It took me a good couple of months to decide whether or not to get the MasterClass set as I don't like shopping on the net and am always worried that what i receive is not what I expected.

Well, the opposite happened with this product. It has exceeded all my expectations and my advice is that if you know you want it just get it!

The book is FANTASTIC, I love the quality of the paper and pictures and everything you wirte Gabrielle just keeps inspiring me to achieve more every day in my practice.

I am enjoying the DVDs as well, there are so many good tips and i really do feel the improvement in class. Being a beginner, i also find the masterclass a great resource to learn more about the postures and avoid mistakes that could possibly lead to injury.

I highly recommend it to everyone. Thanks so much for your great work Gabrielle! Namaste

Stefania

I'm absolutely taken away by this product it is worth every penny! It has so much to offer your yoga practice. It's like giving have personal instruction for a fraction of the cost. I would highly recommend to everyone.Hot yoga master class is a class act that can't be beat.

Terry Winston

I have been a regularly practicing Bikram student for over 2 years, and enjoy the practice. I had a few challenges with the studio practice which this kit allows me the flexibilty to address.

Due to time constraints, it's difficult to make it to the studio frequently enough to keep up my endurance. I was looking for a way to supplement that practice at home.

I searched for a Bikram DVD because I wanted video and audio of this exact practice, but could only find a CD. I stumbled upon this hot yoga doctor site, read and watched the info videos and reviews. I crossed my fingers and placed the order for the kit...hopeful that it would be as good as it appeared.

It was EXACTLY what I'd been looking for and was better than I had imagined. The products are all very professionally produced and high quality, and they are all the exact same poses that I was used to, in the same order, etc.

I can now practice Bikram in my home and at my own pace, but still have a professional teacher guiding me through the meditation. I was able to correct a problem I'd had with triangle pose for over a year--in the first class using this DVD!

As I am significantly older than the majority of my 20-something classmates at my regular studio, I was also seeking a less intense version of this practice, that I could match with my energy level, particularly over time. This program allows me to do that by having control of the heat in my workout space, allowing me to choose the level/amount of time for my practice, and giving me the ability to make my practice more regular by way of its convenience.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this package, and cannot recommend it highly enough for those of you looking for a high-quality in-home hot yoga practice!

Lisa in Virginia (USA)

The Hot Yoga Master Class was a gift to myself and well worth the price!

I am new to yoga and hot yoga, and the first class I attended I had a hard time to follow it, because I was trying to watch and do the poses at the same time, and my neck was hurting at the end... Then I decided that it would be better if I learn the poses well before I go to class again.

I was amazed to see how detailed and well made the manual and the DVDs are! I am reading about each pose and practicing it with the DVD. I am more confident, and I believe that is very important that we do each pose correctly. Thank you for your hard work, Gabrielle, the pachage has helped me a lot!

Lisiane, USA

I ordered the Master Class set for myself and my husband to share. Currently we're fighting over who gets to read the manual in bed each night.

It's a wonderful book with an incredible amount of useful information to help expand your practice. I read a little each day before I practice and try to incorporate what I learn into my postures. We're both very impressed with the quality of the manual, as well as the DVD's and CD's.

We feel it's absolutely worth the money we spent and that it will help us immeasurably in our practice.

I would highly recommend the Masterclass for anyone who is looking to take their practice to the next level, regardless of what level they are currently enjoying. It's as helpful for beginners as it is for more advanced yogis.

Frances

I started Bikram with a 30-day challenge at a Studio in Hawaii.  First thought was this is horrible how can people stand this heat and all of this twisting and turning.  I got through the 30 days though only missing one day.  I really began to enjoy it. 

I then was deployed to Iraq and did not want to "lose" any skills.  I am already not the greatest in my opinion with many of the poses and still struggle with balance.  I began to google hot yoga to see if there was something that I could use while I was deployed. 

I found the Hot Yoga MasterClass on DVD.  I really thought do I really want to spend that much money and I was doubtful as to weather they would send the items to Iraq.  I broke down and ordered after a week or so and so glad I did.  I have not read the book completely yet but I have looked at the pictures which are wonderful.  The DVD is great also because I do really feel like I am in a real class.  I did not think it would work for me but so far has turned out wonderful. 

I don't have to worry about being embarrassed because I am in the privacy of my own CHU.  As for the heat I just turn of the air while I am at the clinic and when I return it is Hot in my CHU.  Iraqi heat works well.  I know it may not be the best method for heating up my space but I have to work with what I got :). 

I am so glad I made the decision to purchase the product and it was worth every bit of money I spent.  I love that now when I go home to Hawaii I will have options.  I can practice at home and if I want I can go to a studio.

I also want to say looking at the video and reading and hearing the tips has improved my poses a little.  Mind you I have not had the opportunity to use the product daily d/t the work pace in in Iraq but the few times I have used it I notice slight improvement. 

If there is anyone in doubt I say don't doubt just do it, I am so glad I did.
Thank you - Thank you - Thank you

Tracey

It took me couple of months to decide to spend $$$ for Yoga Master Class. I was afraid it's too much money for the book and DVDs.

I only wish I got this earlier! I think every Hot Yoga studio should have YogaMasterClass as well as students who are serious about their practice.  I have a lots of books on all types of yoga but nothing detailed like this one.

This book will give you an answer on any kind of question you have about how to make your practice better and more enjoyable. 

Thank you for everything Gabrielle, I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

Olga - Huntington Beach

I had heard about Bikram years ago but was convinced that my cardio and weights DVDs were the answer for me.  In my 40s, I discovered that I was unable to get the same results and found the weight piling on.  I spoke with two nutritionist/exercise experts who suggested yoga as a way to develop long/lean muscles (who doesn't have that as their goal?) while still getting a cardio workout.  Prior to my first class, I thought all yoga was very calming and relaxing. 

While Bikram is calming, it is also intense.  In a great way--I feel such a sense of accomplishment post-Bikram that I cannot wait for my next session.  I ordered the DVDs and the home practice tools and LOVE them. 

I travel for work and am able to take my practice on the road.  I cannot stress enough how much the sessions are helping me.  I am seeing changes in my muscles after about 1 month of regular attendance and my outlook has changed  I find myself more calm, more reasonable, I sleep better and I feel more balanced.  I could go on and on but suffice it to say that Bikram is a winner and the Gabrielle and the hotyogamasters tools are life-changing.

PTJ--MN

Hi Gabrielle!

My package got here yesterday!!! I have just posted the following message about it on the Video Fitness Forum ... I think it will tell you how I feel.

Thought you'd like to know that I ordered the Masterclass Book & DVDs kit on Monday (11.3.08), and it got here yesterday - Thursday! I thought it was going to ship from Australia, and was prepared to wait a week or two for it to arrive, so imagine my surprise when it showed up 3 days later! It was sent
Priority Mail from an address in Illinois!

It's my Christmas present, but I couldn't wait, and opened it the minute it got here! I can't even begin to tell you how beautiful the manual is. It surpasses everything I was expecting and hoping for, and I'm thrilled with it! It's truly a work of art, with gorgeous full-color photography throughout.
The amount of information it contains is immense! It's really something that can't be described - you have to see it for yourself. And honestly, I've never seen anything like it.

There is so much information, it will take me a very long time to digest it all! It's something I'll be immersing myself in every day for years to come! Really - it covers countless yoga-related topics, and answers questions you'd never even think to
ask!

I'm totally amazed.

Ronn

I just started bikram yoga about 8 months ago. I googled yoga poses and found Gabrielle. It was really helpful so I subscribed to the newsletter. While I don't get a chance to read it as much as I would like one of headlines got my  attention and led me to the hot yoga course.

It was the best $$$ I have spent lately. Usually programs like this don't live up to expectations. However, when it came in the mail it was like opening a christmas present. I was really impressed and have found it to be a really helpful reference in improving on the postures. I would recommend it to any one looking to improve. I even took one of the dvds with me on business trips. It was great! Navaste.

Kurt Fromherz

I was first introduced to hot yoga about 8 months ago. I had preconceived ideas about "yoga" nevertheless "hot yoga", but gave it a try anyway.  To my surprise, I LOVED it.  I spent about 4 months going once or twice a week.  Then the kids got back in school, homework kicked in, and I found it was harder and harder to make it to class.

I went looking for "something" that was "exactly like what I was doing in class".  I found Gabrielle's site and the MasterClass.  It was a huge purchase for me, and while I was skeptical of the DVDs, I knew that what I saw on the website seemed to match pretty closely to all I had learned in the classes.  I was a bit concerned about doing this at home and not having the "hot" component.  But I thought, let's give it a try and see---I could always return it right? 

The package came and I was truly amazed at the quality of the book - - very easy to read and to know where you are having trouble.   The DVD's are great - - Gabrielle has such a nice soothing way about teaching the class that it makes want to do it again each day.  It's nice to hear others in the class too so you feel actually part of a class. 

Even though I'm not doing it in a "hot" environment, I'm seeing results and am doing a bit every day which is more than going for a 90 minute class once a week. 

I also love getting Gabrielle's emails about different things to focus on and try. I find myself remembering to push my shoulders back for good posture.  A lot of my neck and shoulder pain is going away. 

I am the most skeptical one out there, but I highly recommend this. No matter what level you are at in your practice, you will find yourself challenged.  It is very high quality and well worth the investment. 

Stefanie

The book and DVDs are wonderful, such detail I am loving learning from it.

Although I have practiced yoga for 30 years I have no experience of hot yoga, also there is no class within travelling distance.

However I am still able to develop my postures in ways I have never experienced before and know the book and DVDs will be lifelong companions. Thank you Gabrielle for this, your enthusiasm and motivation.

Helene UK

I bought Yoga Master Class few week ago and it is perfect. The manual and DVD's  are excellent. My practice is better with the technique by details. I would highly recommend it for everyone. Great job! It was worth every penny! Thank you Gabrielle

Katerina

This is a fantastic resource - both the book and the DVD's are excellent.  I used to go to Bikram classes a couple of years ago and had to quit because of injury.  I recently wanted to get back into it because I love what it does for my alignment and endurance, but didn't really want to attend classes. I wanted a little more control over my workout. 

These DVD's are excellent for giving the option to choose just a light workout, or something more rigorous.  It's just like going to the class without having to leave the house! 

The book is excellent -  there is information about getting into the postures and what to target that I hadn't known even after going to classes for a couple years and doing posture clinics as well.  This resource has enhanced my enjoyment of yoga and made it pleasureable again! Thanks, Gabrielle!

Gale

I have been very impressed by the quality of the Master Class. The manual and DVD's are excellent and I feel worth every penny.

As a certified yoga a pilates intructor myself, I have seen many DVD's and books relating to both yoga and pilates and I feel that the Master Class is one of the best I have ever viewed.

I love the larger size color photos and the detailed instruction for each of the poses - along with the helpful hints on common mistakes people tend to make in yoga postures.

I also love the options on the DVD for the different lengths of the classes - this way I can fit it into my schedule on any given day.

I highly recommend this to both beginners and advanced yoga practitioners and it is a great teaching guide for instructors.

Great job! So glad you took the time to put this together and I am so glad that I purchased it. It was worth every penny!

Lee Anne

I would highly recommend this package to anyone who enjoys Bikram yoga! I have only discovered hot yoga a few months ago - and what an impact it has had on my life!

The Masterclass is a beautiful book with clear and easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations. It has cleared up many questions that I had.

I practice mostly in a studio with an instructor (who is fantastic!), but having a copy of the Masterclass book at home means that many of my questions are answered - when there isn't always time to ask the instructor.

Practicing with the DVD's is like being in the studio, I can now practice at home when I can't get to class so even with a very busy work (and social) schedule I don't have to forgo my yoga just because the studio class times don't suit. A great product - thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge Gabrielle!

Deneille

I was introduced to Bikram yoga during college back in 1980 when he released his orange book (no longer published, I believe).

I taught myself from the book as best I could, and have done it on and off since. Sometimes taking 5 years off in between. Anyway, I started again 3 years ago and was doing ok even though I have never attended a formal hot yoga class.

The instruction in this book excelled my practice beyond my expectations. The breakdown and explanation of poses far surpasses Bikram's books.

This book has made my practice 100% better, more enjoyable and much more beneficial. I have corrected a number of things I was doing wrong! It is worth every penny! I have the dvd's as well and have watched them and I like them , althought I prefer to do my practice at my own pace in quiet.

If you enjoy bikram yoga don't hesitate to purchase this product. It not only gives good direction with the postures but what to do in between. Thanks for doing what no one else had done!

Thomas

I did not have to wait long by the mailbox before the Hot Yoga MasterClass arrived. That was the first bonus!

The MasterClass is a phenomenal, high quality product filled with information and tips that will help you get the most out of your hot yoga practice.

If you are a committed hot yogi, remember that feeling that came over you when you first started classes? You were so excited, couldn't stop talking about hot yoga and were so happy when you found someone who would listen. Could not get enough information . . . there were so few books written and not much on the web. Remember the excitement that finding Gabrielle's web site generated? Other people to share with, answers to questions that had stumped you.

A problem that I could not seem to fix for 7 months (even with private lessons) was resolved when I read page 45. I cherish this book and am extremely grateful to Gabrielle for the honest, caring attitude she exhibits towards her students, even if they live an ocean away and stay in touch via the web.

The VIP tele-conferences have the feel of a private lesson, great for those of us that cannot attend a live class. Thanks again Gabrielle.

Your book and DVD's are having quite a positive impact in my practice and in my life.

Diane - USA

I really liked the Masterclass set. I am a beginner and the DVD's and book have helped me tremendously to get into the correct pose in the proper way.

And since I am not yet flexible enough to get into all of the poses, the information provided offered ways to build up to the correct pose. It's been very helpful.

I also like the fact that there are several classes to choose from because I don't always have the full 90 minutes required for an entire class. I can choose to do a 60 or 75 minute class, for example, if that is all the time I have. All the materials are top quality too.

John

Wow... Gabrielle, you and your team, have developed a fabulous resource - I love the whole set. Even though I am new to Bikram yoga, I practice at two studios because I value the different perspectives offered by each teacher.

Your gorgeous book is filled with amazing pictures and explantions, and it offers a whole new insight. I had been resisting some poses in class.

Because I now understand the intent of these poses, they have become favorites! You have fuelled my addiction to Bikram yoga... and of all the addictions to have, I believe it is a pretty good one!

Shona

I have been practing bikram yoga a little over 2 years. I love hot yoga. I was not making progress with my pratice. I spoke with the teachers they were very nice but not a lot of help.

I found this package by accident. I went on the site and found tons of info. I was able to improve my practice that day.

I ordered the complete set not sure I was doing the right thing. WOW It is wonderful. The book is large and easy to use while working on poses.

I finally feel I am making real progress. The detailed breakdown of the postures helps so much. In one of the postures I had not understood at all what I needed to be doing. Therefore, I never felt anything. Now that I am doing it correctly I do feel it.

lennie

Hi Gabrielle,

I just got my package and have a chance to go through it.

You must be very proud of yourself as it is absolutely amazing. Never have I seen information regarding hot yoga compiled this way. You have captured the practice in such a way that all your hard work is motivating, understandable, and truly treated with care.

I almost feel as though you made it just for me! Everything I have searched for and wanted in regards to this practice is now within my reach.

In short, The videos: fantastic! (So much in two little disks). The book: beautiful and very thorough.

Thank you for your hard work , and the caring nature you possess, which I am sure started all this.

Dina L.

Hi Gabrielle,

Thank so much for your email. My home practice is going amazing because of you. ...

... when I practice at home ... I can totally focus on your vocal cues. Now, I am very confident that I am doing the form correctly (pulling with the biceps etc. basically knowing the purpose of each form like getting my head to knee even if I have to bend my knees to get there).

So, now when I am in class, I am able to focus a lot better and listen to the instructor and not worry so much if I am doing it right or wrong. I know that I am doing it correctly. The instructors and my wife can not believe how quickly I have improved. It's really all because of you!

If I didn't have your book and Dvd's I wouldn't have progressed nearly as fast. Also, I think there would have been a much greater chance of hurting myself by not really understanding the forms.

I am sorry for rambling, but I am so excited about what you have taught me. I love listening to your voice and practicing. Before I go to the studio, I actually visualized all the forms in my mind prior to doing them. I feel this helps as well.

Forever grateful,

David

As a mother of 4 children, I am not able to step into a Hot Yoga studio though I heard about its wonderful benefits.

I bought the Hot Yoga Masters Manual and the DVDs to do at home and have had fantastic results: my shoulders opened up, posture improved, legs strengthened, and flexibility and balance increased.

The manual is ESSENTIAL. The detailed, technical help allows me to learn the poses correctly so that even a beginner like me can benefit and strive in the right direction. I don't feel lost practicing at home. I have lots of "Aha" moments as I read and re-read parts of the manual as I practice. I highly recommend the set. (As I said earlier, the manual, though, is essential.)

M.W.

(More from Ronn's post on VideoFitness)

The DVDs are very unique, and different from any other DVD I've ever seen. The AUDIO portion is Gabrielle teaching a live class, but the VIDEO portion is not live action ... it's photographs that move like live action. If you want to see an example of what I mean, click HERE, scroll down to the video, and watch from the 2:00 minute mark to 4:00. That's how the DVDs are done. I like it!

I had a friend (a fellow vidiot) view the clip, and she made a brilliant observation that I hadn't thought of: she said "I just watched the video clip where you told me to watch – this way they always show you exactly what they want to show you – the perfect pose instruction!"

She's right, and although it's definitely different from what we're used to, I think it offers a way to give more detailed information than you could in a regular live action DVD workout. You'd know what I mean if you saw what an entire workout on one of her DVDs is like. I watched the 35-minute 1- set class, and it's great!

Her instructing is so thorough, and the photos onscreen show so many details, with tips and reminders shown for every portion of every pose, along with modifications, too.

Hope I haven't sounded too much like an infomercial, but with something like this, it's hard for me to curb my enthusiasm! At least I didn't say "But WAIT! There's MORE!"

I cherish the Hot Yoga MasterClass, and thank you for it from the bottom of my heart. You have given the yoga world a gift for the ages!

Sincerely,

Ronn

I am an experienced and certified yoga teacher. I am currently teaching, as well. So happy to report that this complete package is excellent and highly informative. The reading materiel has added much to my arsenal of instructional information and the dvd's are great for me to use myself for personal practice and for helping me to experience really safe alignment practices. Also, SO BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED!

mccpdf

I absolutely love this MasterClass set...and it's made continuing my Hot yoga practice a reality! It's always been difficult for me to get to a class with any sort of consistency as I have a very chaotic work schedule, but thanks to this DVD set, I can always squeeze in at least a half-hour.

Gabrielle is a great instructor, and even though it's a DVD, you still feel as though she's there, talking you through each pose.

As for the manual, it's absolutely fab! About 2-4 pages describing each pose in detail as well as common mistakes and how to fix them.

Believe me, it's a purchase you won't regret!

Ahonui

I love the flexibility to yoga at home with the ability to receive instruction from a great teacher. When I first received the set, I just sat and reveiwed the asanas on the video, pausing so that I could read the manual for the corresponding asana.

As a newbie it has been a great method... I get to begin correctly, and take my time progressing. Now I keep the manual open as a reference if necessary when I am following the video. I have a month long trip coming up and am planning on including my manual and a video in my luggage.

Destin

I just finished my Hot Yoga Class and am feeling great. I practice in the Netherlands and it became too difficult for me to get into Amsterdam so I began doing my yoga at home 3 to 4 times a week.

The Manual is thoroughly detailed and the DVD wonderfully supportive. Alone or with my partner occasionally joining me it gives the sense of being surrounded by a room of enthusiastic students.

I feel safe, secure and correct in my asanas.

Well done Gabrielle!

Michael R

even though I have gone to many hot yoga classes, I love to have the DVD's with shorter length classes - I don't always have 90 min and the manual is wonderful to study - I teach a yoga class and the tips I find here help me to pass that on to my students.

Mary Ann

I haven't had a chance to read through the whole book or do the videos, yet, in part because I go to Bikram class as often as possible and haven't tried to practice on my own, but also because I am relishing the beauty of the book as I slowly make my way through it.

Thank you for a gorgeous product that is clearly a labor of love.

Elizabeth USA

Dear Gabrielle,

I received my package so quickly! Like everyone else, I am so impressed with the quality in all aspects - the book, photos, explanations.

For anyone who doubts how useful the content is, here's an example: Standing Bow. I could be wrong, but I don't know that the dialog every mentions the back bend component to the posture. Bikram's book does not cover this point. I have had one teacher say exactly one time in two years of practice to "enjoy a supported back bend" after Pada Hastasana but not to worry because "the next posture will be a backbend."

I also had one teacher provide a detailed demo mentioning what is happening in your back......and yea, it hurts if you do it right. <begin whining> "Backbends are hard" <end whining> So, after 100s of sessions, I heard this alluded to twice. To be fair, perhaps the point only reached my brain twice ;-)

In your book, not only do you mention it in the introduction to the Standing Bow posture, but point 2.6 discusses the parabola shape you need to develop. That one point is going right into my practice this evening. I am already planning on a dreaded discovery of some weak muscles in my shoulder and arm, but at least now I know!

At first I wasn't sure about how I'd like the videos, but the fact that you recorded a regular class makes it very natural and easier to concentrate on the instruction. The stills in the video work very well to illustrate the points. If it were a a live video, the correction wouldn't be as obvious without being able to see the side by side comparison. Sometimes in a class they will show a correction, but like an Alzheimer's patient I already forgot what it looked like before ;-)

Thanks so much for the hard work. I hope you'll still remember me when you're famous!

Kind regards, Michelle

Since I started hot yoga a few years ago I've been asking all sorts of people if an instruction manual was available - there wasn’t, as far as anyone knew.

When Gabrielle announced that she was launching both a manual AND instruction DVD's I was delighted. It's a product for life and it’s exactly what I needed. It's simply, it's beautifully illustrated and if like me you have no access to a studio (I'm living in rural France), it brings the studio to you.

Thanks very much!

Irena-Marie

Love the entire set! I had to quit going to class a year ago and have longed to get back but with 2 children a job and a husband I could not make the set times of classes. I am trying to tweak a yoga spot in my house. I am doing the class from the dvd and using a heater and a humidifier to work on climate. Thank you so much!

LeeAn

I really loved the Masterclass you can tell right away how much work and love has gone into this beautiful set. It covers everything, It has already helped me a great deal.

I'm taking it slow as I want to learn everything correctly without skipping any details.

This is all you would need so it is so worth the money. I highly recommend the Book and DVD's to everyone.

Gabrielle has so much knowledge and I feel privileged that she is willing to share this information to help others.

Sandra