Best Restorative Yoga Videos

Restorative yoga videos are meant to relax, repair and release stress

Restorative yoga titles aren't necessarily designed for beginners, but they can certainly benefit anyone who's new to yoga practice. This relaxing style of yoga focuses on repairing and restoring the body through gentle stretching poses.

Element's Yoga for Stress Relief and Flexibility (*Est. $11) earns the best reviews in this category. It's divided into two 30-minute sections: The stress relief session focuses on long stretches and forward bends, while the flexibility class utilizes flowing Vinyasa poses. The DVD is filmed in a garden overlooking the ocean and is led by Ashley Turner, a Los Angeles-based yoga instructor who holds a master's degree in psychology.

Turner gets high marks for her relaxing yet informative instruction. "Turner does an excellent job explaining what each asana should be doing," says Kristen Seymour at ThatsFit.com. Reviewers say the yoga sessions provide a good workout and are appropriate for beginners; the stress-relief session is particularly laid-back and would suit anyone who wants a gentle practice. "The end result of doing the two sequences was calming yet invigorating, which is how I like my yoga," writes Tammy Chase of the Chicago Sun-Times. Element: Yoga for Stress Relief and Flexibility scores well in about 45 reviews at Amazon.com, although one user complains that the background music is annoying and a few critics say Turner talks too quickly.

Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress (*Est. $13) is another good choice among restorative yoga videos. This style of yoga focuses on relaxing and conscious breathing, but with a greater focus on the seven chakras or energy centers of the body. As a result, Kundalini features more meditation and chanting than other yoga styles. Maya Fiennes, a registered instructor, leads this DVD as it's filmed in an indoor studio.

Reviewers call Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress perfect for beginners or anyone who's out of shape. The video features no standing poses, only seated, lying and kneeling asanas. "I am 63 and could easily do the entire workout with no modifications," says one customer at Amazon.com, where the DVD earns 4.5 stars out of 5 after more than 75 reviews. Users rave about Fiennes, saying she's an excellent instructor who thoroughly explains the benefits of each exercise. Viewers also feel a difference in their daily lives after doing this video regularly. "Every time I finish the DVD, I have more energy and less stress and fatigue," says one. While a few complain that the video puts too much emphasis on chanting and spirituality, some wish its meditation segments were longer. "I didn't care for the New Age spirituality part of it, but the exercises themselves are well chosen," says Holly Ordway at DVDTalk.com.