| With a multitude of yoga DVDs available, the popularity | | | | shavasana. This Vinyasa yoga sequence is central to |
| of the practice becomes increasingly apparent. Yoga | | | | Vinyasa DVDs, and largely informs the other yoga |
| is part of a larger Hindu tradition whose goal is spiritual | | | | styles in DVDs, as well. |
| enlightenment through use of the breath and the body. | | | | Power Yoga, traditionally called Ashtanga, is |
| When yoga was first born, the original yogis never had | | | | characterized by a faster, more strenuous form than |
| building muscles, firming their things, nor getting six-pack | | | | Vinyasa. Power Yoga is often advertised as |
| abdomens in mind. Yet because the industry of | | | | fat-burning yoga, because it creates more heat in the |
| fitness-DVDs often targets a muscle- and weight- | | | | body. The increasing internal heat of your exercise |
| conscious demographic, DVDs are advertised | | | | increases your sweat secretion and even provides a |
| accordingly. Most DVD instructors will delve into the | | | | verifiably cardiovascular workout. Stillness of mind is |
| spiritual aspects of the practice, even though the yoga | | | | the ultimate goal of Power yoga, which the instructors |
| media market does not fully represent that element, or | | | | of the DVDs will readily share. Yet its marketing will |
| the variety of yoga lineages. Instructional yoga DVDs | | | | likely promote these DVDs foremost as burning fat |
| represents only four main styles: Vinyasa, Power, | | | | and building muscle. |
| Kundalini, and Prenatal. | | | | Also popular in the mainstream DVD market is |
| Hatha is the umbrella under which these four types of | | | | Kundalini Yoga, which is said to be the first type ever |
| fall and Vinyasa DVDs most basically represent it. | | | | developed. Although Kundalini Yoga falls under the |
| Beginning with a series of progressive poses, or | | | | Hatha umbrella, it may appear very different. In |
| asanas, Hatha rests on this sequence of moves, called | | | | Kundalini, a person flows more whimsically from one |
| a vinyasa. Hatha then incorporates more held poses, | | | | position to the next, evoking a notion of play and even |
| inversions, and balances. The Hatha practice always | | | | dance. This form is meant to awaken the Kundalini, or |
| ends with a back-bend, and then final resting pose, or | | | | coiled serpent-like energy at the base of the spine. |