I want to start getting into yoga, and I am really not flexible right now, so I need a super basic yoga instructional DVD. Any suggestions?

Truthfully... I started with Wiifit and then got the training wheels to come off and i went to something a lil more professional. Now I can almost do the front splits and my overall flexibility is pretty high, especially being 6'1 and never being that flexible to begin with.

There's part of me that wants to get a Wii but being a college student, I need to use my money for more important things, booze and Ramen.

Can you suggest something a little cheaper? Or maybe I could just sell some things of mine...I dunno. I do wanna play the new Mario Kart game also...

If your main goal is to increase your flexibility in preparation for starting yoga, try this Denise Austin tape ... http://www.amazon.com/Denise-A...ex-VHS/dp/6305996016 I just checked and it's apparently not available in DVD format, but my mom swears by it. It's just good, solid yoga-based stretching with no terminology involved that will confuse you when you start taking classes from a live teacher. Just make sure you do a short aerobic warmup before you start each session and be very careful that you're using proper form.

Aren't you a Theatre major in school? If so, isn't there at least an introductory movement class offered? Any teacher worth his/her salt will definitely get you stretched out there. If not, check out your school's course offerings in Dance and maybe sign up for introductory ballet or modern classes next term. You might also find some dance conditioning classes that should be of great help. Besides yoga, also take a look-see both in the Course Catalogue and at your Student Center to see if any introductory martial arts and/or gymnastics classes are offered.

Hope this helps!

P.S. The same trainer also has a Power Yoga and Pilates workout in DVD format although I can't say I've seen it ... http://www.amazon.com/Power-Yo...d=1252081459&sr=1-12

I started a class with Bikram yoga out here and I love it.
Its very hot though, and not everyone can handle this kind of heat.
One of the better things about taking a class is the structured environment and the way they'll have a real, qualified person there to motivate you and make sure that you're doing the postures correct. That's SUPER important.
Nicole B.

if you're a college student, perhaps you could take a yoga or movement for actors class.

Check out your local library for yoga dvd's and try a few of them out. Also too, start stretching EVERY DAY! That's important and you'll start to see a difference. Best way to gain flexability is to stretch, workout to losen your muscles and then stretch out again (a little harder this time). Be sure not to bounce when you're stretching. That's how you pull stuff. Hold each stretch position for at least 30 sec. or more cuz' for the first 15sec. when you stretch a muscle it naturally contracts. So it takes a bit for it to relax and then actually stretch out.

Yeah, just shoot over to your library and check something out there..

you can do this by increasing your magnesium intake (one of your body's natural muscle relaxants) to help loosen muscles a bit. Get your muscles warm (hot bath, shower, if you really wanna smell like ben-gay go for that) as for an instructional DVD i would try and go for a beginning ballet dvd. you don't need to twist yourself up in a pretzel but they do walk you through proper "barr warm-up and cooldown" and you can vary intensity for yourself in you can't get your leg to a kitchen counter, try the sofa arm that's lower. good luck

stretch, stretch, stretch...

If you live in Los Angeles, check out Liberation Yoga on La Brea. They have amazing instructors, a great variety on classes (from beginning to kick-some-ass flows to even restorative classes, personally, I like to mix it up) and it's the most affordable studio I have found in LA. Not to mention the people that own it are a delight, the studio has a true sense of community, unlike a lot of these corporate Hollywood chichi types). Anyways, obviously, I love this studio.

I also try and do as much CardioBarre as possible to balance the yoga out...I started out dancing and it has been a really great way to incorporate my dance background into staying in tip-top shape. Those would be my suggestions...

(If you are not in LA and can only take from a DVD, I would suggest finding some BKS Iyengar DVD's. He is a master, and will get you started in yoga with the proper alignment and a foundation that is healthiest for your body.)

Have fun!

When I don't have time to see my usual yoga instructors, I do the P90x yoga. It covers pretty much everything my yoga teachers do.

Thoughts on yoga vs pilates?

I just started doing pilates and I dig it. Good core work. I'm just curious what people think of the one or the other.

I do both.

In yoga, I sweat like crazy. In pilates, almost never.

Pilates is usually an hour when yoga is 90 minutes so if I don't have 2 hours and want to cram more in the day, I'll do pilates.

Also, yoga works out muscles that weight lifting and other high impact workouts sometimes miss.

I recommend Hot8Yoga! I love this place. I HATED yoga before I began practicing there. I've also lost alot of weight! YAY!

They have 7 different styles of classes...all done in the heat. So you're able to mix it up! So you can do more of a vinyasa flow or chisel your body with a sculpt class.

It's located in Santa Monica so parking is whomp whomp. AND there are a couple...let's just say...self-entitled people that practice there. (Only a couple tho) I've taken class with some notable actors too! I definitely think it's worth a try. The trial period is $30 for a week of unlimited yoga, whereas a drop-in is $23 for regular folks and $18 for students/teachers/military personnel.

(I work the front desk there...just gotta keep it real!)