Yoga is an ancient relaxation and meditation technique that has been practiced for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Its numerous health benefits are the main reasons as to why it is so popular today and practiced by people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Not only can yoga help you relieve stress and pressure, but it is also a great to get into shape and even lose weight, if that is your goal. Below we have listed for you the top 10 most popular and bestselling yoga DVDs available today, along with a brief buyer’s guide on choosing which one would work best for you.
Buyer’s Guide for Purchasing the Right Yoga DVD
1. What is your end goal? – Are you looking for yoga that is going to relax you and is very calming? Or for a training DVD that is going to help you shred pounds very fast? If you are searching for a more peaceful, meditation-based yoga, then make sure you do not pick one that is intensity based. If you are looking for one that is highly intensive and will help you lose weight fast, then take that into consideration when choosing which one is right for you.
2. What level do you want? – Be careful! Make sure to read titles. If you are just starting yoga, a beginner is probably more suited for you than one that may say expert.
3. Read the features! Read the features for each one when deciding. Every DVD has different yoga lessons and styles, different amounts of times and intensity. Some only have ones in 15 minute increments, while others have longer times. Figure out what makes each one unique and what they each have to offer.
1. The Yoga For Beginners Boxed Set Directed By Michael Wohl
Like the name suggests, this is a boxed set for beginners that contains the basic yoga techniques for stress relief, relaxation, and flexibility. It can be purchased for a very affordable price and it contains tips and hints on how to slowly start your day with yoga, along with other programs. For example, there is the evening revival (40 minutes), the waking up program (1 hour), and a special program that addresses insomnia issues (35 minutes). This yoga DVD also include special features that address neck, back, and shoulder issues.
2. Biggest Loser: Weight Loss Yoga
Although every person is different, there have been many stories and testimonies of those who have used this yoga DVD, along with changing their eating habits, and have seen major results, some losing over thirty pounds! Bob Harper leads you through fifty five minutes of weight loss yoga, with a five minute warm up and a cool down section included. Sections key in on the different aspects of yoga, including vinyasa, abs and flexibility, and gym workout. Even though Harper has an encouraging voice throughout the whole workout, this yoga can not be taken lightly. It is weight loss yoga, and is pretty intense in certain areas. Even if you are not trying to lose weight, it will still be a good workout for you, guaranteed. If you are searching for a strenuous workout and want to lose weight fast, this DVD is definitely for you.
3. Yoga For The Warrior: by Bob Harper
The Yoga for the Warrior DVD was released back in 2010 and is directed by Darren Caprik. If you are searching for extreme yoga for a cheap price, you have met your match! In this DVD, Bob Harper takes traditional yoga techniques to a whole new level by training every muscle group in your body, thus whipping you into shape very quickly. This program is designed to help you achieve the best results in the shortest period of time and will do so effectively! This yoga program is designed for those who want to lose weight quickly and naturally, and for those yoga experts who want a grueling challenge!
4. Gentle Yoga: 7 practices for your day
Jane Adams is a yoga expert and has been for many years! She specializes in training those searching for midlife yoga (anyone from 40-70 years old) and offers so much in this DVD that at filmed Glacier National Park! Enjoy the beautiful scenery while following along Jane as she takes you through her 3 different sequences: Morning Practice (18 minutes), Mid-Day Relief (19 minutes), and Relaxing Evening Practice (29 minutes). They also cover sections for improving your balance, strength and flexibility, and leg and hip flexibility. If you are looking for a softer yoga and one that is not vigorous, this DVD is a great option.
5. Power Yoga – The Total Body Workout
This DVD features renowned actor Rodney Yee and was released in 2005. Through training with Yee, you will find out techniques and tactics that will help you increase your stamina and your endurance, as well as detoxify your body and build strength not only on the outside, but also on the inside. This yoga DVD lasts for 75 minutes and will not only increase your stamina, but your flexibility and health at the same time.
6. Namaste by Kate Potter – The Complete First Season
This a great DVD for any yoga enthusiast and soul seeker and is led by Kate Potter. It is targeted for people who not only want to lose weight, but also want to improve their lifestyle and live a longer, healthier, and happier life. The amazing visuals, the soothing and relaxing music, as well as the targeted yoga techniques will help you strengthen your body and relax your mind at the same time. This yoga DVD contains thirteen different episodes that last for 22 minutes each with various different techniques. This is a complete yoga practice session designed exclusively for those who are on a very tight schedule, yet who want a customized training session to help them reach their health goals.
7. The Yoga Meltdown By Jillian Michaels
Yoga Meltdown led by the famous Jillian Michaels is an affordable DVD that is highly intensive and is aimed at those trying to lose weight. This DVD combines dynamic training techniques with hardcore yoga sessions to help you achieve your weight loss goals. The Yoga Meltdown DVD contains a sixty minute workout, including warm ups and cool downs that are aimed at helping you burn a lot of calories in a healthy, natural, fast, easy, and pleasant manner. Although it does have yoga techniques, it definitely focuses more on the workout aspect. If you love yoga and are into the meditation side as well, this is not your DVD. But if you want a more “gym” feel to your workout, this is an excellent choice!
8. Yoga for Weight Loss: Beginners
Featuring Maggie Rhoades, the Yoga For Weight Loss For Beginners was released in 2007 and was directed by Michael Wohl. It is an addicting DVD for some, because it consists of twelve comprehensive and user-oriented customized yoga training routines that will not only help you burn calories, but tighten your muscles at the same time. The Yoga for Weight Loss for Beginners will not only help you lose weight, but relieve stress and feel more invigorated and fit as well. Filmed on a fun beach scene, this DVD is a great option for Beginners to yoga who want to lose weight.
9. Yoga for Beginners by Rodney Yee
Featuring Colleen Saidman and Rodney Yee, the Yoga for Beginners was released in 2009 and can be purchased for a very reasonable price. It includes two yoga workouts for beginners, tips and hints on how to get over some of the most common and dangerous yoga mistakes, tips from professional yoga instructors as well as programs that will help you achieve the look you’ve been craving. It includes both a morning workout and an evening workout, each meeting your expectations. If you want various opinions from different yoga experts, this DVD has a wide variety for beginners.
10. Element: Yoga Energy and Relax
Element: Yoga Energy and Relax features Tamal Dodge and it is a very affordable DVD. This program is designed to help you build stamina, reduce fatigue, provide deep muscle relaxation, remove tension from your muscles and your body, as well as release all the tension from your nervous system. This DVD is a great source for yoga experts, because it combines yoga with meditation, but at the same time builds muscle and stamina.
11. Kundalini Yoga : Green Energy of the Heart
Kundalini Yoga : Green Energy of the Heart is an excellent DVD to try out for a twist on the standard yoga activities other options present.
This DVD features Ana Brett and Ravi Singh as instructors and comes loaded with helpful features to comfortably fit daily yoga into your lifestyle. Enjoyable music, warm-ups, workouts and meditations can be chosen to match your interests. The Kundalini approach provides a faster and more energetic exercise system for yoga aficionados to take on as a change of pace.
This form of yoga aims to raise your body’s awareness so that your Kundalini energy can rise through your energetic centers, calming and revitalizing you in the process.