Some yoga studios offer beginning yoga classes, but if you're intimidated by the idea of visiting a yoga studio, practicing yoga at home with DVD is a good way to start. Choose a DVD that features a well-known and reputable instructor and practice at least three times a week. As with any new exercise program, consult your doctor first.
Yoga Journal
Yoga Journal magazine offers a two-disk beginning yoga DVD called "The Complete Beginner's Guide." The DVD includes 60 minutes of basic practice, 15 minutes of energizing practice and 15 minutes of relaxing practice. The DVD also includes a video encyclopedia of 35 essential poses, going into the alignment of each pose in detail. The DVDs were designed and instructed by Yoga Journal's contributing editor Jason Crandell.
Rodney Yee
Rodney Yee began studying yoga in 1981 and has been teaching yoga since 1995. He created a beginning yoga DVD that includes 40 minutes of yoga. The 40 minutes is broken into two workouts that may be performed all at once or individually. Yee describes the poses in detail and with specific attention to proper alignment, so you're better equipped to do them correctly.
Patricia Walden
Patricia Walden began practicing yoga in 1976 with yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar. She has taken a special interest in teaching yoga for women and yoga for depression. Her beginning yoga DVD is called "Yoga for Beginners." The DVD comes with a booklet that describes beginning yoga poses in detail; it is 100 minutes long and covers most basic poses. In addition to a yoga mat, you will also need a yoga block and strap.
Shiva Rea
Shiva Rea founded the "Prana Flow" method of yoga, based on the ancient vinyasa teachings of T. Krishnamacharya. In vinyasa yoga, the poses are performed in a fluid motion, with the practitioner rarely holding a single pose for an extended period. Her beginning DVD teaches how to do each pose in detail and how to transition to the next pose. The DVD includes 70 minutes of instruction, which includes a short meditation.
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