Videos

1938 Practice

This is a classic silent composite of rare footage of BKS Iyengar in his prime, effortlessly demonstrating many advanced postures. The video also features Professor Krishnamacharya, Iyengar's own teacher, demonstrating asana and pranayama techniques.

Living Yoga - P.M. Yoga for Beginners (1998)

The evening is the perfect time to calmly transition between being active and being quiet," says Patricia Walden, instructor of P.M. Yoga for Beginners. "One of the greatest gifts yoga has to offer is deep relaxation." This 20-minute program is designed to balance, calm, and revitalize you at the end of the day. It starts with centering poses: gentle stretches bringing awareness and quiet to your senses. Next are standing poses to release tension, increase circulation, expand the lungs, and help you breathe more deeply. Next, forward bends cool the body and bring quiet to the nervous system. The final restorative poses are so relaxing that you may fall asleep. Walden tells you not only how to do the poses, but what you should feel, and how to quiet your body and your mind. Instruction is soothing and explicit. Although this video is aimed at beginners, seldom are modifications given for the less flexible novice, so if any pose causes discomfort or seems impossible, don't push beyond your personal comfort level. The video was filmed on the windswept sands of Death Valley. (Joan Price)

Mystic River Video

Your source for B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga videotapes, audiotapes and books.

http://www.mysticrivervideo.com/

On Your Head - Iyengar Yoga with Jason Marin

Your Yoga Practice gives you hundreds of different Yoga sequences of various lengths, intensities and focuses. It will help you move forward at your own pace so the lessons never get boring or monotonous. Your practice will evolve along with the transformation of your body and consciousness. (DVD format)

Videotapes by Manouso Manos

Manouso Manos is a Senior Iyengar yoga teacher whose extensive study and close personal relationship with B.K.S. Iyengar since 1976 insure that the Iyengar method is transmitted with authenticity and precision.

http://www.yogagroup.org/manouso.html

Yoga Alignment and Form

In this 90 minute video, John Friend, one of the country's most popular yoga teachers, presents 26 yoga poses with detailed and precise body alignment instructions. Iyengar yoga, the fastest growing style of yoga in the country, with its emphasis on postural alignment, is an unsurpassed way to build strength, stamina and flexibility, while cultivating a sense of graceful peace and well-being. John, a certified Iyengar Yoga instructor, has been a student of yoga since 1973 and has been teaching full time since 1987.

Yoga Journal's Yoga Practice for Beginners (1990)

Yoga Journal's excellent series of videos offers a thorough beginner's guide to yoga stretching and breathing practices. Patricia Walden's soothing voice and gentle approach to teaching eases the viewer through several stretching techniques, never rushing and often repeating exercises "so that the body can learn." Walden's slow approach is also "permission giving"; she talks the beginner through each stretch, suggesting ways to breathe and enhance even the most seemingly static pose, yet never pushing the viewer beyond his or her comfort level. Who would have thought the classic standing mountain pose could wear a person out? The tape is a good hour long, and may leave the viewer feeling refreshed and more aware of his or her body. One can't help but be a little inspired by Walden's fantastic, and realistic, body. She is easy on the eyes, yet not intimidatingly so. The production value on this video is excellent and consistent; the music is pleasant, even, and subtle. The exercises synthesize into one hour-long routine ending with a relaxation pose, so breaking it down into shorter segments is not as easy as with other Yoga Journal tapes. All in all an excellent and accessible beginner's guide to yoga. (Gilia Angell)

Yoga Journal's Yoga Practice for Flexibility (1992)

Yoga Journal's more advanced offering of yoga stretching exercises presents two routines for flexibility: back stretches and front stretches. Each routine begins with a short warm up, though if one is not already well practiced in yoga stretching techniques, not to mention already flexible, some of these stretches should not be attempted. Even the so-called "moderate" poses for those with less strength and flexibility are difficult to achieve. Patricia Walden encourages the viewer to practice often and work toward the stretching goals, and conscientiously demonstrates the stretches in a methodical manner. The principles of balance and strength in all parts of the body (achieved by practicing both front and back stretches) is a lofty goal for many, but one to work toward in small increments. The two distinct routines in this video are conveniently presented separately so that they can be combined or practiced alternately. (If you're not already on your way to yogic flexibility, in the beginning you may be sitting out a good part of this video.) The production value, like the other Yoga Journal offerings, is consistently good and even. Certain stretches require props such as yoga blocks, but chairs and phone books are a good substitute for the home user. (Gilia Angell)

Yoga Journal's Yoga Practice for Relaxation (1992)

You can't help but let stress slide away if you unwind with this video of restorative yoga poses that replenish your body's energy and rejuvenate your spirit. Restorative means you're not working your body, but "undoing, allowing nature to restore you ...[and] the healing powers of yoga to reveal themselves to you," explains Patricia Walden, who teaches the first 30-minute session of resting poses. Your body is supported by props, such as folded blankets, a bolster, or a wall, so the stretches are not intense. The poses are taught slowly and quietly, with plenty of time to sink into each pose, open the joints, and relax the muscles. The second 30-minute session, taught by Rodney Yee, emphasizes forward bends, often sitting on the floor in various positions, with your forehead and arms resting on a chair for support. The instruction throughout the video is clear, complete, and patient. The whole experience is relaxing: with the instructors' soothing voices and the gentle music in the background, there's no rush to leave each pose. (Joan Price)

Yoga Journal's Yoga Practice for Strength (1992)

In the first 10 minutes of this 75-minute video, expert yoga teacher Rodney Yee performs a truly stunning flow series that will motivate you and leave your muscles itching to work. The lesson begins with variations of sun salutations and poses such as the dog pose, triangle pose, and others. In the second, more intense sequence, Yee leads the bridge, shoulder stand, warrior, and balancing poses, his narration soothing and his technique inspiring. Very difficult poses, such as the crane pose and pendulum pose, comprise the end of the set. This session is not recommended for those new to yoga because it is quite strenuous; students should first be familiar with the vinyasas to ensure that the poses are reached and held correctly. Yoga Journal's Yoga Practice for Strength is an exceptional workout that will build stamina, power, and confidence. (Jhana Bach)