Deep Stretch/ Yin Yoga with Mimi Solaire

Even though yoga is appealing to me, I haven't done it regularly because many of the normal yoga poses require more strength than I presently have and never gave me what I was really looking for--deep stretching of the troublesome areas of my body. This tape by Mimi Solaire finally, finally gives me what I want. Mimi uses simple poses, many of which I've never seen before, that truly stretch my body. I don't have to have strength to perform any of these poses. The difference in my flexibility at the beginning of a session and at the end is quite noticeable. Mimi has one of those voices that I could listen to for hours--melodic, relaxing, and genuine. There is no pretense in her delivery or manner. The music is beautiful and blends with Mimi's instructions so that it disappears into the background. She uses simple directions, word pictures that I easily understood. The pacing is excellent; there is no rushing from pose to pose, yet I didn't feel that poses were held so long as to become uncomfortable or boring. Since this video had no trailer, I went on Youtube to watch some clips of Mimi's videos. Take a look for yourself. As for me, I've found my teacher.

I'm not new to Yoga but have begun to explore Yin. It's a great basic for the new practitioner or someone wanting just to be led through three 20 minute segments. Another option is the combination of all three for an hour session. There's also a bonus segment. Solaire's voice is a bit too monotone and can be annoying but she is very good with her instructions without being too wordy. Not the best music but ok. Too many birds. This will not make you a Yin expert but it does a good job at releasing tension and relaxing the body. Overall, I would recommend this dvd for the average user looking for a good stretch and alignment.

I agree with Diamond! Its the best and totally worth the price. I got this because of some muscle soreness in my ankle thinking I need to stretch it out. This was way better than I would have guessed. I've tried regular yoga and get bored and can't keep it up long enough to see/feel any results.But on the first try I was totally addicted. I swear you feel "high" by the end of it. Strangely, blissed out and relaxed as if you visited a sauna. Here you aren't trying to maintain your balance and possibly damaging yourself with incorrect movements and falling over. Its' just deep stretching, no skill involved, and totally relaxing. And even though I've memorized the routine by now, I still play it because of her soothing voice and encouraging insights.Don't be put off at Mimi's amazing flexibility....it is a bit intimidating. Just stay in your comfort zone and you'll still love it. Great for getting the most hidden knots out of back muscles. Your posture feels better too afterwards.

I've been wanting to do yoga for a long time, and have tried many yoga DVD's, but have found them hard to keep up with. I'm sixty two and found that, with most yoga dvd's, before I was finished getting into one pose, the instructor was already onto another. I'm pretty limber, but with back pain, and pain from fibromyalgia I'm a little slow. Thus, my search continued for a yoga dvd that I could handle. My search ended when I found Deep Stretch/Yin Yoga With Mimi Solaire. I can keep up, I can do the poses, and best of all the stretches are easing my back and fibro pain! I do the whole hour every morning before breakfast, and afterward I feel great. I know that exercise is supposed to cause your body to release endorphins that make you feel good. Truthfully, I used to go to a gym and work out. I never felt anything but tired and sore. For the first time, with this DVD, I have actually experienced what that release of endorphins feels like. I've been doing this DVD for about 6 months now, and plan to continue. Maybe in time I'll advance to Paul Grilley's DVD's. Oh yes, I also just purchased Mimi Solaire's other DVD, back in Shape. Maybe I'll do this one every evening.

The yin yoga I am familiar with uses bolsters and props and gets people into a position and has them hold them for a very long time like 5+ min until they have facial or connective tissue lengthening or opening.While this video was very relaxing and Ms. Solaire describes the set up and action well, my understanding of yin yoga is not simply holding selected Vinyasa/Ashtanga poses for longer then normal so I think calling it deep stretch is fine but calling it Yin Yoga is not.I got it specifically for some yin yoga instruction and here is where the content and technique fall short.

I did not like yoga but I got myself a stretching DVD and it happened to be not an annoying boring thing that I tried before in my gym. This is our favorite yoga video so far and I use it for over month 2-3 times per week. I purchased 4 other yoga DVDs out of curiosity. This one was my first choice and some of my friends got addicted. We love the music. I have a back and a knee problem and this DVD really helps. She warns you if there is a chance of injury if you get to ambitious. We are all surprised that it works for me. I actually like it better than the other Back in Shape DVD - also pretty good. I feel that with my friends we will use it for many years. It became a nice routine. I memorized some poses and do it before my workout in the gym. I would definitely pay her a visit if she came to the city. After viewing many other DVD she is still our favorite.

To effectively work on the energetic pathways associated with the connective tissues, the pose need to be held for 2-5 minutes. The attitude during the hold time is critical to nourish the pathways. There is no mindfulness taught here. If might offer a superficialDeep Stretch/ Yin Yoga with Mimi Solaire glimpse into yin but not a real yin experience. Namaste,

It's ok.