Question by matahari: What is a good yoga video for beginners to use?
I have recently become interested quite interested in yoga. Iv been doing a yoga Pilate’s combination video for a while, but im not flexible enough to do it properly. I was wondering if anybody new any good yoga videos for increasing flexibility. Im pretty skinny so Im not really looking for a video that is trying to burn fat or increase weight loss. Thanks very much if you have any ideas.

Best answer:

Answer by Dances with Buddha
I would recommend Shiva Rea’s “Yoga Shakti.”

http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Shakti-Shiva-Rea/dp/1591791847

Check out some of her sample clips on youtube to get a feel if her style of instruction appeals to you.

If increasing flexibility is your only goal, then I recommend book “Stretching” by Bob Anderson.

http://www.amazon.com/Stretching-20th-Anniversary-Revised-Anderson/dp/0936070226/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266558574&sr=1-1

There is also a “Stretching” dvd by Anderson, but I have not seen it.

I don’t know about Pilates, but would like to comment that being “not flexible enough” should not stop you from practicing yoga asana (poses).
You do not have to do a perfect pose (or even close to it), to derive benefit.

Example, in pose Uttanasana (Standing forward bend http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/478 ) even if a person cannot touch their toes (let alone get forehead to touch shins), you receive benefit by doing whatever creates a “developmental stretch.”

A “developmental stretch” is more than an “easy” stretch, but less intense than a painful, drastic (and potentially injury causing) stretch.
If you practice developmental stretches regularly (ideally once a day), you will likely see improved flexibility in two to three weeks.

Namaste’,
dwb

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