Yoga DVD for Absolute Beginners

[smurfchops]

No standing on heads please ... Can you recommend ?

[beso]

Don't underestimate the benefits of taking a class. A teacher will guide you in the subtleties that you would overlook in a video.

It will teach you the mental state of yoga which ultimately guides you.

Doing it with others provides a motivation you won't find in a DVD.

[yogasun]

beso is right, but I would say that wouldn't I after having taught it for over 30 years!
A DVD is OK as a practice aid but no substitute. The British Wheel of Yoga do a basic one with different levels. See their website and go to shop section.
Good luck, it's a great discipline!

[smurfchops]

What exactly does yoga DO for you ?? Does it keep you fit ? Help you lose weight ? Something I have never done.

[smurfchops]

What exactly does yoga DO for you ?? Does it keep you fit ? Help you lose weight ? Something I have never done. (lose weight or do yoga that is)

[David H]

I have a very good one on kundalini yoga (I'll find the name soon) and although it's very tough it's very satisfying to see the improvement. No headstands either.

Yoga is a method towards enlightenment for some and improved health for others. It depends which method you use, but most work on both up to a point. You need to work at it regularly for some time to notice anything so can't give up if you think nothing's happening. You will see exercises become a lot easier within a few weeks though. Definitely something I'd recommend but look at the different types online before you decide which to try.

[beso]

Yoga changed my life. It gave me flexibility and awareness and a sense of connection to mind, body and spirit.

I had terrible spinal curvature due to a lifetime of low self esteem and it straightened me out. I went from barely being able to get my hands past my knees to being able to touch my toes easily. It brought everything into alignment so I keep my feet straight when I walk without thinking about it. It made an extraordinary difference to my balance.

It changed my breathing and facilited me to learn to sing. Much of this came from the meditation which is an essential component to the most fulfilling form of singing.

I have been doing it for about ten years but the benefits started after a few weeks and really came on after about five years. By seven years my body had adopted a new norm.

I don't do the postures so much now but the essence of yoga is part of my way of life.

[yogasun]

smurfchops - beso has summed it up beautifully.
I always tell people it is a complete treatment for mind body and spirit. The benefits start after a few weeks and it is cumulative. Great for posture, flexibility, strength, correct and efficient breathing, stress release, body awareness and a much calmer mind. I can't imagine life without it!

[smurfchops]

I would love to know how to 'clear my mind of thoughts' - it is so hard - there is always something babbling about in there ! Does it help you sleep better? I can go to sleep quite easily but I wake up an awful lot in the night, for no reason, and then I go back to sleep - would it help with that ? I have no worries, just can't seem to relax for the whole of the night.

[yogasun]

It helps with all that. You cannot clear the mind as such, it is like a computer. The way round it is to focus on one thing, the breath, a mantra (word or phrase repeated silently - generally - such as the word 'Peace'), a visualisation, an object, etc. - it's called one pointedness of thought as is the way to meditation. That way some of the dross in the chattering mind is cleared. I always have a short meditation along these lines at the start of my classes, not all teachers do.

[beso]

My yoga teachers always do a meditation and relaxation at the end of the class. Like yogasun says you can't really turn off the mind completely but you can get it to switch to screen saver.

[smurfchops]

Thank you so much for your answers, much appreciated.