Best Yoga DVDs For Beginners?


Updated 12/05/09 4:45 PM · Posted by · 9 comments

Best Yoga DVDs For Beginners?

FitSugar reader LittleBehr posted this question in the Yoga Stretch and Tell community group, and could use your advice. Hey! So I'm just starting into the yoga scene. I've had a private lesson from one of my friends who is a yoga instructor and I loved it. I was wondering if you guys could suggest a good yoga DVD that I can start practicing with. I'm sort of intimidated by the thought of going Read more

New to Yoga


Updated 11/28/09 3:41 AM · Posted by · 9 comments

New to Yoga

FitSugar reader dresstoimpress posted this in the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. Can you offer some advice? Hello! I just joined this group so this is my first time posting! I'm planning on signing up for yoga at a studio nearby. It's inexpensive and they offer a lot of beginning classes as well as classes for all levels. I have done a few yoga DVDs in the past and I enjoyed it, but I never got Read more

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints


Updated 05/25/12 10:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Remedies For Common Shoulderstand Complaints

You're loving your yoga class from Half Moon to Pigeon Pose, but as soon as you get to Shoulderstand, you're less than psyched. Although a basic — challenging, but basic — pose, Shoulderstand can put you at risk of strain and injury when done incorrectly. Turn this pose into your favorite by checking out these common complaints and ways to remedy them. "I Can't Breathe" If you're well Read more

What's Your Least Favorite Yoga Pose?


Updated 04/04/11 8:09 PM · Posted by · 38 comments

What's Your Least Favorite Yoga Pose?

We've been building on the basics in my beginner's yoga class, and recently it took a turn for the strenuous. We spent the entire class working on what my teacher said weren't her favorite poses, and soon I could see why: we held and reheld the plank and chaturanga dandasana (or four-limbed staff) poses over and over in order to learn how to correctly hold the poses and find our form. By the end Read more

Yoga Terms Translated For Newbies


Updated 09/23/11 7:28 AM · Posted by · 5 comments

Beginner Yoga Terms

Your first yoga classes can be pretty overwhelming. There's a different vibe than other exercise regimens, and there's literally a whole new language talking you through the experience. While you're contorting your body into a new crazy pretzel, or trying to focus inward to calm your mind, the last thing you want to worry about is the definition of a word your teacher keeps on throwing out Read more

In Honor of the Kentucky Derby, 4 Exercises That Celebrate the Horse


Updated 05/02/12 9:55 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Horse Pose, Horse Stance, and Other Exercises in Honor of the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, which means lots of Southern-style celebrations surrounding a horse race that'll be over before you can blink. But donning a wide-brimmed, fully decked out hat and imbibing mint juleps isn't the only way to pay homage to the all-American event.  Why not celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a few equine exercises too? Here are four exercises that are inspired by Read more

Get Bikini Ready With These Beginner Yoga Poses


Updated 07/28/11 4:45 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Beginner Yoga Poses to Tone Legs, Belly, and Arms

Beginner yoga poses may look easy at first glance. But after holding your body still and feeling your muscles burn, you'll realize the poses are the ticket to rocking your swimsuit. Here are seven beginner yoga poses to strengthen and tone your bikini body. Repeat the sequence through on the right side and then repeat on the left. Read more

11 Things Your Yoga Instructor Wants You to Know


Updated 09/16/11 10:54 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Beginner Tips From a Yoga Instructor

You see them smiling at you as they walk around the room or demonstrate poses, but do you ever wonder what your yoga teachers are thinking? Here are some things yoga instructors want newbies to know about their class. They're not checking you out to see how flexible you are (or aren't): If your teacher is looking at you, it's not to judge whether or not you can straighten your legs in Down Dog Read more

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Ashtanga Class


Updated 10/11/11 6:23 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Beginner Ashtanga Yoga Tips

Ashtanga is one of my favorite forms of yoga because it's fast-paced, fluid, and each class follows the same sequence, so you always know what to expect once you have a few classes under your capris. It's also really intense, and some aspects of it can be a real turn-off to people. Before you head to your first ashtanga class, here are some things you'll be glad you know. 1. You'll Probably Be Read more

Yoga Sequence For Balance and Strong, Sculpted Legs


Updated 04/11/12 1:42 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Yoga Sequence to Improve Balance

Just as you can build your upper body strength in order to hold Forearm Stand, or increase your flexibility so you can do Wheel Pose, you can also improve your balance in order to master poses like Tree. The best way to feel confident is to practice poses that challenge your sense of balance: here's a yoga sequence that involves mostly one-legged standing poses. Bonus — this yoga sequence will Read more