As a yoga teacher I buy many videos to see what others are doing. I was pleasantly surprised to see and experience this video. It is done with mindfulness and is very effective. If it becomes too easy to do the tree, I have my students close their eyes; now when that becomes too easy I will have them use light weights. The speed in which this is done is to avoid injury and I thank the instructor for that.

Recently, I started doing yoga with my wife and discovered a whole new dimension of fitness. My fitness objectives basically consist of weight control, muscle tone and staying as healthy as possible in order to do the other things I enjoy for as long as possible. This all boils down to eating less and moving more.

I'm only a novice, but this book and companion DVD have been a tremendous help. The book is best as reference tool when you want to explore details, background or study the pictures and descriptions. The DVD allows you to get started immediately.

Iron Yoga combines light weight training (2-5 lb dumbbells) with traditional Power Yoga poses to give you a full body workout. No argument here. It uses four types of poses: standing, seated, prone (face down), and supine (face up). The book illustrates all the poses with very good photos and explanations. One excellent aspect of both the book and DVD is that there are also examples of modified poses for beginners and intermediate experience levels. I found these especially helpful. Even with the 2 lb dumbbells, these poses are pretty tough, but well worth the effort. You can add weight as you become accustomed to a given weight level.

The book says that you benefit physically, mentally, and spiritually. I don't know about that, but I've decided to replace my exercise workouts with the Iron Yoga routines combined with a good walking program.