I didn’t expect a whole lot from this DVD when I popped it in.

Honestly, I’ve never seen the TV Show The Biggest Loser, so I didn’t have any context for what I’d find when the DVD started up and got me sweating. However, I was pleasantly surprised when things got moving.

Here’s what I liked about The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga DVD:

• Bob the Instructor

Bob has to be one of the lowest key yoga instructors you’ll ever encounter. He has basically zero pretense in the way he leads you through the postures. His Southern accent was disarming–I haven’t had much experience doing yoga under the watchful twang of a Southern accent before. But I liked it. He pushes you without calling too much attention to himself.

• The Participants

This is probably the thing I liked most about this DVD. The people who take part in the class Bob leads are all totally normal people. They aren’t experienced yogis by any stretch. The fact that they’re falling out of postures and grimacing as they struggle to keep up makes it extremely easy to keep at it when things get challenging. Because if those totally normal-looking people can stick it out and make it through this workout, then so can you or I.

• The Workout

There’s nothing special about the yoga series taught in the different sections of this DVD. They’re fairly standard, but they work. I particularly liked the Yoga/Pilates Abs workout, which is the second of three series taught by Bob on this DVD. I definitely got a strong ab workout following along with Bob’s instructions during that one. And I liked it.

• The Customizability

There are three different preset ways you can work with this DVD depending on your current level of fitness and yoga familiarity. The first level is a nice 35-minute workout with a warmup, cool-down and standard yoga series with mostly standing and some seated postures. Each of the next levels adds another yoga series into the mix.

But you can watch the DVD whatever way you feel. The different workouts are designed modularly, so you can jump right in wherever you want and follow along.

I should state that this is by no means a traditional yoga class. If you’re a yoga purist, this isn’t the DVD for you (but you probably already knew that just by its title).

However, if you’re new to yoga, this is a fantastic and very nonthreatening introduction to yoga. Let The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga DVD be your introduction to yoga, and get ready to burn some fat!

Via Yoga DVDs - The Best Way to Practice Yoga at Home

Rodney Yee has been creating yoga videos since the early 1990′s. A quick look through a chunk of his catalog reveals a huge array of filmed yoga sessions targeted at students of every level from total beginner to super-advanced.

In Yoga Burn, Mr. Yee presents a very slow but steady yoga class that, according to the title, is designed to elicit muscle burn in those who follow along.

Here’s the skinny: this DVD isn’t for beginners. The instruction is very minimal, so if you don’t already recognize the basic core yoga postures like cobra, warrior one, warrior two, downward dog and the like, then you’ll likely have a hard time following along. However, this DVD isn’t particularly challenging. Although Rodney takes you through each move three times and spends a good amount of time in postures that keep the legs working hard, I barely broke a sweat as I followed along with Yoga Burn.

I like this DVD for when I want a light, relaxed and different yoga workout. After I finish doing this workout, I feel pleasantly warm and grounded. Rodney keeps you moving almost the whole time. You’re never moving quickly, but you’re always moving. Since you never really have a chance to work, there’s a steadily buildup of warmth and energy across your body in all the muscle groups the series works.

The cinematography is unobtrusive (if you consider the occasional flying downward-looking camera angle unobtrusive). Rodney performs the postures of the class on a wooden platform sitting in a Zen-style rock garden. The overall vibe of this DVD is definitely calm, relaxed and introspective.

Ultimately, whether this DVD belongs in your selection comes down to a few questions:

1. Are you experienced enough with yoga to recognize many basic postures and the mechanics of moving from posture to posture in a series?
2. Are you looking for a yoga class that allows you to move slowly and steadily through your postures?
3. Are you ready for an easy workout that lets you cultivate mindfulness through your yoga movements?

If you answered yes to the above questions, then Yoga Burn is the DVD for you.

Via Yoga DVDs - The Best Way to Practice Yoga at Home

No matter your sport of choice, yoga makes an excellent addition to any training regimen.

The main benefit most athletes enjoy is a reduction of the threat of injury.

Since yoga strengthens and enhances flexibility at the same time, all the body’s joints benefit from yoga practice.

This translates into a stronger and more balanced overall physique, which makes it much easier to withstand the bumps and bruises that come as part of any athlete’s serious training regimen.

The DVDs listed here are extremely accessible. Even if you aren’t hip to yoga, you’ll be able to jump right in and receive great benefits.

• Yoga for Athletes
  Barbara Benagh guides you through this Yoga Journal Editor’s Choice award winning DVD. There’s lots of variety here whether you are full-on in your normal training regimen and just want a little flexibility work or if you’re really looking to dive into a yoga practice on your off days. If you’re an athlete, this is the perfect DVD for you to start incorporating yoga into your life.

• Baron Baptiste: Unlocking Athletic Power – Power Vinyasa Yoga Live! If you can’t tell by now, I’ll say it here; Baron is straight-up one of my favorite teachers out there. Especially if you are not a beginner and are ready to push yourself in a serious workout. This DVD is the perfect daily burst of practice, it is short, precise, and intense enough to feel like you got your mini-bootcamp session. If you haven’t tried one of Baron’s classes try one now, I promise you’ll love him.

• Ashtanga Yoga: Advanced A & B Series by David Swensen
  The advanced yoga practices of Ashtanga A & B are certainly not for everyone, you need to be fit and strong and relatively flexible to even attempt some of the asanas. This dvd is less instructional and more of a sharing what can ultimately be achieved with consistent yoga practice. You can of course follow along, but there is no walking you through postures here. Just a beautiful beach, some incredible yogis and the vision of where yoga can take you. I was amazed and awed by David and his friends.

• The Athlete’s Guide to Yoga
  This DVD by Sage Roundtree provides an adaptable introduction to yoga for athletes of all backgrounds. Ms. Roundtree emphasizes sport-specific challenges and tightness so athletes from different sports can receive targeted benefit from the yoga postures. You can go through the series in order or focus on specific postures to work on specific areas where you’re tight, hurt or needing extra attention.

• P90X’s Yoga X
  If you haven’t heard of P90X before, then perhaps you’ve been a little out of the loop–it’s one of the top-selling fitness programs and infomercials of all time. However, I will say this straight out: not only is P90X as a whole fantastic and absolutely deserving of its success, but its Yoga X workout is a beast. 90 straight minutes of yoga guided by P90X’s master of ceremonies Tony Horton. Yoga X isn’t for purists, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and intensity of the postures and guidance.

Via Yoga DVDs - The Best Way to Practice Yoga at Home

Yoga is a fantastic–and can be gentle–way to shed pounds and get fit.

While Yoga isn’t traditionally associated with more ferocious calorie burning activities like aerobics, spinning or kickboxing, the gentle and low-impact nature of yoga combines extremely well with a longer-term approach to weight loss.

Basically, don’t expect to lose all the weight you want to lose as fast as possible by relying on yoga DVDs for weight loss, but if you stay persistent and committed, you’ll reap a ton of benefits AND you’ll be more flexible, grounded and peaceful as well. The many benefits of yoga will conspire to help you not only shed the pounds but keep them off. Perseverance is the name of the game here, but you can do it! And these DVDs will help you on your way.

Yoga for Weight Loss

This DVD is one of my favorite ones for focusing on losing a few pounds. It’s interactive, which means you get to really customize your routine and focus on the areas that need work. It’s great for beginners, but also has some more advanced routines and poses for the more veteran yogi. More of the gorgeous beach filming, which really helps to get you in the yoga mood.

• Trudie Styler’s Weight Loss Yoga
  Trudie Styler teaches four different yoga workouts on this DVD from Gaiam. Trudie does a good job of keeping the workout intense and fat-burning without things getting out of hand. You get the relaxation benefits of yoga and the fat-burning benefits of a great workout. Definitely give this one a shot if you’re focused on practicing yoga for weight loss.

• Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss
  There are four different instructors demonstrating throughout the program, each providing a unique modification of the same poses. What I like about this one is that it can be practiced at all levels of experience, fitness and flexibility. All the options of are there with the modifications for each level. I found this dvd to be challenging enough without being overwhelming. I loved the scenic background of the Oak Creek Canyon and found the whole experience to be energizing and yet relaxing at the same time.

• The Biggest Loser: The Workout – Weight Loss Yoga
  Honestly it was the name of the DVD that first grabbed my attention, but it turned out to be a pretty great Yoga DVD, especially if you’re just new to the practice. Bob instructs you as if you are completely new to yoga, which ends up being a good thing for everybody. It just really brings you back to your alignment and focusing on the right way of getting into a pose. The menus on this DVD are interactive, which means you can tailor the experience just for you. If you want some weight loss action, this is definitely a good option.

• Fat Free Yoga
  Kundalini Yoga teachers Ana Brett and Ravi Singh team up for a powerful yoga workout designed to get your blood flowing, your metabolism cruising and your body slim and healthy. Four different sections take you from warm-up to an intensive workout for your glands, and the whole DVD brims with fun. Highly recommended.

• Budokon for Weight Loss – With Self-Empowerment CDYears ago I was really into martial arts, kickboxing in particular, and although I don’t practice it anymore I still think it’s an amazing way to shape up and lose weight. What I like about this particular DVD is that it has a little bit of everything: martial arts, yoga, nutrition plans, meditation, and a self-empowerment CD to keep you feeling positive.

Via Yoga DVDs - The Best Way to Practice Yoga at Home

Hot Yoga at home? How would that work?

If you know anything about the various hot yogas out there, then you know that the centerpiece of the hot yoga approach is the room in which you do the yoga–a room heated up to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Obviously, at home, you’re going to be following along with your hot yoga DVDs minus the additional benefit of a hot room, but the sequences are still fun to do, and your at-home work can even bolster your performance the next time you show up to a hot yoga studio for class.

I know hot yoga isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but I’ve noticed huge benefits from the periods of time I’ve spent attending hot yoga classes regularly.

While a DVD can’t really approximate the full hot yoga experience, I still recommend the DVD below:

• The Barkan Method: Hot Yoga
  James Barkan leads this yoga practice based on the flows of hot yoga. This is an excellent DVD to have in your collection if you enjoy the actual poses from hot yoga in the Bikram style. While this DVD isn’t my favorite, it’s still solid, and it’s a must-have if you love hot yoga.
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• Hot Yoga – Sizzling Basics for Men and Women
  Not only are the hot hunks on the cover of this DVD hot, but so are the yoga routines. The guys really love hot yoga, and it is certainly a full-on practice that leaves you feeling like you really worked out. If you like working out with your hubby or main-man, then I would recommend you pick up this one and try it out together. It’s easy to follow but gets your blood going.
• Bikram Yoga
  Taught by the Guru behind Hot Yoga himself, this is a must if you are a fan of hot yoga. I personally like to get the traditional teachings behind the physical postures and so I very much enjoyed this DVD. Health, Personal Fulfillment and the spirituality behind the yoga are all touched on, so it’s a workout and more!

Via Yoga DVDs - The Best Way to Practice Yoga at Home

Years ago, I began my Yoga practice with Hatha Yoga in order to get a deeper stretch after my workouts. I fell in love with Yoga from day one and have never given up my practice since then (although admittedly I haven’t always been consistent).

I would highly recommend Hatha Yoga to anyone, but especially to beginners who are new to the asanas.Hatha Yoga main focus is on creating balance in the body and mind. It’s a gentle and harmonious practice, with enough time in each pose to really get into feeling and breathing into it.

The Hindu word Hatha expresses two opposite things,  it literally means SUN and MOON, and in the practice of Yoga Hatha combines the masculine and feminine experience of strenth with flexibility.

Regular practice of Hatha Yoga will bring you to inner peace, calmness, better breathing, and a better alignment of your left and right side, while improving your Circulatory, Digestive, Immune, Respiratory, and Nervous Systems.

I find that each Yoga style fits different personality types to perfection. Some people need an energetic and heat-inducing practice, others benefit from the flow of serenity that letting go and sitting in an asana bring. If you need a tranquil and heart centered practice I advise you to begin with Hatha Yoga, I know you’ll thank me for it!

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  Yoga for Every Body
  This DVD is a great one to start your new yoga practice with. I loved it because it has 35 routines and covers all the basics; breathing, relaxing, and some more breathing. Believe me when I say that at the beginning of your yoga practice all you really need are some basic postures (asanas) and reminders to breathe properly!
• The Power of Hatha Yoga – Beginner Series
  Naader Shagagi has been a student of the great Yoga masters such as Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, Pir Murshed Hidayat, and Hazrat Inayat Khan since 1983, and has created a system of Yoga postures called the Yoga of Mystics, Curative Series. This is a mild and calming introduction to Hatha Yoga, where Naader takes you through the poses simply and without too much studio production. It doesn’t have the versatility of some other DVDs, meaning that it doesn’t have a variety of workouts to opt from, but it does take you through each asana and to the inner heart of Hatha where the meaning is just as important as the physical posture.
• The Power of Hatha Yoga: Ultimate Series
  This DVD build on the lessons taught in the two previous volumes in The Power of Hatha Yoga series. I would say that the Ultimate Level is for more advanced students. It is a 1.5 hours practice session; 40 minutes standing poses, a short rest, and then the remaining time in floor postures. The poses are not explained in detail because it assumes that you have a solid base already. I’ve been told that it resembles Bikram yoga, so if that is your particular style then definitely check out this DVD.

• Power of Hatha Yoga CURATIVE Series: Beginner – 30 Minute Class Experience
  This is as indicated by the title, a half hour beginner experience that includes Pranayama breathing, three complete extended sun salutations, the half moon pose and a finishing meditation. This is the basics and beginning to all of the yoga practices so I would advise all beginners to grab themselves a copy of this one and perfect the basic asanas here.

For MORE Hatha Yoga DVDs click here to check out the selection at MyYogaVideos 

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Via Yoga DVDs - The Best Way to Practice Yoga at Home

Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga recorded by the sage Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta, an ancient manuscript “said to contain lists of many different groupings of asanas, as well as highly original teachings on vinyasa, drishti, bandhas, mudras, and philosophy”
It is my particular favorite style of yoga and after trying many different styles I keep coming back to this one.
Ashtanga yoga literally means “eight-limbed yoga,” as was outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the eight spiritual practices which consist of:

Yama [moral codes] Niyama [self-purification and study] Asana [posture] Pranayama [breath control] Pratyahara [sense control] Dharana [concentration] Dhyana [meditation] Samadhi [absorption into the Universal]

Ashtanga is a very intense and energetic physical experience, where breath and flow are combined in a dance of perfection. The result is internal heat created by the mudras (body locks) used in the sequences and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.
I recommend you have some level of strength, fitness or yoga background as it’s a vigorous practice–but I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone interested in yoga.

• Yoga Short Forms: The Practice of Ashtanga Yoga
  What I like about David Swenson DVDs and books is that he always gives you a choice of time guided practices. This DVD has three choices of quick but challenging programs; 15 min., 30 min., and 45 min. practices with a 10 min. relaxation at the end. It’s perfect for intermediate to advanced levels and will help you build rhythm, flow, and grace. If you want a great workout in a very short amount of time I highly recommend this one..

• Ashtanga Yoga: Advanced A & B Series by David Swensen
  Exquisite is all I can say. Filmed in Maui and set to music this is an amazing feast for the eyes and soul. David will take you through the original Advanced A and B Series as demonstrated by some of it’s first Western practitioners. It is not an instructional dvd, but will show you what you can accomplish with much dedication and discipline. Everyone in the dvd is over 50 years old and look amazing–sure inspires you to stay with your practice!

• Just Relax by David Swenson
  Filmed entirely in Maui, how can it do anything but calm the body and mind? David guides you through routine of conscious breathing, calming stretches and ends with a deep relaxation which does wonders for your state of mind and melts away any tensions. A DVD like this one is a great addition to any library, and a perfect way to unwind before bed or on a lazy Sunday morning. Your body will love you for it!

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I first encountered Power Yoga in the mid-1990′s through Beryl Bender Birch’s bestselling book Power Yoga: The Total Strength and Flexibility Workout.

I’m not an expert on the differences between different schools and styles of yoga by any means, but from what I understand, Power Yoga evolved out the ashtanga yoga practice taught by renowned yoga teacher Pattabhi Jois.

When yoga came over to the United States, several different practitioners adopted a more intensive approach to yoga that appealed to athletes and other very active Westerners.

With the publication of Birch’s book, Power Yoga as a yoga movement was officially born.

The DVDs in this section will definitely get you sweating.

I’d put these DVDs up against any other style of workout DVD that’s out there.

• Power Yoga for Every Body
  This DVD presents a ton of different ways for you to practice. From quick 15-minute series straight through full 45-minute yoga classes, you can find something that you can practice no matter how busy you are. 

  The sequences on this DVD present a Vinayasa yoga approach called “Slow Flow.” The overall effect of this approach is a rigorous, rejuvenating set of workouts that increase your strength, flexibility and centeredness.

   

• Power Yoga DVD
  Why not dive into Power Yoga with the woman who popularized the term “Power Yoga”? On this DVD, you’ll find a practice that skews toward experienced and advanced yoga students. 

  It’s virtually guaranteed to push you past your limits and make you sweat in the process. This is a DVD worthy of its “Power Yoga” title.

• Rodney Yee’s Power Yoga Flexibility Workout
  Rodney Yee’s version of Power Yoga is fast, deep and fun. Enjoy the Joshua Tree State Park scenery as you move through a powerful and quick 30-minute Power Yoga workout thanks to this DVD.

• Power Yoga – Strength
  This video presents a 30-minute workout that focuses entirely on the upper body muscles. It is so easy to run through this quick workout, and yet the benefits are demonstrable–increased strength as well as better definition and size for the muscles. This isn’t one of my regular yoga DVDs that I use frequently, but if you’re interested in building your strength through yoga, then this is the one for you.

• Power Yoga – Stamina
  This DVD Power Yoga workout is 25 minutes. Since it targets stamina, you’ll be working at a high level all the way through, and it’s a great little workout to have on hand when you want to get sweaty in a hurry. Not the most intense or demanding yoga workout out there, but still respectable and enjoyable. Particularly if you like Rodney Yee’s style.

• Power Yoga Total Body Workout
  Rodney Yee is big on Power Yoga. Here’s another fantastic DVD of instruction that I absolutely recommend to you if you’re interested in deepening your Power Yoga practice. This full-length one-hour yoga class keeps you moving and working every step of the way. I recommend this DVD without qualification.

• Ultimate Power Yoga
  This 2010 release from Rodney Yee and Gaiam presents several different short Power Yoga series that you can string together for one long, powerful Power Yoga workout. The pace of this disc is fast without being too fast, and while I don’t like it as much as I like the Total Body Workout above, it’s still a great recent addition to Rodney Yee’s collection of Power Yoga DVDs.

• Power Yoga Collection
  Power Yoga definitely seems to be a much vaguer term than, say, Ashtanga, Kundalini or Hatha. You never really know what you’re going to get when you show up to a Power Yoga class. This 3-disc DVD collection proves that Power Yoga is a very wide and encompassing term. The three discs are Yoga Burn, Power Yoga and Yoga Conditioning for Athletes. They’re varied but solid, and you can’t beat the value of this package.

Via Yoga DVDs - The Best Way to Practice Yoga at Home

A good friend of mine teaches chair yoga in Seattle, and I’ve come to really appreciate the beauty and importance of chair yoga.

I haven’t personally tried any of these chair yoga DVDs, but I did want to share them in case you’re looking for a yoga program you can do at home within your current capabilities.

• Ageless Yoga Vol. 1John Schlorholtz leads this DVD of standing and seated practices. All the postures presented in this DVD are gentle and suitable for people who would like to maintain a mild yoga practice without any ground postures. Not everything presented on this DVD is chair yoga, but all of the exercises are gentle and low-impact.

Chair Yoga: A Seated Practice
Ann Richmond leads this chair yoga practice for people who need a gentler approach to yoga. The practice on this DVD runs 25 minutes long.

Via Yoga DVDs - The Best Way to Practice Yoga at Home

I’m not a kid, and I don’t currently have any children, so all I can do here is share with you some of the more popular kids yoga DVDs that are out there.

I have taken my seven year old niece to a children’s yoga class, instructed by an 11 year old certified yoga teacher, no less! Needless to say, she loved it–and decided she also wants to be a yoga teacher!

I will say, though, that it’s fantastic that there are resources out there to help kids learn how to breathe, stretch, relax and have great posture through yoga.

Even if it’s just for the ‘activity’ aspect of it you should consider trying one out. On a rainy day when playing outside is not an option this is a great backup for a fun afternoon playtime.

So if you have kids, definitely consider some of the below DVDs.

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• Dashama – Kids Yoga
  This DVD walks your little ones through an hour long routine that features standing poses, sitting poses and even some more advanced poses that seem incredibly easy for kids to do! It’s fun and happy and will keep your children entertained and flexible.

• Gaiam Kids: Yogakids Fun Collection
  The picture of the little boy in meditation pose on the front cover is almost too cute. This collection comes with two DVDs that blend yoga with learning, play and general exercise for kids.
• Shanti Generation: Yoga Skills for Youth Peacemakers
  For slightly older children (ages 7-16) comes this DVD that covers not only physical yoga poses but the inner skills that yoga practice can develop. In an age when young people live under so much pressure and stress, this DVD speaks directly to how young people can develop themselves to stay more centered and present.

Via Yoga DVDs - The Best Way to Practice Yoga at Home