Can anyone recommend a yoga video?

[OnionPatch]

I'm 45 and since my daughter's birth 4 years ago, I've really fallen out of shape. I can't get out as much with a small child to care for. I also suffer from TMD which makes my neck and shoulders stiff, so I've fallen into a sort of bad spiral of not exercising, which makes me hurt more, which makes me not want to exercise, which makes me hurt more....

I'm ready to start getting back in shape again. But I'm so out of shape I have to start easy. I've always wanted to try yoga. Do any of you do much yoga? Am I right in thinking that this may be a way to ease me into daily movement and get me limbered up and flexible without being overly strenuous? I can't get to classes easily so I would need a video. There are so many, though! I need some advice in choosing one. Can any yoga experts out there recommend a good one for my situation? I need something easy. Something I can do for a half hour or so each day. Something that will strengthen my neck but gently.

[feminazi]

1. i have several of the Yoga Journal videos

each session is short, 15-20 minutes. the instructors show modified poses in case you're just starting out.

i've also used the rodney yee/patricia walden AM/PM yoga tapes. those are longer, but i don't think they're as strenuous as the Yoga Journal.

check out your library and see what they have that you can rent so you can preview some before you buy.

[OnionPatch]

5. The library

that's a great idea. Or I could check out the video rental stores. Thanks.

[mopinko]

2. i have the jane fonda one

i have done yoga off and on for a long time (mostly off, but..), and her workout is a nice, pretty easy one. it is enough to make you hurt a little, but it is manageable, easy to learn version of the sun salutation routine. a yoga classic. a good place to start.
you might want to see if there is a show on tv in your area. sometimes it helps to have an "appointed time" lots of the public tv stations have one.

[OnionPatch]

6. I'm fond of Fonda

;)
I'll keep my eye out for her video, thanks.

[Poiuyt]

3. What about Pilates videos?

Can you learn Pilates through a video, or do you need to take a class with a good instructor? Does anyone know of any good Pilates videos?

[OnionPatch]

4. I have a friend who offered me a Pilates

Maybe I should give that a try. She said it was pretty tough, or tougher than it looks, anyway.

[Poiuyt]

7. I was skeptical about it too until I heard that the

Green Bay Packers were using it (and yoga) to supplement their strength and conditioning programs.

[H3Dakota]

8. Really?

Maybe the GB defense better switch to Tae Bo or maybe double up on the pilates/yoga sessions during the off season, 'cuz they *sucked* this year!! LOL

(die-hard, transplanted Cheesehead here in FL) ;)

[Poiuyt]

9. You got THAT right!

Tae bo...that's pretty good!

[midnight armadillo]

10. If you're willing to invest a little money...

I've mentioned these in passing in another thread or two, but it's worth explaing in a little detail... I'd highly recommend you go to the www.dragondoor.com and check out the Russian kettlebells. They have a book & video for women, From Russia with Tough Love.

Yoga is wonderful stuff, but if you're really looking to up your overall fitness and strenght levels, then KB's may be right for you. Workouts can be short, you can vary the difficulty from 'mild sweat' to 'holy crap I'm projectile vomiting', and there's a ton of variety. Plus you only need a few square feet of space to try 'em out.

I knocked an inch of my waist in 3 weeks when I first got into them a few years ago, and plan on returning to them seriously in the spring when it's easier to workout outside (22 deg out now...brr).

I hate to sound like an ad, but in years of sports, martial arts, some boxing, and a few years in the gym I've never come across anything thats such a good mix of variety, difficulty, and small size. Plus your family and neighbors will think you're nuts.

[midnight armadillo]

11. And one other option

The Heavy Hands system of walking plus weights is similar in spirit to the kettlebells but has less of an investment in technique. The guy who founded it is still around and does tricks like one armed pullups at age 79 or so. A google search and poking around www.cbass.com will show you what this is all about.

[wildeyed]

12. I love yoga, especially since I had kids.

Just having a few minutes to stretch and breath is wonderful.

A great DVD for a beginners and intermediates is Power Yoga for Every Body. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000A2ZR7/ref=pd_sim_dv_1/102-6261898-3971351?v=glance&s=dvd

What is nice about this DVD is it has many different practices, all at beginner, intermediate or advanced level. So you choose the workout you want at the level you can manage. For instance, you might choose 45 minute strength practice, beginner level. Or 1/2 hour morning practice, advanced. It is a great DVD to start out with, and once you get into better shape, it will still be useful. I also think the instructor does a good job of describing the poses.

Another DVD that might be good for you is this one. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00062DKO0/ref=ord_cart_shr/102-6261898-3971351?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

I haven't done it, but it sounds good and Rodney Yee is a hottie.

I will recommend that you take several classes from a certified instructor just to get your alignments right. If your finances are up to it, you can have an instructor come into your home. I go to the local Y where they offer child watch. I also have a punch pass for the local yoga studio. I go there when I can find someone to watch my kids.

One last hint, yoga practice is much more effective if you practice often. So it is better to do a short easy practice everyday, or nearly every day than it is to kill yourself twice a week. I set aside time every night after my youngest is in bed to practice for 20 minutes or so.

Good luck!