Beginner Looking For Guidance

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I am 24 years old, athletic, but very inflexible. Financially I am just not currently capable of attending yoga classes, but would like to do it nonetheless. I have taken a couple of yoga classes in the past, and have some recent experience with a Shiva Rea DVD.

I was wondering if anybody here would be willing to give me some advice. I’m looking for a good Yoga DVD to get me by until I can join a real class again.

I have been browsing around Amazon for a while and am baffled by all of the different styles of yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, etc.) I don’t really know what to do.

Can anybody recommend a good DVD to get me by for a while?

#2

I have several suggestions for you.

The first is to arrange a work-study relationship with a reputable local studio. Barter, bargain, trade, or what have you in exchange for classes.

The second is to decide what you want from the practice. I personally believe that beginning students are best served over the life of their practice when they begin with an alignment-based practice. This would NOT be a fast-paced, flow, vinyasa, power class. It is nearly impossible in the brief moments spent in posture during such classes to find any fecund alignment of the body.

However, it is fine to acknowledge this and opt for a practice that suits your fancy. If that fancy is a fiery practice, so be it. Use care so that the practice you choose is helping you to transform your life, not heaping onto the already growing pile of patterns - unless of course you love those patterns and they are bringing you immense joy in your heart.

I have typically recommended Patricia Walden’s beginner DVD. You may not be “entertained” and it will not be a variety show, but you will develop foundations and, when paying attention, do so safely.

#3

Hey InnerAthlete. . . I was hoping for a response from you. I had read a few of your other posts prior to registering for this site and thought you may be able to point in me in the right direction. I appreciate it.