Element: Mind and Body Experience - Yoga for Weight Loss

Element: Mind and Body Experience - Yoga for Weight Loss is an insightful and invigorating fitness DVD starring highly experienced yoga instructor and practicing psychotherapist, Ashley Turner. This film stands out from countless other exercise DVDs due to its successful blend of physical routines and its focus on mental well-being. Ashley Turner brings together her wealth of knowledge from both the worlds of fitness and psychology to create a truly holistic workout experience.

The film starts with an introduction from Ashley, highlighting her approach to yoga as a holistic practice that combines physical fitness with mental and emotional well-being. She emphasizes upon the premise which states that sustained weight loss can only be achieved by cultivating a peace of mind, reducing stress, and creating a healthier relationship with our body.

Ashley's yoga workout specifically guides viewers through an assortment of Asanas (yoga postures) and flows, all designed to maximize calorie burn while also improving strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. The sequences are designed to suit all skill levels, from those who hardly know their Downward Dog from their Warrior Pose, to seasoned yogis. Consequently, this DVD is an excellent introduction for those new to yoga while also being challenging enough for those more advanced in their practice.

The workout is divided into three main parts after a warm-up sequence. The first sequence is the most intense, working large muscle groups to increase heart rate and promote fat burning. This section is focused on cardio-centric movements, combining various poses to increase the body's metabolism.

The second section of the workout focuses on poses that promote strength and endurance. This sequence emphasizes on core stability, back and arm strength, and balance. Unlike typical gym workouts, yoga offers a unique fusion of strength and flexibility training where you're not just building muscles, but creating harmony and balance in the body.

The final sequence in the workout is the cool-down, primarily focused on stretches for flexibility and meditation for relaxation. Here, Ashley guides viewers into more relaxed poses while still maintaining engagement in certain muscle groups. This allows a gradual cool-down while also continuing to reap the benefits of active muscle engagement. The meditation section is mindfulness oriented, calming the nervous system, focusing on the breath, and immersing into the peaceful tranquility of the present moment.

Ashley's teaching style is thoroughly engaging and supportive, often offering modifications for different skill levels. She ensures that she pays as much attention, if not more, to the spiritual aspect of yoga as to the physical. For example, she frequently reminds viewers to maintain mindful breathing, drawing our attention constantly back to the present moment, encouraging positive affirmations and reinforcing yoga’s philosophical teachings that are usually lost in typical workout regimes.

The DVD's features also include 'pose guide' extras, where Ashley targets individual poses, explaining them in depth, and providing helpful tips on correct form and alignment. This is particularly beneficial for novices in yoga, who might require further understanding of how each pose should technically be done.

The production value of the workout is also of the highest quality. Filmed with a striking and tranquil sunset beach backdrop, the serene natural environment complements the calming and spiritual nature of yoga practice. The sound quality is clear, and the music is soothing but not distracting, enhancing the yoga experience effortlessly.

In conclusion, Element: Mind and Body Experience - Yoga for Weight Loss offers a comprehensive introduction to the practice of yoga for anyone hoping to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable manner. Ashley Turner shines a guiding light on the path to physical and mental fitness, demonstrating that the true power of yoga lies not only in physical transformation but also in the creation of an internal sense of peace and well-being. It is this combination of fitness and mindfulness that differentiates this film from many others in its genre. Therefore, it is not just a workout DVD; it is a journey towards a healthier, happier lifestyle.