Ashtanga DVD suggestions?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I’m new to structured yoga practice. I know that having a “live” instructor is best, but I do not have that luxury at this time. I’ve been practicing chi flow yoga for years (where I just let my spirit do the work and let my body move into various yoga positions with spontaneous breathing.) I recently learned that what I am doing is very similar to Ashtanga yoga and I’m feeling the urge to practice it in a more structured and disciplined form.

I have the book by David Swenson and it is very helpful to me. But I would like a DVD as an accompaniment to see Ashtanga yoga in action. I know Swenson has DVDs out there, but from what I’ve read, they are fairly advanced and I’m not so sure I want to go there…yet.

Does anyone have any good suggestions on Ashtanga yoga DVDs more suited for beginners? Much thanks!

#2

Traditional Ashtanga yoga is a set sequence of asanas, so all Ashtanga DVDs will set out the same postures. The fundamental difference between them is the accompanying explanation.

David Swenson is, as far as I can tell, the most user friendly for beginners. That is, he gives lots of modifications which help you approach an asana gradually.

It doesn’t hurt to have a couple. I find that if one approach to explaining an asana sometimes doesn’t 't work for me, hearing it explained by another person might get the message across.

Melanie Fawer is also a good choice. Her DVD box set has 2 DVDs, one instructional one which goes into each asana at length, and another practise one which runs through the entire sequence. Another advantage is that she’s a woman - so her approach to vinyasas is not quite so intimidating (ie, she demonstrates that vinyasas don’t necessarily involve the ability to do a handstand).

If the Ashtanga sequence is too difficult at first, another option is to try for a Vinyasa flow DVD, along the lines put out by Shiva Rea, like Shakti Flow for example.

I hope this helps.

#3

Maybe you could look at john scotts dvd ,this is supposed to be good beginner in ashanga vinyasa style.

#4

John Scott’s DVD is indeed good but I don’t recommend it for a beginner because he does full vinyasa between each asana, which is considered by some to be more advanced than doing half vinyasa between each asana (the approach taken by Melanie and David).

#5

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I will check them all out. I do have Shiva Rea’s Daily Energy and I have done a couple of her DVD’s and I enjoy them immensely. But I’m looking to add in a more traditionally structured practice, so I think one of the suggestions you’ve made will help me with that. Thanks again!!

#6

Ashtanga is just not an easy form of yoga. I know because I practice it and teach it!!! There are no DVD’s out there that are going to break it down for you. I know everybody says this about the style of yoga they practice but, you definitely need a teacher for Ashtanga. The videos are more of a reference tool if you will. They help you after you have already taken an Ashtanga class.

Pattabhi Jois was a young, healthy, energetic Indian boy who was taught Ashtanga when he was he was 13 and a lot of the poses are very traditional poses that are not easily accessible for most westerners. They can cause injuries if not modified and taught properly.

I recommend Beryl Bender Birches book, “Power yoga”. It gives great modifications and is very easy to read. I also recommend checking out the official Ashtanga site and catching a workshop from time to time.

http://www.ashtanga.com/

#7

These are two really great DVD’s. Ideal for someone that wants a dynamic practice and knows their trikonasana from their parsavakonasana. You will sweat and enjoy yourself too!

I can’t post a link by try searching: Brahmani Yoga / Julie Martin / Vinyasa Flow DVD