While being in a room with other yogis is a special experience, one that may even feel divine for some, having the option of an enriching home practice is equally important—especially for those times when you just need yoga!
Depending on your experience level, you may be able to craft a routine from memory or yoga books, but for times when you just want someone else calling the shots, an arsenal of yoga DVDs and video streaming comes in handy. In fact, if you’re just beginning a yoga life, videos of routines performed by yoga professionals can provide a model on which to base your own, more personalized routine.
The following yoga DVDs and videos have helped me build a home yoga routine that I can tailor to what type of yoga experience I’m looking for (calming or energizing, fluid or strength-building, solar or lunar) and how much time I have to exercise. There are tons of cool yoga resources out there, so if I haven’t included one of your favorites, be sure to share your experience with it in the comments below 🙂
This DVD really taught me yoga. Watching it over and over became the first extended yoga experience that I had. This DVD, and others by Shiva Rea, feature the “yoga matrix,” an option that allows you to select your own pose sequence from a list of about 30 segments. If you don’t feel like bothering with the yoga matrix, you can select preset practices, including “Basic Flow,” a beginner practice, Solar Flow 1, Solar Flow 2 (both solar flows range from intermediate to advanced), and Lunar Flow (a calming, “night” yoga). The settings for the segments are stunning—most of them take place on the Maldive Islands. The DVD features vinyasa flow, pranayama, and meditation.
Tara Stiles is the founder of Strala Yoga, a “freedom flow” yoga that features slow, continuous movement (not unlike some iterations of vinyasa). Stiles’ Youtube channel features several 10-minutes videos aimed at beginner-intermediate practitioners. The videos can stand alone when you’ve just got a few minutes to spare (I often do these when I’m traveling) or may be used as a full-body warmup for a longer practice. I especially like the way Stiles presents yoga in a way that’s accessible to a larger audience. Hers is a simple, no-fuss style.
Yogis Anonymous is a yoga streaming service that costs $15 a month. Videos are filmed in their Santa Monica studio, and many videos are filmed during actual classes. You can choose from a variety of instructors, yoga styles, and practice levels. Additionally, if you just want to work on a single pose you can choose from a collection of short videos that detail how to align yourself in particular poses. New videos are frequently uploaded, so there’s always something new to try.
With over 2,500 yoga classes, ranging from 5-120 minutes, Yoga Glo is an impressive resource for yogis of all levels and styles. Classes feature world-renowned yoga instructors offering a range of classes depending on your interests and yoga level. Videos include pre-/post-natal yoga and “yoga beyond the mat.” Subscriptions are $18/mo.
Have you tried any of these yoga video options? What’s your favorite way to practice at home?
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Photos: Sounds True, The Yoga Solution/Tara Stiles, Yogis Anonymous, Yoga Glo
