Friday, April 11, 2014

Yoga Videos on YouTube

For the past few months I've been involved in a work project that has kept me away from the Wednesday @ noon yoga class that my employer offers. I've been missing it SO MUCH. A noon class at work is really convenient. Little to no effort goes in to me actually getting there, and the teachers we've had are excellent.

I wanted to add a practice back into my week because I really love yoga, and I think it helps me focus and regroup. In the past I've done some of the free Yoga Journal podcasts, and I've liked those. Since my Samsung TV is connected to YouTube, I thought I would try out some of the free YouTube yoga videos.

But, let's face it, most yoga videos on YouTube are pretty bad. I've seen my fair share of folks who have recorded themselves in their tiny apartments on dirty carpet with dogs barking in the background. Not to mention the awful sequences in general and bad instructions.

But, I've found some gems, too, so I thought I'd share them . The first one is my favorite. The instructor, Ali Kamenova, has a beautiful Russian accent. Her hot body and the gorgeous Santa Cruz beach in the background doesn't hurt, either. This is a challenging sequence. I appreciate that she adds in a chaturanga between upward and downward dogs, creating a little "push up" in the sequence. Georgette, my yoga teacher in Clinton, added that little push up to her sequences, too, and I love it. This is more a of a strengthening sequence.

Energizing Morning "Coffee Cup" Sequence:



The other video I like is more of a flexibility sequence. It flows very quickly and is a great warm up for the body. Again, I love the beach setting. This one is less challenging physically, but a little harder to follow because she flows through the poses quickly.

Morning "Blush of Dawn" Routine:

If you are looking for some good, free routines, give these a try. Both are great for an intermediate yogi. I wouldn't suggest them for beginners. If you know of other YouTube gems that I should check out, let me know in the comments.

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