Hi everyone,

I have recently realized how inflexible I am. I am looking for a simple - very simple - exercise video that will help me become more flexible. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Melissa

I have "Yoga Journal's Yoga Step-by-Step DVD" and have really enjoyed them. They are like regular exercise DVD in where you have three people working out at the same time and you follow the Newbie person. I would highly recommend before you use a DVD for yoga that you take at least 1 session from a yoga instructor face to face. Reason being is there is nothing more important than getting into the pose correctly so you don't injure yourself and you also learn the proper breathing techniques.

Session 1: Foundation Poses for Strength & Stamina Yoga DVD
Session 2: Bending & Twisting Poses for Flexibility Yoga DVD
Session 3: Balancing Poses for Focus & Energy Yoga DVD

Is this Yoga plus size friendly? I've heard there are forms of Yoga that is better for really heavy people. I've always dreamed of doing Yoga, but have always felt I was too large to tackle a lot of the poses. Anyone have a suggestion of a type of Yoga for plus size beginners?

Thanks

The DVD set mention above do not have any modified yoga poses for larger bodies, however; yoga really is for everyone. You will need a set of props: yoga strap (I have a 10 ft and a 6 ft), blocks, mat to prevent slipping, light blanket or towel to assist with the floor postures, sturdy chair

The main focus of yoga is to listen to your body. If it hurts or is uncomfortable, then ease off. Yoga should feel like a nice comfortable stretch that relaxes the body and releases tension. It has so many health benefits that I can't recommend it enough.

You might trying searching the internet for locations close to you that might have classes. Look for "gentle yoga" and as always, check with your doctor before engaging in any physical activity.

It's also relatively easy to google some simple stretches to help you get started - yoga is just one form of stretching exercise (albeit, the most popular). You could begin with some basic stretches to help you get started.

Thanks for your reply! I will definitely have to check that out.

Hi - I have tried a dvd specifically created for plus-sized people (Yoga: Just My Size With Megan Garcia (2005)) but I've found the yoga dvds that I like the most are by Peggy Cappy - Yoga for the Rest of Us. She has created several dvds over the years and shows you many ways to adapt poses. She's on public television a lot and my local library has copies of her dvds. Good luck!