The instructor, Elena, was kind enough to answer some questions from Amazon.com about the Element line of DVDs.
You have an impressive list of celebrity clients--Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts and Rebecca Romijn among others. What do you try to bring to a yoga practice that draws in people who literally have access to the best teachers in the country?
Each of my clients receives what I've learned from my teachers; attention, precision and authenticity. Celebrity or not, I always offer my complete focus in order to understandably articulate what each student needs, speaking to their bodies, their minds and their hearts. Ultimately, the alignment cues I offer are not just for the physical pose, they're intended to help my clients to observe and refine their inner connections, enhancing every experience.
What are the biggest benefits your students reap from yoga?
Consistency and healing. My teachers have taught me to attentively offer meticulous alignment instruction so students may have a direct experience of healing. When you're consistently aligned physically, your breathing deepens, your mind and heart begin to work in clear harmony with one another, and invariably your body heals in a subtle way. This healing, whether physical or emotional, is reflected in every one of your interactions and relationships.
Who is this workout good for?
If you're curious about yoga, this is an inspiring introduction. if you've got a practice already, you'll find this is a respectably challenging sequence for a led home practice. And if you're giving the gift of yoga to a friend, this DVD sets the standard for beauty and production quality. .
How do the Element DVDs differ from other workout programs?
Element DVDs are presented by teachers who have spent many years learning, practicing and teaching; it's an honor to be included. Each of us endeavors to offer a strengthening practice to challenge you to shift toward balance in both mind and body. In particular, this yoga sequence will provide practitioners of all levels with an uplifting, motivating practice for years to come..
Tell us about the connection between this production and the efforts to reduce global warming.
Anchor Bay Entertainment recently became a corporate sponsor of the Arbor Day Foundation. For every four Element DVDs sold, a tree will be planted in a national forest- so when you're harmonizing within yourself, you're also harmonizing with the environment. Over the course of 50 years, that single tree can provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion.
Yoga is one of the best ways to cultivate a connection
between your mind and body. It tones muscles,
increases flexibility, calms the mind and can improve
overall health. Filmed on a lush, tranquil location
overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this unique beginner
yoga sequence will teach you yoga breathing, and take
you step by step through a full range of yoga poses
that will strengthen, stretch, and revitalize your
body. You will notice results from your very first
practice, and as you become familiar with the
postures, both your yoga practice and your body will
evolve in an uplifting and truly empowering way.
Elena Brower is a Certified Anusara Yoga instructor
and has been teaching for over 10 years. She is the
founder of Virayoga in Soho and has been featured in
such prestigious publications as The New York Times,
Yoga Journal and In Style magazine. Named one of New
York City's top yoga teachers by Fit Yoga magazine,
Elena's clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts,
Minnie Driver, Eva Mendes, Carla Gugino, Christy
Turlington and Rebecca Romijn. Her teaching encourages
observation, connection, empowerment and healing.
Element is proud to support the Arbor Day
Foundation. For every four Element DVDs purchased a
tree will be planted*. In addition to generating
oxygen, trees provide air pollution control and
decrease atmospheric carbon dioxide levels thereby
reducing global warming.
*up to 20,000 trees annually