Antonia Kidman Yoga [VHS] [2002]

Unfortunately, many of the poses assume some quite advanced levels of flexibility. At one point, the students move between cross-legged position and a kneeling backward bend by swinging between their arms. No advice was given for the less advanced students such as myself, who would benefit from guidance on how to develop this ability. This is the case later in the tape, when Antonia demonstrates a full lotus while in an inverted posture. We do not get to see what the beginner student is up to.

The style of the tape is that of a regular yoga class, with instructor Kate Agnew advising each of the students on technique and the camera panning between them. The choreography/editing is poor. Kate starts to move and you begin to follow her, only to find that she is getting up to advise her students. The view of Sydney harbour through the windows is interesting, but it is always poorly defined and spasmodic, behind glass. Why was the tape not made on the waterfront ?

The final, relaxation section is very disappointing. I was relaxing nicely into a peaceful cross-legged posture and was ready for a couple of minutes on my back, when the students, still cross-legged or in lotus position were instructed to lift themselves up with their hands. We were finally lying down and preparing to wind down when the tape is suddenly over. Antonia pops up to tell us that the key to yoga is to practise often, thanks Antonia. She is outside now and in the view that should have been used for the whole tape.

Kate Agnew and Antonia Kidman are clearly advanced yoga practitioners but have most to offer to those who are already able to practise these advanced postures.

There are four people to watch perform the postures, Kate Agnew, the instructor, Antonia Kidman (Nicole's little sister) who both do level three and then two other presenters who do level one and level two. There are only two things which stop me from giving this five stars and that is that often when you are being told to look at the lower level demonstration the camera is focused in on Antonia or Kate so you can't see the modified pose. This, plus the fact that at the end just as you are being told how important it is to do the final lying down relaxation Antonia Kidman pops up chirpily telling you it is the end of the video so have the pause button handy at the end if you want to relax for longer than 5 seconds and after this work out you will.

While it is really Kate Agnew's video Antonia clearly is a very good at yoga and does a nice little advert for Sydney, the setting in a warehouse with view looking over the beautiful Sydney Harbour towards the Opera House make for a lovely backdrop. It says on the cover that it is for beginners but I would only recommend it for people who have experience of yoga or are looking for a good video to use in addition to classes, if you are a beginner I would recommend Solomon Yogalates which is also from Australia but more suited all levels.

The extras are pretty good too, especially the stomach exercises.