yoga video recommendations?

[burritomama]

Hi!

I think I am finally in a place (physically, mentally and even space-wise - that is, the new house has enough space!) to resume the yoga practice that I began while pregnant - nearly three years ago!

While I would love to take classes - I don't have the money nor the time necessary to commute and arrange childcare (we're out in the boondocks of Orange County California!).

SO, I am looking for a good videotape - something simple but disciplined...

Any help in this area would be appreciated! TIA.

[MaWhit]

How much experience do you have? Are you very comfortable that you have the basics down? (Mountain, warriors, tree, staff, forward bend, etc) Have you ever attended a class?

When I know where you're at on your path, I can better recommend videos. Some of the ones labeled "beginner" really aren't.

Oh, and I have a library of probably about 15 videos and have viewed and followed many more. I am currently training to become a certified yoga teacher. I'll check back here soon.

[Kiki Runs]

Hey Whit, I'm not burritomama, but can I pick your brain too?

To answer your questions:

How much experience do you have? Ummm.....not much. I just (about a month ago) started doing "Yoga Conditioning for Weightloss". I think it's by Gaiam?

Are you very comfortable that you have the basics down? (Mountain, warriors, tree, staff, forward bend, etc) Hard to say. The DVD I have lets me choose my level (1/4 modified, 1/2 modified, full modified) and so far I have been doing full modified. I'm getting much more confident in myself, though, and have been meaning to start the 1/2 modified version. I haven't even watched the 1/2 or 1/4 modified versions, b/c when I started I was soooooo out of shape and just blah. I started with the easiest I could find.

Have you ever attended a class? No, which is why I'm not so sure of myself above. I *think* I'm doing the poses correctly (as shown in the DVD), but don't have a mirror where I can see myself or anyone to help me.

Can you give me some recommendations? I actually am fairly happy with the DVD I have, just looking to branch out a bit more. And please let me know if this is not a good one to use - eventually I would like to take a class and don't want to go in thinking I've got it down when I don't, YK?



Thank you!

Kinsey

[MaWhit]

That is one of the better yoga videos, IMO, so you're good there. I think that the best one for beginners to really get all the details and intricacies of the asanas is Yoga Journal's Yoga for Beginners (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...04107?v=glance). It will supplement your other video nicely.

Oh, another good question.... What are you looking to get out of a yoga video? Do you want relaxation, energy, stretching, a workout, a challenge?

[Kiki Runs]

Originally Posted by Whit

What are you looking to get out of a yoga video? Do you want relaxation, energy, stretching, a workout, a challenge?

Yes. :LOL Actually, I have really noticed lately how relaxed AND energized I feel after I finish my yoga tape (and see, I never thought you could have both at the same time). I started the yoga b/c, well, I need to lose weight, so the name of it sucked me in - plus, I've never been a very limber person, so I thought yoga would be a good way to improve that.

I did think that this particular DVD would be more of a "workout" based on its title, but now that I'm used to it, I think it's great just the way it is. I might like to try a different routine that's more of a workout/challenge in addition to my current one, but I probably won't replace it for a while.

Hey, thank you for your expertise, Whit. Did you know there's a Yoga thread over in Finding Your Tribe? I just found that out today! (I can't remember if I saw your name over there or not - just thought I'd mention it)

Kinsey

[burritomama]

Just got back to this!

I've been on and off the path for about twenty years now (don't ask!) but the Yoga Journal one sounds good to me.

As a student, I KNOW I need gudiance no matter how much I know.

Me, I look for a workout plus that lovely energy rush.

Thanks SOOOOOO much.

burrito

[MaWhit]

I wanted to clarify that the YJ Yoga for Beginners video is purely an instructional video. Once you know that your form is good and you are doing the asanas correctly, then you'll probably want to move on to something else. It is great to keep around for periodic refreshers, though, especially if you don't have access to a teacher.

For a good 20 minute workout, Power Yoga with Yee is good.