Geribody Yoga [2002] - Region 2

Every detail, from the ace location in California to clear simple instructions by teacher Katy Appleton, makes for an exceptional quality production. Thankfully, this time round the incessant Geri-babbling is limited, though there is considerable cheeky flirting with the camera. Still, Geri's body looks far from painfully thin, and it's reassuring to see a star who isn't flaunting a surgically-enhanced cleavage.

The graceful Appleton, a former dancer, deftly combines demonstrating and correcting Geri. Beginner Nate in the background looks like the production runner who was dragged in at the last minute, but doesn't do too badly. Despite excellent camera angles and seamless editing that make the routine easy to follow, this isn't yoga for total beginners. Instead of a slow start, Appleton kicks in with a more interesting warm-up than usual. The all-round yoga session moves onto an energetic Sun and Moon section, the mentally challenging Strength, the intense Bliss, and the final Chill. Appleton takes a classic approach and adapts it to appeal to fast urban living. The added Geri factor makes this ideal yoga for the Heat magazine reader.

On the DVD: Geri Body Yoga on disc has a 14-minute location film which takes us from Geri's West Hollywood apartment to behind the scenes of the filming with producer/director Steve Kemsley. The transformation of Cloudy Malibu in California, from a simple location to a spa style makes great viewing. The DVD also enables you to customise your own yoga session if you don't have time to do the full 90-minute session. --Lorna V