Learning Yoga: Why Vinyasa Flow May Appeal to You

If you have some yoga experience and want to expand your practice, you may want to consider Vinyasa Flow. This form of yoga may also appeal to you if you have tried other types of yoga and felt that they were too slow-moving for you.

Vinyasa Flow is particularly powerful for anyone who tends to become anxious: the movement, emphasis on proper breathing technique, and - literally - flow of the practice can help alleviate such anxiety.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try two different exercise DVDs that feature Vinyasa Flow.

The first fitness DVD is Yoga: Gentle Vinyasa Flow with Zyrka Landwijt. The instructor has an exceptionally soothing voice as she goes through each pose, showing how one pose builds on and interacts with the other poses. This DVD is designed to help you become more flexibility, which is an excellent skill at any age and particulary important as we grow older. There are six yoga sequences packed into this yoga DVD: two are half-hour sequences, two last for 45 minutes, and two last for a full hour. Zyrka has divided them into beginner and intermediate levels. After practicing these sequences a few times, you'll fully comprehend the meaning of "move, breathe, flow!"

The second yoga DVD is Spirit of Vinyasa Flow. Led by Deb Dobbin, this fascinating DVD has one 40-minute sequence and two 70-minute sequences. You'll develop your strength, balance, and focus. Deb has taught for almost 20 years, specializing in Vinyasa yoga, and she is well-known in Santa Barbara, which is near my home, as a superb instructor. That gift is definitely shown in this DVD.

Suggestions for getting the most out of either yoga DVD:

1. Practice regularly, at least twice a week. You'll learn the DVD more easily and be able to focus on your movements. You also will notice your improvement and feel more motivated to continue.

2. Make sure you have a good yoga mat. It may seem unimportant, but the texture of the yoga mat and its flat surface helps you to do the moves correctly and also is safer than trying to practice on a carpet with its uneven surface.

3. Practice in a quiet area, not the middle of the living room with children and visitors parading through! In addition, make sure the room temperature is right, not too hot or too cold.