Yoga is nearly always cited as a great technique to reduce stress and increase fitness. Having been to different types of yoga classes and followed DVDs at home, I really do appreciate the relaxed feeling a yoga workout can engender. But for people who have never practised yoga joining a class may feel a bit inhibiting. In this instance, I would really recommend Gaiam's Beginning Yoga with Chrissy Carter.
If you are new to yoga, this is the perfect DVD to start you off. Chrissie Carter explains every movement in terms even the most uninitiated can understand – I'd also recommend Gaiam's Beginning Yoga with Chrissy Carter to anyone returning to yoga after a break. It never does any harm to get back to basics.
Gaiam's Beginning Yoga with Chrissy Carter is divided into three 20 minute sections:
Connect: transition from your hectic day to a calm inner focus. This practice begins with the concept of linking breath to movement as Chrissy introduces fundamental yoga poses and mini sequences.
Energise: this practice builds on skills gained in the first program and introduces sun salutations and other sequences. As the flow increases, so will the calorie burn! The goal of this program is to energise, detoxify and increase flexibility.
Strengthen: build the strength necessary to achieve more challenging poses as Chrissy takes you through shoulder openers, mini inversions and focused core work. You’ll feel strong, confident and ready to face the day.
Highly recommended for complete yoga novices and those returning to the practice.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Gaiam - Beginning Yoga With Chrissy Carter [DVD]