Veggie Blog

The old version of this post said there were more than a hundred yoga videos on the market, “from nude yoga to postnatal yoga,” and then reviewed two of them. Today there are far more, on DVD, streaming apps and video sites, and the old reviews are worth reading mainly for what they teach about choosing one. Below I keep the useful points from those reviews and remove the health claims the research does not support.

Why are there so many kinds of yoga videos?

Yoga is practiced in many styles, from slow, restorative sessions to fast-moving power yoga, so videos range from relaxing stretches to workouts that leave you sweating. The label on the box rarely tells you how hard a video really is. Reading the description, checking the length and watching a preview are better guides than the title alone.

What did the old post say about a “healing yoga” video?

It described a 35-minute video for common health conditions, presented by two instructors who take turns demonstrating. It was split into three parts: breathing and stretching, strength poses such as downward-facing dog, and relaxation. The reviewer liked the calm voices, the clear explanations, the modifications that make poses easier, and the fact that none of the poses was very difficult. I have not been able to confirm the instructors’ names or that this video is still sold, so I have left them out.

The old description also said that the video “promises” to improve circulation, to help with diabetes symptoms and cholesterol, and to boost metabolism. A video cannot promise that. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, research suggests that yoga may help with stress, neck pain, headaches and some other problems, but it is not a replacement for medical care. If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, ask your health care provider before you start, and see our post on yoga and type 2 diabetes for what the research shows.

What about a power yoga video “for beginners”?

The second video reviewed was a 20-minute power yoga session led by Rodney Yee, set against mountains in Maui, built around a series of sun salutations. The reviewer’s warning is still good advice: do not assume that “for beginners” means easy. The workout was short but demanding, with poses that need upper-body strength, and the reviewer complained that the teacher never showed an easier version of each pose or explained how to build up to them. That is the biggest weakness a yoga video can have, because there is no teacher in the room to adjust you. I could not confirm which Rodney Yee title was meant, so use this as a lesson rather than as a recommendation.

How do you pick a safe video?

The NCCIH says yoga is generally safe for healthy people when it is done properly under the guidance of a qualified instructor, and that learning on your own without supervision has been linked to a higher risk of injury. The most common injuries are sprains and strains, and older adults need to be especially careful. A video is not a live teacher, so look for these things before you press play:

Does the instructor offer easier and harder versions of each pose? Are the instructions clear about where your knees, back and neck should be? Is the level honestly labeled, and can you do the first five minutes comfortably? Does the teacher have recognized training? Also stop if something hurts, and skip any pose you are not ready for. If you have a health condition, are pregnant, or are over 65, talk with your provider first.

Where can you read more?

Our guide to yoga videos and how to pick one that loosens tight muscles and our tips on choosing a beginner yoga video go into more detail, and learning yoga online covers websites and teachers as well.

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