I started doing yoga workouts at home when I was a teenager.  I was armed only with an Iyengar yoga postures book.  I would say I did pretty good for being on my own.  When I went off to college, I stopped really doing yoga much at all.  Now I am grateful to be able to do yoga 3-5 times a week.  I prefer to do it in the hot studio where I am a member.  However, schedules do conflict on occasion.  For convenience I find myself enjoying a variety of yoga DVD’s (or yoga videos)  within the comfort of my own home.

I have had the pleasure of enjoying a range of digitized yoga classes.  Here is a list of my favorite instructors available on DVD:

• Baron Baptiste–this is my all-time favorite style of yoga.  The reason:  he teaches yoga lessons that apply directly to life.  I have walked away from class (taught by a Baron Baptiste instructor) profoundly moved by the wisdom gained.  I have also, without realizing it initially, directly applied the truths I’ve learned from class in my daily life.
• Shiva Rea–she is intense, but has great routines.  Her DVD’s actually allow you to choose your own routine if you’d like.    Try not to be intimidated by her, she is pretty bendy.
• Rodney Yee–he provides all levels of practice.  He can help you get started with yoga, or he can make you burn…the choice is yours.

Another option is to checkout podcasts–there are audio and video versions of routines available on the internet.  You can simply google “baron baptiste podcasts” and there is a long list of options from certified instructors.  Once you are familiar with the names of the poses, you can easily do the routines with just verbal prompting.

It is possible to use a book like I’ve done in the past.  It would be nice if the binding on the book was spiral.  In fact, I believe you can take a regular book and have Kinko’s make it into a spiral for you.  This would make keeping it open much easier.  I have also seen packs of cards with yoga poses from Barnes and Noble.  These would be nice to take to work and whip out when you have five minutes to find your Zen.


I also want to mention that I have a Wii and the Wii Fit.  The Wii Fit has a yoga program on it that is quite good.  The only downside is that you have to manually switch the poses, which tends to break up the flow.  But it is probably perfect for someone easing into doing yoga.

So while it is nice to go to a class, there are many options for your yoga workouts at home.  This can be nice if you are feeling insecure about your abilities.  Most people are pretty wobbly for a while (or forever).  Until you can laugh at yourself, you may be better off keeping your workout at home. Regardless of where you are doing it–get out there and get bendy!

1. AndrewBoldman Says:
   June 4th, 2009 at 8:13 pm

   Hi, cool post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for writing.

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3. Zoran Says:
   August 2nd, 2009 at 1:20 pm

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