Buy and Download - Sara Ivanhoe Yoga on the Edge

2008
USA
Sara Ivanhoe
~125 min
English

Three totally non-intimidating yoga programs filmed on a tranquil Bahamian beach. The workouts have a unique spontaneity and authenticity because they were created in the moment -- Sara didn't pre-plan the moves. Instead, she let her feelings and surroundings guide the movement selection (so every pose isn't perfect, and she doesn't expect yours to be perfect either). Sunrise is the first workout it's the most challenging (59:15 in length) with the largest variety of positions. High Noon (38 minutes) is next; it's focused on breath and balance. Sunset (27:52) is the last program; it's designed to calm your mind and body at day's end. Instrumental music with soft, yoga-style chanting. ©2008. Level: Intermediate. Total length of all three workouts: 121 minutes.
"Sunrise" practice moves through postures quickly to wake the up and going. It is the longest and most challenging of the three programs.
"High Noon" uses the serene surroundings to inspire breath and balance.
"Sunset" is a calming sequence designed to wind the body down after a hard day.

Shot on location in the Bahamas, Yoga on the Edge contains these soulful programs - 'Sunrise' practice moves through postures quickly to wake the body up and going. It is the longest and most physically challenging of the three programs. 'High Noon' uses the serene surroundings to inspire breath and balance. 'Sunset' is a calming sequence designed to wind the body down after a hard day.
After years of making yoga videos in the studio, I wanted to create a series that was more spontaneous. The idea is that yoga happens in the moment and that we, as practitioners are affected by and connected to our surroundings. That way, every where we go, every time we practice, it's a little different. Yoga on the Edge was created for that purpose, to literally embody different locations around the world.
This first series was shot in Harbour Island, The Bahamas. I simply started practicing yoga inspired by my surroundings. You'll be able to see that none of the yoga was planned or rehearsed in anyway. I make mistakes, wipe my face and fall out of balancing postures, just like I do in real life when I practice, just like we all do.
As you are in the comfort of your home, I recommend that you practice on a non slip surface or yoga sticky mat, that you wear comfortable clothes you can move in and that you wait at least an hour or two after a meal before practicing yoga. Even though you are in your home, imagine you are practicing with me. Allow the music and the beauty of Harbour Island to transport you to a magical place.
This DVD consists of 3 separate workouts - Sunrise, High Noon and Sunset.
Sunrise Practice - Shot on the beach, this workout moves through postures more quickly to wake the body up and get going. It is the longest and most physically challenging of the three programs. Running time is 59:15
High Noon uses the serene surroundings to inspire breath and balance. Running time is 38:00
Sunset is a calming sequence designed to wind the body down after a hard day. Running time is 27:52.

Sara Ivanhoe
Qualifications: Certified to teach yoga by Erich Schiffmann. Also trained at Yoga Works with John Friend in the Anusara style.
Personal History: I was young and leading a very unhealthy lifestyle. I knew that something had to change as my physical and emotional well being was beginning to be effected. After aerobics one day, I was too tired to leave the room when the yoga class started. I had done yoga before, but never quite like this - physical and active. I loved it and began to do yoga all the time. Eventually, yoga replaced aerobics and all other activities at the gym. I never knew that my body could feel so good. I felt strong and flexible and alive! Slowly, my unhealthy habits became less interesting to me. Several years later, I met my teacher, Erich Schiffmann, and he added the element of meditation and a connection to spirit. One class with him and I knew that I wanted to drop everything and teach this yoga that had given me so much. Many years later, it is still new, challenging, and invigorating!
Workout Philosophy: Yoga is like a marathon, not a sprint: slow and safe persistence gives you the best results. The main thing is to have fun and keep your sense of humor. Enjoy and you'll be more likely to stick to it.
Success Story: Amy, age 34, was in a wheelchair with a broken leg when we first started yoga. A year and a half later, she is walking, doing yoga, and has lost 26 pounds!

Review from Amazon
I recently tried Sara's Yoga Body Makeover dvd, and though I liked it, I felt I wanted a little bit more. When I saw the "Yoga on the Edge" I thought this just might be it, and I was right.
Within the dvd is 121 minutes of yoga, a sunrise series that lasts 57 minutes, a high noon series for 38 minutes and a sunset series for 26 minutes. I have done all three and they are perfect for me for different reasons. I work out before I head to work, and depending on my motivation to leave my comfy bed, I may or may not have time for 57 minutes, like this morning, when I did high noon, which had balancing postures and some favorite poses such as the triangle, tree pose and warrior poses. I like that Sara did not completely stage this, it is in the moment and it is genuine. She sometimes wipes the sweat from her face and doesn't try for perfect-take the pose and "think outside the box", try different arm positions, etc. and let the pose work for you, let your body "feel" the poses.
The evening poses are relaxing and perfect for the end of the day or maybe after a walk or other type of exercise where you would really like to cool down and center yourself. I found it extremely relaxing and beautifully shot.
The morning program is good, lots of poses (heavy on downward dog and those that stretch the shoulders), and I felt great afterwards. I love her style and she is always sure to remind you that everyone falls, the important part is to have a sense of humor about it, and try again and move forward. You are also sure to feel relaxed as she coaches you on the breathing and when you are breathing fully and deeply, well, there isn't anything more relaxing or rejuvinating.
One of my first yoga dvds was Ali McGraw's Yoga Mind and Body with Erich Schiffman, who was also one of Sara's teachers. The beautiful and serene setting is much like that video, in that you have the relaxing aspect of the practice and the beauty of the setting, which in this video is set in the Bahamas. What is not to love?
I have many yoga dvd's from several instructors, including Erich Schiffman, Brian Kest, Shiva Rea & Alan Finger. All are good and all bring something to my practice, but I can see Sara's video as being one of my favorites that I will turn to often.
If you would like your yoga unscripted, spontaneous, & shot at a beautiful location I would give this one a try. I think you will find Sara's style to be down-to-earth, soothing and centering.