And once again those cheerleaders have proven me wrong. The DCC Body Slimming Yoga DVD is a pretty decent introduction to the practice. The team's official yoga instructor, Kurt Johnsen, is an expert in the field and this comes across in his teaching.

The DVD includes a 25-minute routine and a 45-minute routine. If you're really looking for the supposed "body slimming" effects, skip straight to the longer options or, better yet, combine the two.

Equipment Needed
You'll need a mat if you're on a hard surface and comfortable clothes that allow you to move.

Effectiveness
I did both the 25-minute routine and 45-minute routine back-to-back and definitely felt that familiar "used" feeling toward the end. This DVD was no where near as rigorous as my regular studio yoga, but that also takes place in a 90-degree room so take it for what it is. I think that a daily commitment to the 45-minute routine would yield the desired "body slimming" results--particularly in the thighs and waist due to the Warrior series and twisting moves.

Safety
You can pick your level of practice and follow along with modifications for beginner, intermediate and advanced students. A designated cheerleader will demonstrate each level. Be honest with yourself about how far you can go. People tend to underestimate yoga as an intense physical workout. Trust me when I say you can hurt yourself if you rush into poses you aren't ready for yet.

Refer to the Instructor-Guided Position Breakdowns in the Special Features section to ensure you are utilizing the proper alignment for each pose.

Cast/Instructor
American Power Yoga Founder, Kurt Johnsen, is the official DCC yoga instructor and teacher for this video. He is enjoyable to follow--motivating and informative. He is joined by five cheerleaders demonstrating beginner, intermediate and advanced modifications for the different poses.

Music
Move along. Nothing to see here. Standard calming studio music.

Set
The video is set in a studio that may or may not really be overlooking the Cowboys stadium. Who knows? It could be a prop...

Negatives
Not too much about this video was negative. I did find it to be a bit on the easy side, but I am also at an intermediate level of practice. If you are a beginner you will likely struggle with some of it. One thing I think is missing from any yoga practice outside of a studio is teacher-to-student contact. Sometimes you need an expert to physically realign you to get the proper pose. You won't find that here or with any yoga DVD. Kurt Johnsen, however, does a great job of walking you though as much as he can from a distance.

As with any workout DVD, don't expect any miracles. Stick with this daily for several weeks, though, and I'm sure you will begin to notice a change in your body and (hopefully) your mind.

Conclusion
I liked this video, but I'm too committed to my studio practice to find the time to do it again. I have, however, recommended it to friends looking to give yoga a try without paying studio fees. It is a thorough introduction from a quality instructor, but you will likely get bored doing it for several weeks straight. I recommend it as a starting point for people testing the yoga waters. I do not think it will be your weight loss miracle.

Katie