Wednesday 14 September 2011

What is a good yoga video for beginners to use?

I have recently become interested quite interested in yoga. Iv been doing a yoga Pilate's combination video for a while, but im not flexible enough to do it properly. I was wondering if anybody new any good yoga videos for increasing flexibility. Im pretty skinny so Im not really looking for a video that is trying to burn fat or increase weight loss.

I would recommend Shiva Rea's "Yoga Shakti."

Check out some of her sample clips on youtube to get a feel if her style of instruction appeals to you.

If increasing flexibility is your only goal, then I recommend book "Stretching" by Bob Anderson.

There is also a "Stretching" dvd by Anderson, but I have not seen it.

I don't know about Pilates, but would like to comment that being "not flexible enough" should not stop you from practicing yoga asana (poses).

You do not have to do a perfect pose (or even close to it), to derive benefit.

Example, in pose Uttanasana (Standing forward bend http://www.altiusdirectory.com/Lifestyle/health-care.html ) even if a person cannot touch their toes (let alone get forehead to touch shins), you receive benefit by doing whatever creates a "developmental stretch."

A "developmental stretch" is more than an "easy" stretch, but less intense than a painful, drastic (and potentially injury causing) stretch.

If you practice developmental stretches regularly (ideally once a day), you will likely see improved flexibility in two to three weeks.

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