Once you have reached the intermediate level, it’s time to get yourself a little challenge. Due to many possible constraints, like time and money, it’s not always possible to attend a yoga class. The most convenient way is to buy a DVD.
The best intermediate yoga DVD should go beyond the basics of yoga and dive deeper into a wider variety of moves. Here are a few suggestions that you can try at home.
Quick Answer:
1. Rodney Yee Intermediate Yoga
If you like an energizing warm-up, the Rodney Yee Intermediate Yoga will suit you. I like that this DVD begins with enough beginning flow poses, so I don’t feel overwhelmed at all. Compared to most intermediate yoga DVDs, this particular video contains many handstand and inversion poses.
2. Vinyasa Flow Yoga Intermediate & Advanced
This Vinyasa Flow Yoga DVD is very comprehensive as it begins with a brief standing meditation and ends with a long restorative savasana. The video also incorporates other major elements for a complete yoga routine. Such elements include inversions, backbends, and Vinyasa Flow.
3. Happy Yoga With Sarah Starr Intermediate Volume 1
Get inspired with the autumn leaves and ocean waves through this Happy Yoga DVD. The Intermediate Volume 1 includes various dynamic moves to help strengthen your core. The moves are usually done while standing and on the floor, giving enough challenge for intermediate yoga students.
Editor's Pick: The Best Intermediate Yoga DVD
What Is Intermediate Yoga
Intermediate yoga goes beyond the understanding of basic yoga. At this point, you should be able to do the proper alignment for Level 1 asanas, as it’s where the inversions and deeper backbends are founded. You should be able to know how to twist, bend forward, and understand proper breathing.
When a yoga teacher instructs you to do a Downward dog pose, you should be able to perform the basic points of alignment. You’ll likely deal with more inversions and headstands with this level. Also, the pace might be slightly quicker than a beginner class.
What To Look For On A Good Intermediate Yoga DVD
Yoga Style
Choose an intermediate yoga DVD that gears toward your goal and experience. Do you want to achieve spiritual enlightenment? Try Kundalini Yoga. For a more calming approach, choose the Vinyasa Flow. In order to build more flexibility and balance, Hatha yoga might be a good choice.
Inspiring Teacher
Since the moves won’t be easy this time, you want a teacher that motivates you to push yourself to the limit. They should give helpful guidance, so you keep up with the postures and breathing patterns.
Setting And Music
This all depends on your preference. If you feel calm watching the ocean, find a DVD that shows an ocean view. Most settings are done outdoors to give a more calming ambiance. The music should be able to keep you focused on doing the postures.
Proficiency Level
Since you’re looking for a good intermediate yoga DVD, make sure that the product says so. It would be futile if you choose a beginner’s level. If you like to move up to the next level, find a DVD that’s designed for intermediate and advanced levels.
5 Best Intermediate Yoga DVD Reviews
1. Rodney Yee Intermediate Yoga
Rodney Yee takes you to an enjoyable hour-long intermediate yoga class in this video. I love that the video begins with a wonderful, slow sun salutation to prepare my body for fairly vigorous training. The pace is moderately fast, just enough for an intermediate level to keep up.
The rest of the video features standing poses and inversions, which is good for increasing flexibility. After doing the poses several times, I’m surprised that my back pain was cured. Also, I have to mention the relaxing music that Rodney uses because it makes me feel like living in a different world.
However, Rodney doesn’t always elaborate on the poses nor explain the proper form for each move. I also hoped for more variations on some challenging poses.
PROS:
- It starts with a nice warm-up session
- Moderately fast-paced to make moves more challenging
- It contains lots of inversions and standing poses
- It comes with a relaxing music background
- It can help cure back pain after several tries
CONS:
- Insufficient explanations for doing the proper form for every move
- Lacks variations on some moves
Best For:
The Rodney Yee Intermediate Yoga DVD is perfect for those who want to cure their chronic back pains. The inversions can help strengthen the back muscles and release tension.
2. Vinyasa Flow Yoga Intermediate & Advanced
Led by Maral Hadidi and Toni Keller, this DVD aims to deepen your foundation on Vinyasa Flow yoga. I love the setting because it shows the sunset ocean view at La Jolla. Best of all, you can choose among the multiple soundtracks to suit your mood.
The entire video is very comprehensive because it starts with a standing meditation and wraps up with a long restorative savasana. You can also find other major elements in between, like hip openers and backbends. Out of all the intermediate yoga DVDs I tried, I felt that this one replicates the feel of a studio class the most.
However, the video quality is a bit blurry, which is unexpected for this time and age. The instructor also uses weird pronunciation, which deters me from understanding the instructors.
PROS:
- It shows a beautiful sunset ocean view setting
- Can choose from a multitude of soundtrack options
- It provides a complete yoga practice
- It includes all major elements, including inversions and backbends
- It gives a nice studio class feel
CONS:
- Unexpectedly has a poor video quality
- A bit hard to understand due to the instructor’s odd pronunciation
Best For:
The Vinyasa Flow Yoga Intermediate & Advanced DVD is suitable for those seeking a complete yoga practice. This video incorporates everything from meditation to inversions and backbends.
3. Happy Yoga With Sarah Starr Intermediate Volume 1
If you love nature, you’ll surely enjoy the Happy Yoga Intermediate Volume 1 with Sarah Starr. The video shows two lovely settings, autumn leaves, and vibrant ocean sunset views. The first episode aims to help you strengthen your core, while the second one consists of standing and seated poses to improve flexibility.
I like Sarah Starr’s voice because it sounds relaxing and clear. The moves are easy to follow because Sarah gives good explanations and continuous guidance. Surprisingly, the routines give effective results, though they look effortless.
However, the music background seems not to be professionally made. Also, the program lacks some more inversions, making it a little boring for long-time intermediate yogi students.
PROS:
- Features lovely settings, like the ocean sunset view
- Designed to strengthen the core and increase flexibility
- Sarah has a soothing voice
- Easy to follow with the instructor’s continuous guidance
CONS:
- Poor music background quality
- Lacks more complex moves, like inversions
Best For:
The Happy Yoga With Sarah Starr is an excellent choice if you love nature. This video features the most beautiful scenes to elevate your yoga experience.
4. Yoga Zone- Yoga Sculpting Beginner To Intermediate
Yoga Zone offers a complete workout to strengthen your core through this Yoga Sculpting DVD. The video consists of two 20-minute sessions: the first one focuses on upper body strength. In contrast, the second one targets lower body strength. Both parts are instructed by Jen Monness, a real-life inspiration when it comes to a beautifully toned body.
I like that Jen points out the correct form for every pose. She even keeps the moves simple and shows some modifications to keep them more challenging for the intermediates. If you get annoyed by music easily, you’ll appreciate this video as it’s shot without a music background.
However, the moves might become boring for the intermediates as time goes by. Also, the pace is a little slow for intermediates.
PROS:
- It can help tone your body and build core strength
- The instructor has a soothing voice
- It shows modifications to make the pose more challenging
- It teaches the proper form for every pose
- No annoying music background to distract you
CONS:
- It May get boring over time
- A bit slow-paced for intermediates
Best For:
The Yoga Zone DVD is ideal for intermediates who want to get back on basic positions and stretches. This video shows the basic form, along with modifications for every pose.
5. Kino MacGregor: Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series
Kino MacGregor shows the intermediate level of Ashtanga yoga in this DVD. This series of moves of twisting, back bending, and asanas help clean your nervous system. I like that this video imparts essential tips on doing the most challenging asana postures to avoid injuries safely.
The thing I like best about Kino is that she doesn’t leave anything out. She gives clear instructions and demonstrations, as well as encouragement to outdo ourselves. This DVD has so many things to teach, including the sequence’s rhythm and proper form.
However, some moves might be too challenging for intermediates. They’re difficult to accomplish on the first try. Also, she talks too much sometimes that it deviates from the purpose of meditation.
PROS:
- It helps clean the nervous system
- It provides tips on how to do Ashtanga properly
- The instructor is a good motivator and speaker
- It explains each move clearly
CONS:
- Some moves might be too difficult for intermediates
- Her long speeches can impede meditation
Best For:
The Kino MacGregor: Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series is the best for intermediates who want to push themselves more.
FAQs:
Q: What are the different levels of yoga?
There are three levels of yoga- beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The beginner level is the easiest to make it accessible for people with no experience of yoga. It usually has a slow pace and focuses more on basic yoga poses.
Once you have learned the basics, you can become an intermediate to explore a wider variety of styles and moves. The advanced level is where you have attained a solid experience of basic yoga poses.
Q: How do I go from beginner to intermediate yoga?
The vital part is to follow a consistent routine so you can see progress in a short time. Once you’ve learned the basics, try to explore new things. Learn how your body works with proper breathing techniques.
More importantly, build your core strength because it’s the foundation of intermediate yoga. Of course, not everything can be achieved in an instant, so be patient.
Q: How long should I take to become an intermediate?
Usually, beginners learn the complete basics in six weeks. Again, it also depends on your learning curve and competency. Once you have learned the basic yoga poses and build a strong core, you’re ready to move to the intermediate level.
Conclusion
Intermediate yoga is an excellent start to your challenge yourself to more complex moves. The best intermediate yoga DVD is the one from Rodney Yee because it shows the most variety of moves to prepare yourself for the advanced level. Rodney himself is a good instructor to help in your yoga journey.
If you want a complete yoga practice, the Vinyasa Flow Yoga DVD is a good alternative. This DVD is for both intermediate and advanced yogi students. For a more gentle approach, I recommend the Happy Yoga With Sarah Starr Intermediate Volume 1.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
