Many of my yoga students with arthritis have experienced that the practice of yoga helps them develop more mobility in their joints while reducing their pain from arthritis.   They see more benefits if they practice yoga regularly, including in between yoga classes, but sometimes they're not sure how to go about developing their own yoga practice.    They occasionally ask me for recommendations for yoga for arthritis DVDs that will guide them through a safe yoga pose practice.

The following yoga DVDs are what I've recommended most often to my students, especially the first two.  These DVDs will safely guide you through stretching and strengthening poses to help you create more range of motion and mobility in your joints while stretching and strengthening the muscles around your joints.  You'll also feel better overall!

I also highly recommend reading Benefits of Yoga for Arthritis to give you a better overview of how yoga can help relieve arthritis symptoms.

This is the yoga for arthritis DVD that I recommend most often.

You may have seen Peggy Cappy's popular series Yoga for the Rest of Us on PBS television stations.  All of her videos, including the highly rated Easy Yoga for Arthritis, are designed to be accessible for all.   Her instructions are easy to follow, and the poses are shown with three variations -- one for people who are stronger and more mobile (the more classical pose), another for people who need some support for balance, and the third way is a seated variation.

This isn't a "work-out" DVD, but a good instructional DVD with great supplementary information about yoga and arthritis.  After watching this video a few times, you'll be able to practice on your own, occasionally referring back to the DVD, rather than following along with the video. 

Sections include warm-ups, standing poses, seated poses, reclining poses, and relaxation and meditation techniques.



A yoga DVD doesn't have to be specifically for arthritis to be useful.  Yoga for Inflexible People is an excellent 3 disc DVD set meant to be for anyone who considers themself inflexible, which includes many people with arthritis. 

This DVD series (originally sold as separate discs) is quickly becoming my favorite for recommending to any of my students who are stiff or have mobility problems.

 

Yoga Journal says Yoga for Inflexible People is "One of the most intelligent and useful presentations served up in a long time,..for all beginning students whether they are inflexible or flexible - rated as one of the Top Yoga DVDs ever produced."

Yoga for Inflexible People is divided into three sections (one section per DVD):

Disc 1 - Yoga for Inflexible People

Has over 35 routines that will safely help anyone develop more flexibility.  Poses are taught in the Iyengar Yoga method, with suggestions for modifying and using props (regular yoga props, or items you have around the home).

Disc 2 - Essential Yoga for Inflexible People

Builds on the concepts of Disc 1, and includes 10 of yoga flow sequences.

Disc 3 - Gentle Yoga for Everybody
Over 12 Gentle Yoga sequences with modified poses, so anyone can benefit from this practice.

 



Yoga for Arthritis, endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation, is a very gentle and easy DVD to follow.  As in Peggy Cappy's Easy Yoga for Arthritis (above), poses are shown at three different levels, depending on the mobility and strength of the person doing the poses. 

This DVD includes breathing techniques, stretching and strengthening poses, a low-impact aerobic section, and it ends with a relaxation section.   There are five participants shown in this DVD, ages 35 - 72, all with some form of arthritis.

I'd recommend this DVD especially if your mobility is greatly limited. 

Mobility Limited
Only $15.95
 

What I appreciate about the Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions for Arthritis DVD is that it's more than just a yoga DVD.   It includes three sections:

Part 1: Understanding your condition

Mayo Clinic doctors give information on arthritis, including risk factors and aggravating factors, and include a discussion of alternative therapy options.

Part 2: Eat Well to Feel Well

A Mayo Clinic dietitian shows how to make meal planning simple, and there are also tips for eating healthy every day.

Part 3: Soothing Therapies
Popular yoga teacher Rodney Yee leads a 40 minute sequence of gentle yoga poses and meditation that are designed to help with arthritis symptom relief.
Why would we practice yoga or take a yoga class? Because the practice of yoga benefits our health on all levels of our being -- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Yoga for Seniors, Gentle Yoga, and Ageless Yoga classes are becoming more popular now that the first baby-boomers are turning 65.

The 2012 yoga calendars are available now. Yoga calendars can be inspiring for your own practice as well as decorative.

Are you in the market for a new yoga mat? Consider choosing one of these eco-friendly yoga mats to help keep the environment healthier.
Benefits of Yoga for Arthritis
The practice of yoga helps to create more mobility and range of motion in stiff, arthritic joints while stretching and strengthening the surrounding muscles.
Find a Yoga Class That is Suitable to Your Own Needs
Yoga can be practiced by anyone, but not every yoga class will be appropriate for all people. Here are some guidelines for finding an appropriate class for you.
The Importance of a Yoga Home Practice
This gives suggestions for developing your own yoga practice at home, whether or not you also take classes.
Seven Basic Yoga Standing Poses
If you are relatively active and fit, you can practice these poses as shown, even with arthritis. If you have more physical limitations, please find guidance for learning to do these poses with appropriate support or with other modifications.

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