Power Yoga for Runners (2002)

Beryl Bender Birch popularized Ashtanga Yoga in the U.S. with the publication of her influential books POWER YOGA and BEYOND POWER YOGA. She is also the is the fitness program director of the New York Road Runners. Here, she and her husband Thom Birch lead a truncated version of the Ashtanga Primary Series, specifically geared toward increasing flexibility and endurance , arguably the two most important qualities of a strong runner. The workout itself is a brisk and lively vinyasa (yoga postures that flow from one to the next, coordinated with the breath) creating inner heat and sustained energy. Additionally, many of the postures are explored in depth in the DVD's extra features, so people new to the demanding Ashtanga practice can learn at their own pace before attempting the workout. This video is a brief, strong introduction to "power yoga" best suited for those with a regular exercise routine and a prior experience with yoga.