Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Iyengar Yoga: Videos, Audio CD's

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Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Iyengar Yoga:
Videos, Audio CD's

nittaney
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Oct 8, 2002, 7:22 PM

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namaste!

I'm new to the forum, as you all can see, and I was wondering what people think of the use of videos and audio cd's as well as books to have a sucessful practice. I've been told that my practice of using these resources hasn't helped my practice, but unfortunately, where I've lived and my financial situation hasn't lent to being able to go to teacher led classes. What do you all think?

emily
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Oct 13, 2002, 5:02 PM

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Dear Nittaney,

Personally, I don't prefer to practice along to videos. This is just personal preference: as I don't like to practice in front of a tv screen or have the temptation of craning my head to watch the video while in the pose. There are some wonderful videos out there, though, such as the series with Patricia Walden: what I prefer to do is view them for the sake of observing the form of the poses and then practice at a different time.

I do find audio tapes or cds to be conducive to practice, though. John Schumacher has produced two very effective audio tapes with Iyengar-style sequences which are available at http://www.unitywoods.com/boutique.html.

It would be interesting to hear other folks' opinions on this topic. Does anyone have any further suggestions for audio cds with Iyengar-style practice sessions?

cheers,
emily

nagrajm
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Oct 14, 2002, 10:39 AM

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The only care one should take when learning from books and video is to ensure that the form, alignment and the precise instructions are adhered to without any compromise. Believe me when I say that one could do an asana as seemingly simple as tadasana wrong. The after effects could be very disasterous. I am not discouraging any one from learning on his/her own but the money spent on learning this art from a well qualified instructor is peanuts compared to what a student would benefit in the long run. In the alternative, one should have an extensive reading habit and learn about techniques from various sources. One should learn about all the contra-indications and one's health condition before venturing into an asana. Some suggested books apart from Iyengar's Light on Yoga that I have read and benefitted from are;

Physiology for teachers of Yogasana by Mel Robins
Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by H.D.Coulter
A Matter of Health by Dr. Krishna Raman

The other major benefit of having a teacher at hand is that he/she would point out any imperfections in form, alignment and technique and corrective action which one cannot notice while concentrating on doing the asana. Otherwise, the fault is cultivated to one's detriment. There are ofcourse many other advantages.

In my opinion, books and videos should only supplement one's learning and not be a main source of learning.

Lianne
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Oct 24, 2002, 7:35 AM

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Felicity Green also has Iyengar yoga audiotapes for self-practice. Tools for Yoga sells them.

Lianne

thaischalbaud
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Dec 7, 2002, 1:35 AM

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<table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tr><td width="2%"><hr width="100%" noshade size="1" color="#A1A576"></td><td width="10%" align=center><font size=1 face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica">In Reply To</font></td><td width="87%"><hr width="100%" noshade color="#A1A576" size=1></td></tr></table><div style="margin-left: 30px">Dear Nittaney, <br> <br>Personally, I don't prefer to practice along to videos. This is just personal preference: as I don't like to practice in front of a tv screen or have the temptation of craning my head to watch the video while in the pose. There are some wonderful videos out there, though, such as the series with Patricia Walden: what I prefer to do is view them for the sake of observing the form of the poses and then practice at a different time. <br> <br>I do find audio tapes or cds to be conducive to practice, though. John Schumacher has produced two very effective audio tapes with Iyengar-style sequences which are available at http://www.unitywoods.com/boutique.html. <br> <br>It would be interesting to hear other folks' opinions on this topic. Does anyone have any further suggestions for audio cds with Iyengar-style practice sessions? <br> <br>cheers, <br>emily</div><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tr><td><hr width="100%" noshade size=1 color="#A1A576"></td></tr></table>

Tom
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Dec 9, 2002, 5:46 AM

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Namaste'
The comment on the use of audio tapes interest me.
My personal preference is to learn from a knowledgeable instructor (in person). There are many things to be learned and adapted in practice and in teaching when studying with a variety of instructors. Of course that is not always possible or practical. It seems to me that classroom instruction and videos is an excellent combination for folks new to asana practice (to reinforce). In the learning process we watch instructors, just as we might watch videos.
It is equally possible for someone to "make an asana of themselves" in either circumstance, although good instruction can prevent inappropriate asana practice. I have learned from watching others in both ways.
I use audio cassettes to broaden my personal practice(as well as to learn styles of verbal instruction), because I can change my practice sequence without the distraction of having to look at something.
So I find some value in all three methods. The real lesson for me comes when I'm alone with no distractions or directions and I learn from exploring my body in asana practice.
In the last year, I have begun to make my own audio practice tapes for those moments when I am uninspired or perhaps less motivated than I should be (smile). Frawley's sequences for the doshas or different constitutions is of particular interest to me. I do have the Schumacher and Green tapes and enjoy both. I would very much be interested in hearing of other audio tapes that people have used for practice. Any suggestions?

Tom

Phill
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Dec 29, 2002, 11:57 AM

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I think most would agree that an audio or video home practice tape is only really useful if you attend a class. I use tapes a good deal becasue my circumstances only allow me to attend class once a week - and the classes run in ten week blocks with quite long holidays, especially diring summer. I'm UK based, and there isn't anything like the same variety of home practice material that you have in the US - new stuff is creeping through, but it tends to be of the fashionable, 'power yoga' style fronted by rather vacuous celebrities who claim the practice has made them thin!
I do find audios or videos easier to use than books, however - though 'Yoga the Iyengar Way' and 'Light on Yoga' are kept at my bedside, I tend to read them and use what I have learned in my next practice, rather than trying to read them AS I practice. I also enjoy some vinyasa flow yoga, and can recommend Shiva Rea's audio CDs for this type of practice. They are strong but precise and graceful too. You have time to work in the pose as the Iyengar practice teaches you. I also enjoy John Friend's videos, which I have hunted down through specialist yoga websites in the UK - they are not available in stores or on Amazon. I would love to get hold of some more John Friend home practices - I have 'Alignment and Form' and 'Yoga for Meditators'. If anyone knows where any more can be purchased in the UK...let me know!
But to get back to the subject in hand ... do use home practices to support your work but find a good teacher too - never rely on a video or audio, however good and reputable it may be. Also, before youi invest in one, try to find a review somewhere or ask someone who already owns it - there are a lot of people producing yoga tapes becasue there is money in it, and it is possible to spend vast amounts of cash buying complete turkeys! I'm sure the good people on this forum can advise if necessary.
Namaste to all

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