Rising Entertainment brings this series of exercise discs into an already oversaturated market. The "Yoga Flava" series features renowned Yoga instructor Robin Downes.

Admittedly, I'm no yoga expert; my only real experience stems from watching my wife work out to a couple of other discs she owns. But from watching this one, I noted that Downes has an easy-going and laid-back personality. She also seems determined to make this series beginner-friendly; Downes takes her time explaining the various moves, offering straight-forward, easy-to-follow instructions on their execution (even though, when I attempted a few, I'm pretty sure I popped something I'll need my doctor to put back in place...then again, I'm not exactly a prime specimen of human physique). But my wife seemed to enjoy it, though she admitted the disc was awfully long. Downes also explains her approach to the ancient art of Yoga, defined by the title itself; "flava" is a hip-hop term for "contemporary style." I'm still not exactly sure what hip-hop has to do with yoga, since nothing hip-hop related is really ever present here. Even the accompanying music is mostly your standard, run-of-the-mill, new age, R&B stuff. I must cynically assume the whole "Yoga Flava" concept is more of a marketing ploy than some hip new approach to this art.

Both the picture and sound of this disc are on par with most other similar DVDs out there. Being an instructional video, the picture is, of course, a fullscreen presentation. But at least it's clear. The soundtrack nicely balances Downes' instruction with the accompanying music.

The extras here are pretty pointless, and only serve to broaden the disc's appeal to include males. There's an introduction/testimony by former NBA champion (and current "Best Damn Sports Show, Period" regular) John Salley, as well as interviews with Russell Simmons and Yoga instructor Kelly Morris. Perhaps some folks pondering which self-help disc to purchase among the hundreds out there may be persuaded by these gratuitous celebrity appearances, but Robin Downes doesn't really need them.

This series is as good as (sometimes better) any other disc on the market, and perfect for beginners. Those expecting some sort of combination of yoga and hip-hop sensibilities are apt to be scratching their heads. Still, I realize that in an over-crowded exercise video market, one must do what they can to be noticed, so this is a small complaint. Those looking to start a yoga regiment would be off to a good start with this disc.