Need Stretching Help

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I’m thinking a DVD would be best, but if you have another other sources, with video included, not just text, I’d go with that. Maybe a good website. I’ve looked at Amazon and just not sure which one is good for what I want. I ended up buying a Kundalini ultimate stretch DVD and it is very good for some parts of the body, such as the back, but I didn’t feel like it was a comprehensive stretching program, especially for the hamstrings and upper body.

I just started doing yoga a couple of months ago and my preference is power yoga because one of my primary goals is to increase my strength and muscle tone. However, I also have a goal of increasing my overall flexibility to the point where I can do all of the advanced poses in my power yoga routine.

I’m looking for something that isn’t another yoga routine like the Kundalini DVD I bought. Ideally, I’d like something that provided guidance on how to do the stretches properly but was not in a strict routine so I could just do the particular stretches I’m interested in doing at any given time. I think I tend to push it too far because I’m motivated to make progress and I have to admit I’m not very patient. Yeah, I know, the opposite of the yoga philosophy. I like to spend about an extra 20 minutes or so stretching after my power yoga, but I don’t know that I’m doing it the most effective way. Sometimes I also like to do some additional extra stretching in the evening.

Thanks.

#2

I would check my library , especially if it has inter-library loan, do a search here or internet/amazon search for books with stretching in the title.

Inter-library loans programs are great and there will be many titles if you live in a geographic area of at least some population density. This way you can try before you buy and get lots of viewpoints.

Yoga isn’t goal driven, more like a lifelong pursuit, even if it’s just asana you’re after. How many of us have the requisite 3-5 hours a day to devote to asana that some of the masters had?

#3

Well, I was hoping someone could recommend a specific DVD. I’ve already done the internet/amazon search thing and read the reviews and still not sure the best one to go with, and I’ve already made the wrong choice once with the Kundalini ultimate stretch DVD. I’ll still use it as a change up to my power yoga, but it’s not what I was looking for for stretching.

I realize theoretically yoga isn’t goal oriented, but I’m just not there yet mentally. I’m still goal oriented and that’s what keeps me focused and staying interested in exercising, and yoga for me is just a form of exercise, although with more well rounded benefits than most others.

#4

I have found that combining Pilates and yoga on alternate days has really help me. I have back and joint issues and I was not very flexible. In only a few months I can sit cross legged which I have not been able to do in years.

#5

If your preference is Power Yoga, than I would say any power yoga dvd you enjoy would increase flexibility just by doing the included poses on a regular basis. Just about any hatha or vinyasa yoga dvd would increase flexibility the same. Some dvds I could think to suggest which might have more of a flexibility element are: Trudie Styler Weight Loss Yoga (as it repeat flows in and out of poses in a way that increases flexibility), Tara Stiles Elle Workout Yoga (has a flexibility oriented segment including splits), Deep Stretch Yin Yoga (all floor holding poses longer stretching) and Flexibility Yoga with Patricia Walden (very challenging if you’re less flexible).