Gaiam Yoga Mat
A mat is extremely helpful for preventing slippage & unnecessary stress. Of the mats I have tried, I know Gaiam's are pretty durable & stick better than most. To prevent joint pain (esp. in the knees), put a rug under the mat, or use 2 mats right on top of each other.
Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block
Blocks are an extremely helpful tool in yoga, especially if you aren't as flexible. I recommend getting 2 (identical) blocks. I believe this kind to be more durable than many others, like Gaiam makes.
8 Foot Cinch Buckle Yoga Strap
A strap is also helpful, especially for those less flexible. A strap is usually just a strap, but it's probably worth spending the extra dollar for the longer length. Actually, a long belt often works just as well, but I do prefer plastic buckles, in case I get a little clumsy & hit myself!
Yoga Journal's Yoga for Beginners
Fortunately for me, this DVD was my first lesson in yoga. Years later, I still use the information from this DVD on a regular basis. Patricia Walden manages to explain all the complex aspects of yoga in simple terms. I have never seen another beginner's DVD that is so informative, yet so accessible! A+
A.M. and P.M. Yoga For Beginners
Here is another great beginner's DVD. A quick warm-up for the morning & quick wind-down for the evening. This is a nice basic DVD that easily fits into any schedule and most fitness levels. A
Yoga for Stress Relief (With The Dalai Lama)
A nice gentle yoga DVD for most levels of ability, which adds versatility to your yoga collection. There are all kinds of mini-routines of varying lengths. The routines battle everything from depression to anxiety to lower back pain to headaches, and all of them are helpful for relieving stress. A-
