P.M. Peak Performance Yoga - Stress Relief -VHS-

Additional Features This 25-minute yoga routine focuses on breathing, relaxation, and "softening the mind." In it, Rod Stryker demonstrates breathing technique and stretches designed to open the hips, legs, and back. Standing poses waken hips tightened by sitting at desks, twisting poses open back muscles, and breathing exercises calm minds cluttered by overstimulation. Rather than achieving "Peak Performance" through challenging or strength-building yoga poses, Stryker aims to help the viewer focus his or her mind on it. The overall tone of the video is more flowing and meditative, and the poses end with a 5-minute breathing meditation, in which the viewer is guided by Stryker to hold the breath at the bottom of each exhale in an exercise designed to focus the mind just on the breath itself. P.M. Performance Yoga was filmed next to a river in Banff, Canada, and the accompanying gently twanging guitar music, most likely composed to set an "Old West" feel, creates a slightly whimsical, but ultimately pleasant, mood. This video would be suitable for those new to yoga, as the poses are all basic, and demonstrated with modifications. P.M. Yoga is especially suitable for those interested in the stress-relief and mind-calming aspects of practice. --Gilia Angell