New and don't know much

Hello all! I am looking for any advice on Yoga. I recently bought a DVD of Rodney Yee to learn the moves. If anyone knows anywhere in the Twin Cities that is newbie friendly I would love to hear! I am eager to become better at this, my only problem is I am fearful of going to a class because I am not flexible enough to do all of the poses.

Don’t be worried about being a newbie!! Find a place and just enjoy!!!

Can’t help you with info about classes in your area but can tell you that one of the MANY wonderful things about yoga is that it is your own individual practice, only your personal best is expected and there is no competition and no need for stress over “not knowing”. I practice Kundalini and we spend most of the time in class with our eyes closed, no one knows what everyone else is doing nor do they care. Most cities have classes like Beginner Hatha or Introductory Ashtanga, just go where you feel drawn and don’t be afraid to try several branches before deciding upon one that feels the most right to you. Good luck and congratulations on your decision to try yoga, if you commit to a regular practice your life will undoubtedly improve on many levels!

What a perfect thread!!

I too am new to this and would love some advice. There are a million yoga videos and books and many yoga magazines I imagine. I know it will be tough to get the best info from people because its all subjective. Each person has their own preferences.

I am looking to learn what are some good videos, books or publications for beginners, meditation and flexibility and weight loss yoga.

A little bit about my self: I have as long as I can remember been fascinated by herbal medicine, natural healing, reiki, yoga and meditation. Played very few sports in high school and never really worked out much. But for some reason have always done your basic stretches nearly every day since college. No matter how out of shape I was or over weight I was, i seemed more flexible than the average 6’ 5" 300 lb construction worker. I weighed 330 at one point, I am down to 290 and want to reach somewhere between 230-250. Personally I think yoga is way better for you body than running on pavement or lifting heavy weights. I of course have limited knowledge to be vouching for the benefits of yoga, but to me the peacefulness, flexibility and strength you gain from it would slow down pain, aging and sickness drastically.

So, to make a long post short (or longer). What is a good periodic publication on yoga? Are there any “must have” yoga books? Who makes good dvd’s or what do I look for in a dvd? What order should I be approaching for my goals? Beginners then weight loss followed by more advanced yoga and meditation. Or beginners, basic meditation followed by weight loss yoga?

Thank you for your time, input and forgive me if I sound like a fool.

I typically start diets and workouts “on Monday” that’s the fat person way, putting it off. I don’t want that.

So to start tonight and not wait until I get more info, I attempted a workout thru our cable tv provider Comcast. Its a free video for beginners. The woman in the video is Shiva Rea. If this is beginners stuff than I am in trouble. Not easy, I heard my body cracking in ways I have never heard before. I stretched muscles I didn’t know existed! 3 observations; I am NOT flexible, I assume breathing is key, I don’t like watching the video because you focus too much on it.

I want to be able to learn enough to do my own routine and relax and focus on it. Or at least learn the poses so I can do what she says without ruining my pose to look up at the tv.