Video: Kundalini Yoga Breath of Fire

I wanted to post an example of a Kundalini yoga workout from Ana Brett & Ravi Singh for you this week, but I'm sorry I was unable to find a free one anywhere.... So this week instead of a workout, I'm sharing with you this instructional clip on how to do the "Breath of Fire" - an important form of breathing used during many Kundalini yoga sessions.

This unique form of breathing detoxifies the body, supports the immune system, raises the heart rate, and tones the midsection. It may be a bit challenging at first. Stick with it, and practice it when instructed during any of the Kundalini yoga routines by Ravi and Ana. It WILL get easier, and you may even come to love it like I do!

Kundalini Yoga Breath of Fire Primer
Author of #1 bestselling yoga and fitness DVDs on amazon.com present a breath of fire primer.


For some excellent Kundalini Yoga DVDs check out the suggestions below:
   

Review: Kundalini Yoga Workout for Beginners & Beyond

I got several new yoga DVDs for Christmas this year, and I'm still working my way through them all, so I'm not sure what my favorite is yet, but if you're new to Kundalini Yoga, you can't go wrong with the excellent Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond, with Ana Brett & Ravi Singh. I absolutely love their simple, soothing style, and all of my Kundalini yoga DVDs that I have tried so far feature them.

This DVD is a great introduction to Kundalini yoga, which is quite different from the Hatha forms of yoga typically taught in yoga fitness classes, so if you're expecting more of the same old Downward Dog and Crescent poses, you may be disappointed. But if you're open to a new form of yoga which challenges your mind and spirit as much as your body, give this one a try without any expectations, and see what it can do for you.

This workout contains exercises for flexibility, strength, aerobic efficiency, stress relief, back care, and more - together with explicit instructions on breathing and guided meditations. This amazingly effective daily routine features two yoga sets which can be done individually or together, as well as a guided meditation and relaxation segment.

The first exercise set focuses on maintaining a strong and flexible spine - important for every aspect of health. The second set consists of a series called "The Five Tibetans," and yes, it does include some of the traditional yoga poses, but you will flow through them repeatedly and rhythmically, rather than holding them, along with specific types of breathing, so it really works all of your muscles and increases your heart rate as well, and provides quite a challenge for your entire body. I've only done this set a few times so far, and I can't do all of the repetitions yet, and still end up very sore for a couple of days afterwards, so don't let the "beginner" title fool you - this is a real workout!

This DVD also includes the "Matrix" option, which I love - I wish all workout DVDs had this! This allows you to choose which segments you wish to do, and program them to play in the order you choose. It makes it really easy to set up your workout to fit into whatever time you have available. If you have a whole hour, you can just play the whole DVD through. But if you only have 20 minutes, you can choose the opening "Tune In" prayer, the first (or second) workout set, relax, and you're done. Or add the meditation if you are feeling extra stressed that day. It's up to you!

If you want to try a new, fun way to exercise this year, check out this DVD and add a new element to your fitness.

Click Here to Buy It On Amazon.com...

Video: Introductory Kundalini Yoga Workout

Most people are familiar with different forms of Hatha yoga, but you may never have tried (or even heard of) Kundalini yoga. This form of yoga is less focused on what you might think of as yoga poses, and more on breathing and meditation, connecting your mind to the physical movements of the body, sometimes with more rapid movements, incorporating more elements of cardiovascular exercise.

I've only been introduced to Kundalini yoga fairly recently, and I absolutely love it! I still do Hatha yoga too, but my Kundalini practice is what keeps me balanced, relaxed, focused, and relieves stress and anxiety. Basically it just makes me happy!

I received several Kundalini yoga DVDs for Christmas, so I will be reviewing those for you as I work through them, but I wanted to share an introductory Kundalini yoga workout with you today. This one is a full-length workout, so be sure you have the time set aside to do the whole thing to reap maximum benefit. If you've never tried Kundalini yoga, it may take some getting used to, but just keep an open mind and follow the instructions, and try not to compare it to other forms of yoga you might have done, but approach it as a new experience and relax into it.

As always, remember to be gentle, listen to your body, and check with your doctor if you're not sure you're in good enough shape to do yoga.

Give it a try, and enjoy this unique form of exercise for mind and body!

Yoga Workout Introduction to Kundalini Yoga
yoga for beginners yoga class


Try More Kundalini Yoga:
   

Guide to Different Yoga Styles - Part 1

If you’re considering taking up yoga you may feel overwhelmed. There are many styles of yoga. Understanding them all and knowing which one is right for you can be complicated. You are welcome of course to try several different styles of yoga and see which you like best, but this guide can also help you make a choice.

Image via WikipediaHatha Yoga
Most yoga styles are Hatha based. In fact there are more than 90 different types of Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is based on poses or asanas, cleansing techniques and breathing. If you’re looking at a yoga class or practice chances are it is a form of Hatha yoga. Ha and tha mean sun and moon. It’s a forceful type of yoga that can be physically demanding. However, when most people talk about yoga they’re referring to Hatha yoga. It’s the most popular type of yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga is a type of Hatha yoga. It is physically demanding. You’ll move quickly through series of postures. This type of yoga is designed to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. If you’re a beginner, only take an Ashtanga yoga class if they offer beginner instruction classes. Consider starting with a basic Hatha yoga class to learn the postures and breathing first.

Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is more focused on the breath and release of energy than other forms of yoga. In a Kundalini class you’ll likely see the same classic poses you’d find in a Hatha yoga class. However, you’ll spend more time focusing on breathing and coordinating your breathing to your movements. You’ll also likely spend a bit more time on meditation than in a standard Hatha yoga class.

Cover via AmazonPower Yoga or Power Vinyasa
Power yoga is often also Hot Yoga meaning it takes place in a heated room. Most rooms are gnerally around a 100 degrees. The goal is to eliminate toxins from your body through sweat. Power yoga is more active and physically demanding than other yoga styles. Generally the goal is to improve strength and flexibility however you’ll move through the poses quite quickly.

Take a beginners course if you’re not familiar with standard yoga poses. In a power yoga class you certainly won’t have time to figure out what the instructor is doing before they move onto the next pose. It is important to be somewhat knowledgeable so you get the most out of the class.

Also, if the course is taught in a hot room make sure it’s safe for you. If you have high blood pressure or other conditions spending ninety minutes in a 100 degree room while exercising may not be good for your health.

Be sure to check back on Thursday for Part II, where we will cover several more yoga styles!  Or if you are ready to get started with some fun yoga workouts, check these out below.

Fun Yoga For Beginners (and Beyond):