I want to start doing some yoga classes at my gym, but because I've never done it before, I'd like to learn some basics at home before going so I don't look like an idiot. Are there any beginner yoga DVD's you recommend?
I asked my SIL (who is a yoga teacher) and she said she would recommend not doing that. Its very important in yoga to have proper form in your poses and its better to learn from a teacher than from a video, as a teacher can help you adjust. She has seen a lot of beginners or inexperienced people hurt them selves trying to "wing it" from books or videos.
I just started yoga myself and if you find a beginner class, its really fun and you learn all the basics quite quickly.
I was just going to post the same thing as Metric. I agree.
I've taken yoga on and off for years and it's really important that you do it properly. I know it's intimidating to go into a class when you've never done yoga before, but you'll be fine. Find a beginner's class and get there a few minutes early. Find the teacher and introduce yourself and let her know that it's your first class, that way she can keep an eye out for you and be sure to explain the steps.
I would STRONGLY suggest going to a beginners' class...very unintimidating and that way you learn the correct posture so you don't injure yourself. I did yoga when I belonged to a gym and loved it.
Thanks for the advice! They don't label any of the yoga classes as beginner, but the one class I was going to go to on Tuesdays sounds like it should be ok. The classes at my gym are pretty small, so it won't be a problem getting individualized attention. I'll let you know how it goes!
Carrie Bradshaw: The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.
So...I went to my first yoga class and I loved it! I thought I kind of sucked, but the instructor said I did a great job! Hopefully I will be motivated enough to keep this up along with my cardio/weights.