The Best Yoga Videos

Yoga can help you get fit, stretch and experience a feeling of well-being. If you don't feel comfortable taking a yoga class with other people, or if you simply don't have the time, you can try a yoga-based video. Using visual and audio cues, a yoga DVD can help guide you through various yoga poses so you can benefit from yoga within the comfort and privacy of your living room.

"Yoga: Gentle Vinyasa Flow"

Of all the yoga DVDs, Zyrka Landwijt's 210-minute DVD comes recommended as one of the best for beginners by "Health" magazine. The magazine praises its six different sessions and especially liked its inclusion of a pose guide so that you can learn the right poses before starting the regular timed yoga sessions. The instructions focus on exercises that improve strength and flexibility.

"Exhale: Core Fusion: Yoga Energy Flow"

For yoga that helps re-energize you and get your cardiovascular system going, this flow yoga DVD comes highlighted by "Real Simple" magazine. Led by Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp, the five 10-minute sessions can either be used alone to target various parts of your body, or followed all at once for a full-body workout.

"Yoga & Pilates: Total Body Toner"

For people who can't find yoga classes nearby and want a cardio and strength-training workout, "Alive" magazine suggests this DVD from yoga teacher Louise Solomon. Think of it as "yogilates," as it pairs various stretches and poses from yoga with the workout themes found in Pilates. The DVD covers four separate sessions ranging from easy to more difficult.

YogaJournal.com

For people who want to watch yoga videos online instead of buying or renting a DVD, "The New York Times" reports that most online yoga video sites charge monthly access fees. However, YogaJournal.com provides free video and audio podcasts with instruction. You can browse the site by themes, such as by specific poses or styles.

"Shiva Rea: Daily Energy --- Vinyasa Flow Yoga"

For better energy levels and reduced fatigue, "Health" recommends Shiva Rea's yoga DVD, which comes aimed toward intermediate or expert yoga practitioners. The DVD provides seven 20-minute sessions that take you through various workout themes, including meditation, stretches and a post-workout cool down.