Power Yoga for Happiness 2: The Surf Edition

I was reluctant to try this DVD - I am a yoga instructor, but I am generally not a fan of "power" yoga, preferring non-vinyasa styles or slower flows. However, I do really like instructor Eoin Finn's Blissology set, and so when I saw this 2-DVD set in a resale store for just a few dollars, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. In addition to be a yogi, Eoin is a surfer, which is why this set is subtitled "Surf Edition." Eoin does frequently refer to surfers, and he focuses the practices on benefits for surfers (eg, stretching the shoulders), but otherwise, these routines are appropriate for any experienced yogis.

This 2-DVD set is billed as having 7 practices of various lengths. This is technically true, but it is more accurate to say that there is one main practice of almost 90 minutes (Goin' Big) plus 6 shorter premixes all derived from the one main practice. Each of the "premixes" includes a varying series of chapters pasted together from that practice. This might feel slightly disjointed to some, as Eoin and his 2 background exercisers (his wife Insiya and another woman, Beth) appear in different settings during the same practice (eg, daytime/evening), but overall I believe that it flows quite well. The practices are as follows:

DISK 1

*Eddie Would Flow, 65 min

*Bliss Rider, 42 min

*Shoulder High, 34 min

DISK 2

*Goin"Big (Full Routine), 85 min

*Aloha Abs, 70 min

*Twisted Sister, 47 min

*Sunset Session, 40 min

I have tried all but the first two routines on each disk, which are longer (again, since power yoga is not my favorite style, I'm less likely to do those anytime soon). I have provided detailed breakdowns of each of the routines that I have tried, which offers a very representative overview of this set.

BLISS RIDER

*Sun Salutation Series - 2 rounds of A, 2 rounds of B. Eoin's pace is quite faced on the B salutes in particular; I skipped the in-between vinyasas in order to make this more manageable.

*Standing Forward Fold Series - hold big toes with peace fingers and hands under feet for gorilla

*Standing Hip Series - 1-leg downward dog->open leg dog->low lunge->crescent lunge->revolved prayer twist->pyramid pose->IT band stretch->chaturanga push-ups; 2nd side

*Abs Series - boat pose variations/arm balance->boat pose with twist/arm balance->boat to half boat 3x/arm balance->lying L crunch->straight leg twist->criss-cross crunch->vinyasa

*Pigeon Series - downward dog->pigeon w/optional twist

*Seated Forward Fold Series - full seated forward fold->bound angle->wide-legged forward fold, add twist

*Shoulderstand Series - reverse table, add single leg->shoulderstand prep->shoulderstand

*Finishing Series - reclined eagle legs twist->shavasana (5m)->meditation (1m)

SHOULDER HIGH (uses optional strap; one of my favorites!)

*Child's Pose Series/Shoulders - child's->melting heart->all 4s with twist->shoulder stretch with strap

*Sun Salutation Series

*Pigeon Series

*Seated Hip Series - seated half-fish->cow seat, add twist, arms->vinyasa; 2nd side

*Seated Forward Fold Series

*Shoulderstand Series

*Finishing Series

ALOHA ABS

*Child's Pose Series/Back - child's pose->cat/cow->downward dog

*Sun Salutation Series

*Standing Forward Fold Series

*Chair Flow Series - chair/squat 5x->chair/deep squat/forward fold

*Crow Pose Series - chair->crow->vinyasa

*Downward Dog Core Series - downward dog->nose-to-knee 5x, add bow 5x

*Standing Flow Series - warrior 1->warrior2->side angle->reverse warrior->triangle->half moon->revolved half moon->standing splits->standing forward fold with shoulder stretch; 2nd side

*Downward Dog Vinyasa Series - downward dog->1-legged dog->flip dog

*Standing Flow Series with Balance - warrior 1->warrior 3, add leg bend/straighten->standing hand-to-foot, add foot to side, twist->tree->eagle->vinyasa

*Abs Series

*Pigeon Series

*Seated Forward Fold Series

*Shoulderstand Series

*Finishing Series

TWISTED SISTER (another favorite!)

*Sun Salutation Series

*Standing Forward Fold Series

*Crow Pose Series - chair->crow->vinyasa

*Standing Flow Series

*Standing Hip Series

*Pigeon Series

*Seated Hip Series

*Seated Forward Fold Series

*Finishing Series

SUNSET SESSION (didn't like the flow of this; why CROW for evenings???)

*Child's Pose Series/Back

*Sun Salutation Series

*Crow Pose Series (!)

*Standing Flow Series

*Abs Series

*Seated Forward Fold Series

*Shoulderstand Series

*Finishing Series

In addition to the practices, there are some extra features, including information on Eoin's "YES" retreats and his background (which he shares as a rap song).

In the end, I was happy to find that the majority of what is offered here is at a more slow, measured pace and quite doable for me. Eoin is an extremely likable, light-hearted instructor who will likely appeal to many, including surfers and other athletes. Note that I would NOTE recommend this set for those brand new to yoga; these are fairly demanding practices most appropriate for an intermediate level of experience and above.