hi,

I've decided to try to start to practise some yoga. After hours and
hours surfing on the internet, I've finally found this board, among
millions and millions of very commercial yoga sites. I'm studying at
the university and living by my self and therefore I don't have that
much money. I don't want to buy tons of DVDs, books, special yoga
music, or expensive lessons - I just want to get started now (or
soon). So my first question would be:

1. Is it possible to get started with yoga with out having to buy
anything?

I want to say that I deeply respect the yoga culture and history, but
the thing is that I'm most interested in the physical benefits of
yoga. I consider my self to have a good personal life-philosophy, and
I have no problems relaxing! Still I consider myself to bee a very
openminded person, and will take any nice “side effects” with a
smile. I'm strength training and running a lot and I'm in good
physical form and the primary reasons why I want to do yoga is to
enhance my physical shape and my flexibility – like a supplement to
my other excercises. On one of the many websites that I've visited,
in my search for some yoga related information, I read about some
different kinds of yoga. My next questions would be:

2. At first I think that the Ashtanga, Power or Iyengar Yoga seems to
suit me the best – does that seem right in my situation?

3. I have nothing against spending some time reading and researching
on my own - so does anyone knows where to find a good online
“beginners guide” with some exercises that could cover a full yoga
program, that I could do in my room with some simple equipment?

thanks

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I would say a minimal investment with one or two video programs is
required.

Kest's first 3 power yoga videos from the 90s have been released on
DVD, on amazon.  Three 50-minute programs for something like $20 or
$14.99,  it's a steal.   All that preaching is good for beginners.
Then again it may drive you crazy.  He covers it all,  except exactly
how to breathe.  Music by Kirby Shelstad.

The folks who actually nail the breathing instruction do the Ashtanga
Fire Series.  They're all business,  cover everything.  No chatter.
Google it.  They make a Fire and a Water program.  Forget the name.
Good savasana music.

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Total Yoga Fire,  $8.99 on Amazon,  that's the price of two cups of
coffee..
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t..&s=dvd&n=507846

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On 2005-07-18 22:53:27 -0700, baker@yahoo-dot-com.no-spam.invalid (beker) sa
id:

> hi,
>
> I've decided to try to start to practise some yoga. After hours and
> hours surfing on the internet, I've finally found this board, among
> millions and millions of very commercial yoga sites. I'm studying at
> the university and living by my self and therefore I don't have that
> much money. I don't want to buy tons of DVDs, books, special yoga
> music, or expensive lessons - I just want to get started now (or
> soon). So my first question would be:
> 1. Is it possible to get started with yoga with out having to buy
> anything?

Yes.

> I want to say that I deeply respect the yoga culture and history, but
> the thing is that I'm most interested in the physical benefits of
> yoga. I consider my self to have a good personal life-philosophy, and
> I have no problems relaxing! Still I consider myself to bee a very
> openminded person, and will take any nice “side effects” with a
> smile. I'm strength training and running a lot and I'm in good
> physical form and the primary reasons why I want to do yoga is to
> enhance my physical shape and my flexibility – like a supplement to
> my other excercises. On one of the many websites that I've visited,
> in my search for some yoga related information, I read about some
> different kinds of yoga. My next questions would be:
> 2. At first I think that the Ashtanga, Power or Iyengar Yoga seems to
> suit me the best – does that seem right in my situation?

Find a certified Iyengar instructor in your area.  Take at least a few
classes so you have a working understanding.  Books and the web will
only take you so far.  It is very easy to create bad habits.  Iyengar
method teaches important fundamentals.

Many Iyengar teachers teach out of their homes. Check
http://www.iyengar-yoga.com/

Most teachers charge about $10 a class.  Of course if thats a problem
they often will use a sliding scale.

> 3. I have nothing against spending some time reading and researching
> on my own - so does anyone knows where to find a good online
> “beginners guide” with some exercises that could cover a full yoga
> program, that I could do in my room with some simple equipment?
>
> thanks

I very strongly recommend you start with a flesh and blood teacher.  I
would stay a way from those who teach power or astanga yoga.  There is
not certification program, so you don't know if the teacher is
qualified to help you if you have special needs.
--
~Stu

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