Yoga at Home for Absolute Beginners!

Hatha Yoga for Beginners: A Fairly Good Basic Yoga DVD

One of my high school classmates (year abroad in France) asked me if I could recommend any DVDs for beginning yoga.  I have to start by admitting that I have not watched too many.  Some of the ones of I have reviewed date back to the 80s and are in VHS format - unfortunately, I cannot remember the title of one of those - I borrowed them from the local library for my book research.

Last year, however, for a nominal fee of $7 shipping, I responded to an offer by Deepak Chopra's center (or one of his centers - in California) for a 2- DVD set, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga.  I have referred to this set in the past, but today I will elaborate on the benefits of the basic instructional yoga DVD.  I re-watched 25 minutes of the DVD yesterday morning so I could comment on it here.

The basic class taught by a female instructor is filmed in what looks like a spacious home yoga studio - or at least it has a "homey" feel to it - perfect! Interestingly, the class begins with the Savasana pose - i.e., what is also known as the corpse pose but which I prefer to call the total relaxation pose.  In my experience, yoga sessions end with the Savasana so that the person can allow the energy released from the poses to settle nicely into the body.  I suppose, though, the Savasana can also be an effective way to ease into and warm up for a yoga pose. 

The instructor carefully explains the various poses from knee presses to sun salutations in a clear voice and, easy-to-follow way.  Although she also tosses in the sanskrit terms a bit rapidly for the beginner to catch.  I liked that she emphasized that the silence and pauses between the poses is just as important as the poses themselves - super!  I think overall, the instructor makes the yoga poses she demonstrates accessible, and non-intimidating to the non-athlete beginner like myself.

The principal drawbacks of the DVD, in my view, is that there aren't really suggestions for how to create a daily regime or enough discussion of the benefits of the poses.  There are some - but I would prefer a few more key points brought out to convince the viewer on how important it is to practice the poses regularly. In summary, I would say try watching a few DVDs and video podcasts and look for pointers to enhance your regime.

Thought of the Day:  Anyone who practices can obtain success in yoga but not one who is lazy. Constant practice alone is the secret of success. ~Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Hatha Yoga for Beginners: Sampling Yoga Podcasts

Only recently have I gotten into podcasts.  My selections range from updates from the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and the Economist to 1 Minute French and 1 Minute Spanish as well as some yoga audios.  I am always on the outlook for tools for the Hatha Yoga beginner - especially for people who like me, tend to be uncoordinated and unathletic.

The past couple of days I sampled some yoga podcasts - downloading selections from yogajournal.com and yogaamazing.com.  The podcast from yogajournalcom featured "gentle backbends."   The yoga teacher's introduction emphasized that the poses should feel" expansive, even, and balanced" and this was more important than the "range of motion."  I couldn't agree more! His voice was clear and well modulated.  However, he spoke at a rapid clip and he start losing me shortly after the introduction which didn't specify what level of student the podcast was aimed toward.

After a few more minutes, I realized the session must be for an experienced yogi who was familiar with the sanskrit terms for yoga poses and who could grasp without seeing a visual what the instructor meant by creating an "internal space" when describing how to move into a pose.  Also, the more I listened, the more I became confused because it seemed like I was listened simply to the audio track of a DVD.  There's no way a beginner could fathom what to do or learn certain backbends from this podcast.

Another podcast, "Yoga for College Students" by yoga instructor, Chaz, is a video podcast of a large class of college students.  Chaz explains the poses well - however, I could see students in the back of the class straining to see Chaz as he gave his instructions at the front of the studio. He clearly enjoys teaching and is enthusiastic about yoga -but again, I, the non-athlete would have trouble learning the more complex poses from this video and I definitely would be lost in his class if I were seated at the back.  The size of that class was daunting. I will say that I gained some nuances from both podcasts.  However, for learning the basics, I recommend the non-athlete beginner like me stick with clear, well-laid out instructions in books or step- by -step explanations on DVDs.

Thought of the Day: "Any dog, regardless of his age can learn new tricks, as long as the instructions are clearly laid out, step-by-step."  ~Laura Venecia Rodriguez

Hatha Yoga for Beginners: Iphone Yoga Session- not for the beginner

The other day I decided to listen to and review the "Yoga Stretch" session I recently bought for 99 cents from I-tunes.  Created by Neil Harris, the 5-minute yoga session features the full lotus pose and various Warrior poses.  This is my first exposure to an I-Touch/I-Phone yoga application.  The graphics are esthetically appealing.  You have the option to listen to audio instructions with each pose which move rapidly.  I noticed an odd "typing" sound in the background - I have no idea what that was.

In short, I this particular I-Phone yoga application is likely helpful for the yogi who has already learned or been exposed to the poses and wants a quick refresher while on the road.  However, because the audio instructions are rapid and not broken down into details, the yoga newbie might not find this program too helpful.

Though of the Day:  "To teach yourself hatha yoga, you need clear, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions."~Laura Venecia Rodriguez

Hatha Yoga for Beginners: Improving Posture Boosts Confidence & Energy

Yesterday's Wall Street Journal weekly podcast featured a story on the importance of listening to mom's advice about why you should focus on good posture and standing tall.  This is hardly rocket science but a recent study documented the impact of "standing and sitting tall" for job interviews. Experiments suggested that job candidates who made a point of standing and sitting tall significantly increased their confidence and effectiveness during job interviews.

I was puzzled that this common sense finding was featured on the Wall Street Journal podcast - I guess it's something I have taken for granted for years - especially since doing yoga.  It occurred to me, however, why standing tall is important (even for shorties like me!) and how it boosts confidence and energy.  When you stand or sit up straight keeping your spine erect but not rigid, you allow your energy to flow fully through your body.  More energy leads to more confidence....If you slouch, however, you are compressing your spine and it's like stepping on a water hose - you block the flow.  Some water or energy may get through - but not the full flow.  Lower energy leads to dragging around and to lower confidence.  I am always amazed at the number of people I see daily on the metro who slouch over and walk with their heads and eyes fixed on the ground.  What do they find so fascinating about the sidewalk or floor of the train?

Of course, hatha yoga poses are invaluable for elongating your spine and improving your posture leading to more energy and confidence. A regular home practice of hatha yoga poses such as the backward hand clasp and arm and leg stretch can help broaden your shoulders and strengthen the carriage of your body.  The result?  You will feel more energized and look your personal best!

Wisdom of the Day:  ~"Yoga teaches you to stand and sit tall for maximum energy and confidence." Laura Venecia Rodriguez