Although pitched toward a weight loss clientele, this video also serves the general population as an excellent multi-level yoga class, taught by respected Iyengar instructor Suzanne Deason. Three students, representing three different ability levels, participate in the class, set on a gorgeous Southwestern mesa. Deason demonstrates each posture, thereby modeling a fourth, more advanced, level.

Her instructions are clear and delivered in a calm and nurturing voice that resounds with encouragement. Deason covers standing poses, seated poses and twists. Postures flagged with a “personal instructor” on-screen icon are explored in more depth in the bonus features. A multi-angle feature allows viewers to observe the entire class and all its participants, or to toggle from one ability level to the next. This flexibility in viewing creates a program that remains relevant and challenging as viewers advance in their practice. Includes a 15-page guide to exercise and nutrition.

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There are many ways to learn yoga; classes, video, and even through fitness programs on TV. There are now many resources on the Internet as well as local stores, where you can pick up information and instructional material on many websites.

Here are a few of the most popular methods:

Classes: You can find classes by browsing online, checking with your local public schools or colleges or in your local yellow pages. Taking a class is usually the best way to begin. You can learn the basics from a professional instructor and then continue on at home at your own pace. A formal yoga class will usually be in a group setting. There are advantages and disadvantages in a group setting. One advantage is the sense of comradeship that you will enjoy, doing the exercises together. Another advantage is being able to personally get help on a one-on -one basis from the instructor. The disadvantage might be that when you first begin, you may have difficulty in keeping up with the group activities.

Video: Once you have learned the basics, videos are a good way to go. You have the advantage of verbal and visual instruction. You can move at your own pace, schedule your exercise at your convenience and it can be a relaxing way to perfect your yoga practice.

TV: This will work like a video except these lessons are usually free. You can usually find a yoga program on specialty ethnic channels, cable and public TV. Check your local listings for times and program.

Books: It is always advisable to get a few good books about anything you are involved with. The more knowledge you have about a subject, the better you can understand your yoga practice and why doing things a certain way is important. With a discipline like Yoga it is good to know as much as you can to understand the purpose of the exercises that you are doing.

There are a number of ways that you can learn more about yoga and be able to better practice the positions. The practice of yoga will affect you not just mentally but physically as well. When you learn and understand yoga you will get far more benefits from it and really improve your health.

Deborah Carraro
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/four-easy-ways-to-learn-yoga-124980.html

If you’ve never tried yoga before and have been worried about jumping in, here’s your chance! Sarah leads a gentle and deliberate series of asanas geared toward the brand new yogi. Where you take this practice will be your journey. Welcome!

Duration : 0:57:39

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Technorati Tags: body, fitness, hatha, health, home, Jackson, mind, soul, Teton, today, wisdom, wyoming, yoga, yogatoday

Yoga is a system created to facilitate balance. In order to do this, the imbalances need to be exposed and eradicated. From our first class, the move toward harmony begins immediately. We begin to release some tension, which gives us a feeling of lightness, balance and connectedness. We’ve begun to restore equanimity.

To only practice balancing on the legs is not balance at all, the arms must be given fair time. Many people refer to handstand as the ultimate arm balancing. This pose develops the body harmoniously. It strengthens the shoulders, arms and wrists and expands the chest fully. There is also a good amount of core strength necessary to hold this pose away from the wall.

If you can hold ado mukha svanasana (down dog) and chaturanga dandasana (bent elbow plank) for at least a few breaths comfortably, then you are ready to have a go. The first two variations presented simply develop the strength and awareness necessary to try the full posture. Just remember, mastering this pose will not make you a better person, nor will it make people love you more. Have fun with it. Don’t freak out if you fall. It’s only yoga. Enjoy.

Duration : 0:2:3

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Basic Yoga for Beginners, a five minute yoga routine demonstrated by Iyengar instructor Amy Hyde at the Lifewellness Institute in San Diego, CA.

Duration : 0:5:26

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Ashtanga is a more physically intense form of yoga than most, which is one of the reasons for its’ immense popularity. This can make it more challenging to learn however. There are two main ways it is taught – a more traditional approach pioneered by Pattabhi Jois in India, and an adapted form of the primary series developed by teachers here. One of the questions many beginners may have, is do they actually need a class to learn this style anyway? An associated question is what makes it so different? By addressing these issues, it is much easier to learn ashtanga in a way that promotes true benefits, as well as avoiding some of the frustrations that beginners may face.

Pattabhi Jois was a lifelong student of Krishnamacharya, one of the most well known Indian yoga teachers this century. Krishnamacharya may have developed the system of ashtanga, but it was Jois who adopted it as his own. Through Jois’ patronage, ashtanga became popular in India and the West. When students traveled to Jois’ school in Mysore, India, they were taught as much as they could do of the Primary Series at a time.

The Primary Series is the first series of asanas. There are later, more advanced series, but everyone starts with this one. However, because of its’ dynamic and athletic nature, the Primary Series is generally too much for a beginner to learn in one session. So, Jois would teach one, or a few, poses, and once a student had mastered those, he would give them another. Thus, new asanas were gradually introduced, until the whole series was completed.

This was a somewhat slow way to learn ashtanga, and perhaps influenced by the way other styles of yoga are taught, many Western teachers taught beginners a different way. They maintained the essence of the series, but left out some of the more challenging poses until later, and included adaptations of some poses so beginners could do them. Thus, they were able to give beginners both standing and floor postures in one abridged session, all linked by the characteristic vinyasa flow.

In many ways, this approach is actually more true to the way Jois’ teacher, Krishnamacharya, taught. Krishnamacharya had a great belief in the principle that yoga was not a ‘one size fits all’ proposition. He tailored it to people’s individual needs and circumstances. Indeed, the reason he created the ashtanga practice to start with was because it was intended for adolescent boys for whom the more introspective hatha yoga practice would be unsuitable due to their energy and teenage distractibility.

Though ashtanga is different to hatha in a number of ways, it would be a mistake to think that it did not develop introspection. The asanas may not be held for as long, but they still require practice and focus. The acrobatic nature of some of ashtanga actually requires a certain degree of coordination, focus and strength. Though beginners may find these aspects challenging initially, if the practice is modified in the way many local teachers do, then these qualities can be developed gradually. In this way, all the benefits can be enjoyed as we learn ashtanga yoga.

Finding a teacher is highly recommended. It is very difficult to describe the way the vinyasa sequence is done, even more so when explaining the use of the bandhas (also called a ‘root lock’). Even with the visual aid of a DVD, nothing can quite replace the way a beginners class or workshop provides the opportunity for feedback and corrections with postures. For those more experienced students however, DVD’s are perfect.

Ashtanga is an energetic sequence that provides many of the benefits of a traditional fitness program. By approaching it in a way that takes into account any personal injuries, and initial limitations with strength, it is possible to learn ashtanga and enjoy every minute of it.

Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/learn-ashtanga-yoga-for-strength-and-flexibility-135629.html

When it comes to practicing yoga, your body is actually the number one piece of equipment that you will need. However, there are a few other small things you may need. Let’s take a closer look.

There are some items, which can assist in your yoga practices by providing comfort or aid. It is easy to obtain these additional items to begin your journey to self-awareness. Regarding yoga attire, a leotard and tights, shorts and a t-shirt or sweat pants and sweatshirt are all acceptable items. Just keep in mind the clothes should be slightly loose and not restrictive in any way. Women may want to wear a more fitted top for headstand poses and also a sports bra for support. Sweats are acceptable, but remember you will work up a sweat, so lighter, breathable materials may serve you better. Also shorts, as opposed to pants, make it easier to see body alignment. You don’t want to wear any type of clothing, which will bunch up and make for a distraction.

Yoga mats are also a good idea. Many classes will rent mats, but if you plan on continuing your yoga career, you may want to invest in your own. Mats are important since they will provide you with traction. There are different types of mats to choose from, but many people prefer the sticky mats, since they provide sturdiness. This will make your yoga experience safe from falls. Mats give you some padding when practicing your poses and will provide you with a more comfortable experience. There are different mat thicknesses available depending on the amount of cushioning your body requires.

Foam blocks are also available and useful for beginner students. They allow you to stretch or extend your reach, when you are unable to attain full position. These would be used in the event that you are unable to reach where you are required to on a pose. The blocks should be able to support your full weight.

Yoga belts are made out of nylon or cotton. They are used for postures to support your back and also to align it. They provide the additional length you may need to reach a certain pose when you are unable to do it on your own. You will be able to grip arms, hands, feet or legs that your existing flexibility does not allow.

Yoga towels and blankets are great when used as props to support different positions. In addition they can also provide warmth and comfort during your ending relaxation period.

Another piece of yoga equipment, which is often overlooked, is a water bottle. Yoga is a physical exercise and you will sweat a great deal. It is important to stay hydrated, so after your session the filled water bottle will be just what you need.

With just a few pieces of basic equipment, you can well be on your way to a pleasant yoga exercise experience. In addition to the items listed, you can also purchase yoga DVDs or videos to practice at home. Yoga is an easy fitness program to start, since what is required is minimal but the results are far too many to mention.

Matthew Hick
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/yoga-equipment-beyond-your-body-100579.html

you know how there are those people that want to lose weight before they go to the gym to lose weight? well im the yoga equivalent. im not flexible at all and i have a feeling that even in a begginners class with a bunch of old women i would look like an idiot. is there any way i can teach myself and practice a few positions before i start paying for an hour-long class to humiliate myself?

first you need to buy a yoga mat (don't worry you can get them very cheap it doesn't need to be excellent quality), then you need to find a yoga book for beginners. If you practice some of the positions you will find it easier when it comes to the harder ones. Also try some splits stretches, to try and get more flexible. But remember, beginners yoga is not about extreme flexibility, and you will gradually get more flexible. You can actually find some good yoga websites on google, that can give you some ideas about beginners positions to help you. just type 'yoga for beginners' into google. But it really isn't going to help you at all if you leave it to long, so get down to those yoga lessons, you will be fine!

Free beginner yoga video of the most popular kundalini yoga set for starters. This yoga set covers all aspects of the body that you should work on everyday.

Duration : 0:8:39

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Ardha Bhekasana in full spectrum yoga is a lying down pose that stretches both legs. Learn about ardha bhekasana with tips from a yoga expert in this free yoga video series.

Expert: Amy Reed
Bio: Amy Reed has been a student of yoga since the age of 17, and is an Anusara Inspired yoga teacher based in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts.
Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Duration : 0:1:24

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