Whilst the ancient discipline of yoga is not traditionally associated with the modern desire to be slim, yoga's popularity with celebrities like Geri and Madonna have made people aware that it can be used for weight loss. But don't expect aerobic style yoga with Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss from lifestyle specialists Gaiam.

Anyone new to yoga is best off starting with the extra yoga session which provides an excellent introduction to yoga from Patricia Walden. Her advice, that it is better to practise for short periods every day (instead of one hour a week), is particularly pertinent to weight loss. Regular practice changes the mind--which in turn changes the body.

Suzanne Deason's specially designed session incorporates a 10-minute warm-up to loosen the muscles, a core segment which works out the muscles and creates awareness of the body and a toning, relaxing cool down. Though designed with four progressive levels of fitness, featuring four teachers practising simultaneously, following one's appropriate level can be confusing. Though stunning, the Sedona setting combined with the soft American voice, the meditative music and the slow pace is very New Age. It's a sound session, but for those fired up to lose weight it's not engaging or motivating enough. --Lorna V

Bonus Material:

• Select from four levels of programme to suit your ability

• Help video on using DVD

• Extra "Yoga Studio" instruction