores and thighs. I also felt the workout in my upper arms.

The instructions are clear and slow enough that you have time to adjust and reference your poses and I felt as a total beginner, it gave me just enough of a workout to challenge myself without getting discouraged.

The bonus DVD also has alternative poses using a chair to help you get the poses correctly if you're not very flexible and so you know what they're supposed to feel like if you do them correctly. The instructor will tell you where you're supposed to feel stretching.

The DVD also comes with a bonus website to visit and they give you workout plans that tell you which exercises to do, for how long, and how many days a week to do them so if you're like me and have literally no knowledge of where to begin, they have you covered. They tell you what workout plan to use if you use yoga alone, yoga plus running, or yoga plus cross training.

The only thing I would suggest is have a full-length mirror handy. I was constantly telling my husband to keep his back straight and he helped me align my hips correctly. You really need a mirror to make sure you do it correctly. The DVD also utilizes blocks and straps - we improvised with literal blocks and belts since we didn't realize we'd need them before starting.

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