The Biggest Loser: The Workout – Weight Loss Yoga by Lions Gate

Actors

• Bob Harper

Format

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Full Screen
• NTSC

Editorial Review

There are no guarantees, but for those who work the program with consistency and dedication, The Biggest Loser: The Workout–Weight Loss Yoga's promise that “pound-shedding results” can be achieved in six to eight weeks is no idle claim. Led by instructor Bob Harper, this 55-minute regimen offers three separate yoga workouts, sandwiched between 5-minute warm-up and cool-down sections; a menu option gives users the opportunity to practice the workouts in any order or quantity. The first and longest of the trio is a vinyasa series (a vinyasa is a connected sequence of yoga asanas) focusing on core strength via a variety of lunges, stretches, downward- and upward-facing dog, standing poses (triangle, warrior one and two, extended right angle), plank, and more; the second focuses on abs work and backbends; and the third is a more standard gym-type workout that can be done with or without hand weights. Make no mistake about it: much of this work is quite rigorous, and even experienced yogis and yoginis can expect to be challenged. But Harper's instruction is friendly and encouraging, with frequent reminders about the importance of the breath (“as long as you're breathing, you're perfect”), variations provided for those not yet up to speed, and opportunities to rest. Perhaps best of all, instead of gorgeous bodies in designer outfits doing perfect poses, we're watching mortals who are not all buff, flexible, and strong (some can't even touch their toes) and whose form is at times less than perfect. These folks don't make yoga look easy, because it's not. But anyone with a serious yoga practice–and this is a good place to start–knows that its benefits are both profound and, if you stick with it, permanent. –Sam Graham