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There are many yoga videos out there. Go into Amazon's DVD page and type "yoga" into the search box, the site finds well over 500 products (though not all of the videos shown here). Some are specialist, intended for use by children, diabetics or during pregnancy for instance. Some are performed by celebrities and have more to do with their image than your practice Many videos have been produced by yoga teachers with many years experience. The videos listed on this site fall mainly in this, latter category.
You need whatever you normally use in your class: comfortable clothing, a warm space, large enough to allow you to stretch, a mat and any props that you find helpful. Any additional props that are required for any video are listed in these pages. You need a suitably positioned TV and a DVD or VHS player (these reviews are mainly from DVD editions). Above all, you need the time to practice undisturbed.
Of all the videos available, those shown on these pages are the ones that I have come back to use, again and again. If a video is not shown here, it either means that I have never found it or that I have not found it useful. If you can suggest a good yoga video that is not shown here, please let me know about it.
How
have the videos been judged?
The good and bad points about each yoga video can only be judged subjectively
and different individuals may not agree. That much is clear from reading
reviews on Amazon's site, where a single video can receive a one and five
star rating from different reviewers. The star rating has been avoided
here in favour of a description of content and aspects that are believed
to be useful for home practice
Using yoga videos at home is not like attending a class, where you know the teacher and can take cues from fellow participants. Videos that are produced simply as a class being filmed may include elements of poor timing and poor choice of words. They fail to take advantage of the recording medium, which allows considered, voice-over instruction and video sequences that are properly choreographed and edited to improve the timing and properly explain the moves. An outside location can enhance the effects of the practice, as can good camera work and editing. Perhaps the most important element in the mix is the teacher. Do they have something to say that you do not already know? Can they get their message across? Do they inspire you or are they simply performing poses?
Judgments
on the yoga videos are personal, some people may prefer to follow a class
performed in a studio. They also reflect the sequence of poses and whether
the reviewer can readily perform them. It is hard to recommend positions
that you cannot get into yourself.
All the videos reviewed here are rated as "Beginner" or "Intermediate" or both. This rather general categorisation may refer to the required level of experience, skill, strength, stamina, balance or flexibility or the level of explanation given. These features do not always go together. The level is intended to provide a general impression of who would benefit most from the content and the basis for making such judgment is explained more in the text.
When properly performed, yoga postures are not dangerous but not all positions are suitable for all people at all times. Women who are menstruating for instance should avoid inverted postures and special care should be taken if you have a known medical condition, such as a bad back. Most videos explain this in detail before starting. When you practice yoga, you take responsibility for your own health. Consult your teacher, consult your doctor but above all, only do what feels right to you. The reviews shown on these pages do not include any judgment of their safety for particular individuals. All responsibility for making such judgment must lie with the user.