Structured beginner yoga routine?

amusedmonkey

I'm doing a variety of workouts but I feel I'm missing something more controlled and relaxed. I'm looking into starting yoga, but I have never done anything of the sort before.

I don't have access to a yoga class so I'm looking for a structured program with proper progression from absolute beginner to advanced. My interest is solely physical, not spiritual, so I'm looking for something with more structure and clear instructions than philosophical theory.

Does anyone have such comprehensive books/DVDs to recommend?

nicola8989

Barbara Currie has some great books and DVDs. Yoga is one of those things where you do the same moves and they become more advanced naturally as you stretch further.

I used to do a lot of yoga and I slept better, my muscles hurt a lot less and I lost weight and became toned (combined with other exercises).

amusedmonkey

That sounds good. I will check her stuff out. I think I will be a good candidate for yoga since I have good shoulder/hip/back/ankle flexibility. Basically everything except hamstrings which are pretty tight because of a lower back injury.

bkthandler

Sara Ivanhoe has a lot of great DVDs. Yoga Zone is good too.

mrsmitchell0510

Years ago I had a Biggest Loser Yoga DVD that I remember being pretty good.
But more recently, I've downloaded an app called "Yoga Studio" on my iPad and it is fabulous! You can choose between a ton of different "classes" that range from 15 minutes to an hour or so and target different goals like strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Best $1.99 I've spent in a while!

meshashesha2012

i like the shiva rae dvds. she has them structured on a matrix so you can pick and choose different sections to tailor your practice.

yoga zone is also good and if you have cable i think they are ondemand under "sports and fitness"

TeaBea

Hulu.com has a health and fitness channel....tons of yoga there. Start with a couple beginner videos & figure out what style of yoga you like to do.

Gaiam
Yoga Zone
Daily Burn

http://www.hulu.com/gaiam-yoga
http://www.hulu.com/yoga-for-everyone
http://www.hulu.com/my-yoga-classes

jbee27

That sounds good. I will check her stuff out. I think I will be a good candidate for yoga since I have good shoulder/hip/back/ankle flexibility. Basically everything except hamstrings which are pretty tight because of a lower back injury.

I never knew my hamstrings were tight until I started doing yoga. Holy cow has it helped.

amusedmonkey

Sadly I have no access to Hulu or iPhone, but great suggestions everyone. I was able to look up some of Yoga Zone and similar videos on youtube. I'm currently researching all the resources you have recommended. Then comes the confusing task of creating a progression system for myself. I guess I have a lot of work to do!

blackcoffeeandcherrypie

I use My Fitness Coach for Wii and I really like it. I can set the length of the workouts and they get harder as you go on.

angela233Z

amused monkey - if you come up with a progressive routine - can you share? I really need to increase my flexibility - thank you

nogrows

If you want cheap access to yoga to figure out if you like it, I recommend the 30 day challenge on youtube by Erin Motz (via doyouyoga.com)
I started 2 weeks ago ( . This challenge is doable for beginners (most days I do 2 challenges). The goal of the challenge mainly is to figure out if you like yoga. The only thing you need is a yoga mat, internet and a place where you can roll out your mat.

The last two weeks I have gained strength, especially in my arms and legs. (there are special video's for abs, neck, but, etc)
If you do like yoga there are many youtube video's. I use these channels:

Bad yogi (Erin Motz): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClPdPiXqxva6o6GU5m_NdJw
Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA
doyouyoga.com: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA
Psyche Truth: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGb34D3ThpmjLNn-FLv2_yQ

I really like Erin and Adriene because they are very down to earth.

amusedmonkey

Oh wow, I have been busy lately and did not have time to put a routine together myself. That 30 day challenge is EXACTLY the type of thing I was looking for. Not power yoga, just something that involves stretching and relaxing without having to do a full hour of it. I may even buy access to their specialized program. I'll see where this takes me.

nogrows

Oh wow, I have been busy lately and did not have time to put a routine together myself. That 30 day challenge is EXACTLY the type of thing I was looking for. Not power yoga, just something that involves stretching and relaxing without having to do a full hour of it. I may even buy access to their specialized program. I'll see where this takes me.

Good Luck! Let me know how you like it!

Josalinn

If you want cheap access to yoga to figure out if you like it, I recommend the 30 day challenge on youtube by Erin Motz (via doyouyoga.com)
I started 2 weeks ago ( . This challenge is doable for beginners (most days I do 2 challenges). The goal of the challenge mainly is to figure out if you like yoga. The only thing you need is a yoga mat, internet and a place where you can roll out your mat.

The last two weeks I have gained strength, especially in my arms and legs. (there are special video's for abs, neck, but, etc)
If you do like yoga there are many youtube video's. I use these channels:

Bad yogi (Erin Motz): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClPdPiXqxva6o6GU5m_NdJw
Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA
doyouyoga.com: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA
Psyche Truth: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGb34D3ThpmjLNn-FLv2_yQ

I really like Erin and Adriene because they are very down to earth.

First thanks for the links. I have been wanting to try yoga!

Second these links are the same.
Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA
doyouyoga.com: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA