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.

View this book on Amazon (affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you)

Understanding what happens beneath the surface of a yoga pose can make practice more thoughtful. Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff, as described in the original Veggie-Blog post, uses detailed anatomical illustrations to connect familiar postures with the body’s bones, muscles and movement.

What makes Yoga Anatomy different?

The original description highlights illustrations developed from photographs and enhanced with anatomical structures by medical illustrator Sharon Ellis. The result is described as a blend of pose photography and X-ray-style visual explanation. The description refers to more than 60 commonly practised asanas and includes discussion of breathing and how the body functions in each pose.

Who is this book for?

Yoga students may use it to understand why a movement feels different from what they expected. Teachers may find the anatomical viewpoint helpful when choosing variations and explaining movements. An anatomy illustration, however, cannot replace assessing the needs of the individual person in front of you.

Why do the same poses look different on different bodies?

People differ in bone shape, joint geometry, mobility, muscle strength and injury history. One person may comfortably reach the floor in a forward fold while another needs a chair or blocks. Neither result automatically means one body is more successful at yoga. Good alignment is functional and individual, not merely a visual imitation of a photograph.

What should readers learn about muscles and joints?

In a pose, some muscles produce movement, others help stabilise joints and others lengthen under load. The relative role changes with position, balance demands and the use of props. Anatomical diagrams are useful maps, but they cannot show every person’s exact muscle activation or tissue tolerance.

Does knowing anatomy prevent injury?

It can support informed choices, but knowledge alone is not a guarantee. NCCIH reports that common yoga injuries include sprains and strains, often affecting the knee or lower leg. Start gradually, avoid forcing a joint into the shape shown in a book, and stop if a posture causes sharp or persistent pain.

How should a beginner use the book?

Choose a familiar, gentle pose. Look at which joints move and what support they need, then experiment with a block, strap or chair if appropriate. Notice your breathing and comfort rather than trying to reproduce an idealised image. For injuries, pregnancy or significant health concerns, consult an appropriate healthcare professional and a qualified instructor.

Further reading: NCCIH: Yoga—Effectiveness and Safety.

Related on Veggie-Blog: What Is Yoga?.

Book: Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
Explore Yoga Anatomy on Amazon (affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you).

The featured image is an AI-generated illustration, not a photo or an official book cover.

Yoga is often introduced as a sequence of stretches, yet its traditional literature extends into concentration, ethical practice, attention and questions about the mind. The Doctrine and Practice of Yoga, the book introduced in the original Veggie-Blog post, belongs to this broader tradition.

What subjects does the book introduce?

The available historical description is brief. It mentions exercises in concentration, objective and subjective attention, active and passive mental processes, Maya, guru worship and a concept called “Will-Force”. These are the terms used in the description; their interpretation depends on the text’s philosophical context. We cannot establish the book’s full contents or specific practical instructions from that description alone.

How is traditional yoga broader than postures?

The Sanskrit term yoga has been understood in different ways across Indian philosophical traditions. Modern studio classes often emphasise postures, breathing and relaxation. Older texts may instead focus on sustained attention, ethical conduct, meditation or the relationship between experience and perception. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that yoga originated as a spiritual practice and that modern health-oriented yoga often combines postures, breathing and meditation.

What is Maya in yogic philosophy?

“Maya” is a philosophical term used differently across traditions, often in discussions of appearance, illusion or how we perceive reality. It should not be reduced to the claim that the physical world simply does not exist. Readers will benefit from noticing which tradition and author are using the word before drawing conclusions.

Do concentration exercises require a particular belief?

Not necessarily. A reader may explore basic attention practices, such as observing the breath or returning focus to one sound, without adopting every metaphysical claim in a text. Religious and philosophical concepts should nevertheless be represented respectfully rather than erased from their original context.

How can beginners approach older yoga writing?

Read slowly, identify unfamiliar terms and compare interpretations across reputable sources. If you choose to practise movement or breath exercises, avoid forcing flexibility or holding the breath aggressively. Experienced instructors can help with safe modifications, especially if you have an injury or medical condition.

Is yoga always safe?

Most gentle yoga is well tolerated by healthy adults, but sprains and strains can happen. NCCIH advises beginners to avoid extreme practices and recommends qualified instruction. Pregnancy, glaucoma, severe high blood pressure and some musculoskeletal conditions may require modified practices.

Further reading: NCCIH: Yoga—Effectiveness and Safety.

Related on Veggie-Blog: What Is Yoga?.

Explore the book on Amazon (affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you).

The featured image is an AI-generated illustration, not a photo or an official book cover.

Finding a well-made yoga video that is truly suited to beginners can be a challenge. Most exercise videos are aimed at people who already know what they are doing. They may include a few easier moves, but the instruction assumes that you already know your way around. The few that are labeled “for beginners” can be repetitive and slow, and they sometimes give you no way to progress, as if beginners were going to stay beginners forever.

What should a good beginner video teach?

Clear instruction. A beginner needs more than a demonstration. A good teacher explains how to place your feet, where your weight should be and what the pose should feel like. When a teacher describes how the muscles of the feet should turn toward the big toe, you can feel it as well as see it. Calm, steady speech is a plus, since yoga depends on concentration.

A manageable number of poses. A class that introduces too many new poses at once is hard to follow. Look for one that repeats a small number of basic poses and builds up slowly.

Familiar basics. Many beginner classes include the cat pose on hands and knees, downward-facing dog, which looks like an upside-down V, and the corpse pose, which is lying on your back, completely relaxed. Our guide to basic yoga postures and their variations explains these and other essential poses.

Modifications and props. A beginner video should offer options for people who are stiff or new to yoga. For example, a folded blanket can go under the knees or the hips to make seated poses more comfortable, and a folded towel can help with some other poses. A teacher who tells you about these in advance is thinking about you.

A good ending. Most classes end with stretching and relaxation. Many use soft music, which may help you drift off. Choose a class with a final rest if you want to unwind.

Which video is an example?

One title that often comes up for beginners is Yoga Zone: Flexibility and Tone, taught by Alan Finger. It runs for about 50 minutes, and it is known for detailed instruction on alignment and for a relaxed teaching style. We cannot say that it is the right fit for everyone, and a DVD from some years ago may be hard to find, so treat it as an example of the style to look for, not a recommendation. Whatever you choose, preview a sample if you can, to hear the teacher’s voice and see how the class is paced.

Where can you try a class first?

Free classes are a low-risk way to find out what style you like. The video at the end of this post is a beginners’ class titled “Yoga for Beginners Part 1” from YogaEasy, which you can try before buying anything.

How can you stay safe?

Yoga is generally safe for healthy people when it is done properly, but sprains and strains can happen. The NCCIH advises learning with a qualified instructor if you can, and moving slowly and carefully. Never force a pose, and stop if you feel pain. If you are pregnant, are over 65 or have a health condition, check with your doctor first. A video is not a substitute for a live teacher, but it is a good starting point, and many people go on to take a class after a few weeks at home.

If you would like to learn what yoga is all about, read our posts on what yoga is and how to choose a yoga video, or try the 12-step sun salutation.