I thought it would be helpful to create a page where you can find all of my recommended yoga videos, props, mats, music, books and more. This page is always updated as I find new products that help my yoga practice, so please check back often.
Mats | Books | Props | Music | Videos
Mats
For the serious practitioner:
I only recommend one mat for the serious yoga practitioner: Manduka Black Mat Pro. At $84.00, it is expensive. I admit, when I first saw the price I was shocked. However, I’ve never regretted the purchase and here’s why – first, this mat has a lifetime guarantee. This is huge because cheaper mats will break down within a year of heavy use. So if you buy a $30 mat, you’ll have to replace it in a year anyway. So after three years, the Manduka Black Mat Pro will have paid for itself. Second, this mat has serious cushioning and firmness. As a result, many poses are not only easier to get into, but safer. Third, the mat is nice and sticky. However, do note – when you first bring the mat home it takes a bit to “break in.” You may find yourself slipping in certain poses such as downward facing dog. Just use a soapy water mixture to wash the mat a few times and over time the stickiness will start to develop. E-mail me if you have any questions about this and I’d be happy to help.
If you are not yet committed to yoga – or just want something cheaper:
$84 is a lot of money to spend if you aren’t quite committed to your practice. For those just starting out, I’d recommend a simple, inexpensive mat like a Gaiam Chai 5mm Premium Yoga Mat ($24.44) or HuggerMugger Tapas Sticky ($23.98) yoga mat. These are under $30 and are great for someone just starting out.
Books
There are so many great books on yoga, meditation and pranayama. However, here are my favorites (in no particular order):
Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Light on Pranayama: The Yogic Art of Breathing
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
Mindfulness in Plain English: Revised and Expanded Edition
Art of Happiness, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Handbook for Living
Music
Music and sounds are a wonderful accompaniment for a yoga, relaxation or meditation practice. I also enjoy the Eastern sound in general and listen to many of these CD’s while working, cleaning or driving.
Namaste
Jala- Compiled by Shiva Rea
Nataraja
Tibetan Meditation Music
Crystal & Tibetan Bowl Meditation
Props
You may need straps to help accentuate a pose.
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Videos
Yoga For Beginners STRETCH with Claire Austen – I believe this is the best yoga for beginners DVD because I designed and created the workout especially with the beginning yogi in mind. This video is conveniently divided into 10 minute segments that can be practiced individually or in a row so you control the length of your workout.
Kundalini Yoga For Beginners and Beyond - I started with this video and I still use it today. I love the way Ana Brett and Ravi Singh teach yoga. I highly recommend any of her videos
Element: Yoga for Beginners
– This is my favorite video for beginners yoga. There is a nice section where the teacher explains each yoga pose in detail. This is great to do before jumping into the practice portion of the video.
Shiva Rea: Daily Energy Flow
– This is a bit more advanced and I do not recommend it for beginners. However, I LOVE THIS VIDEO. I use it every 3 days or so.
Shiva Rea: Flow Yoga for Beginners
-Very easy yoga video for beginners. If you are already an athlete or are used to working out, I would not recommend this video as it might be too easy for you. But this is perfect for someone who does not currently have a daily exercise practice.
Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Beginners
– Great video to add to your beginning yoga collection.
