Yoga or Pilates DVDs for beginners
 

I realize that I really enjoy stretching, and I'm not flexible at all, so I was thinking of purchasing a yoga or pilates DVD. Does anyone have any recommendations for a beginner?

While it's not a DVD, the book that's really helped me jump start my yoga practice at home is a book called Essential Yoga by Olivia Miller. I checked it out from my local library. It has detailed explanations of a lot of different poses (mostly beginner), and in the back it also has a lot of suggested sequences and routines to try out. I'd say at least 25 different ones that you can modify how you like. I'd really recommend at least checking it out. Good luck!

If you are a beginner, I highly recommend any of the "for beginners" dvds put out by Yoga Zone. They are available through Amazon, eBay, etc. The instruction is really solid in those.

I also like Gaiam's "Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss". It was a great beginner video for me. It is shot from 4 different perspectives - beginner through advanced.

I just finished the "10 minute solution" DVD and found it to be fairly easy. It is broken up into 5 10 min sections so you can do 10 mins or 50 mins. This was my first time doing pilates and I found it easy to follow. They include bands to use too!

I am sure that I looked pretty silly doing it but it was a nice stretch. :)

The Pilates 10 Minute Solution (they have several-some beginner level, and some more intermediate/advanced-such as the "Perfect Body Pilates" dvd) but I don't recommend the 10 Minute Solution Yoga dvds. The main reason is that they try to pack too many poses into the 10 minutes, rather than letting your body fully get into each one.

I recommend:

Denise Austin Pilates Matwork dvd (the first 20 minute workout on it is really good!)

Yoga Zone Yoga Basics For Beginners

Just My Size Yoga (This is good for those who are still a good deal overweight-it deals with issues and modifications that someone who is 130 pounds doesn't have to deal with.)

Plus Size Pilates (Same idea-has modifications for those who still have a good deal of weight to lose.)

I think I ordered the "Yoga Zone" one from Amazon.com. I might have to try the "Just My Size" or the Plus Size Pilates too. I am NOT FLEXIBLE AT ALL and maybe those will help if I find the others too intense.

Also try the Attitude and Attitude Tu dvds by Bernadette Giorgi,
they are pilates/ barre work stretching. She has a new
dvd Pilates Circle which is excellent.

For yoga, I like the Wai Lana series-the scenery is beautiful and
she goes at a pace I can follow ;)