If you think your body has to be young, thin, and twist into a pretzel to practice yoga for its benefits of relaxation and stretching, think again. Two yoga videotapes, Seated Yoga and Bedtop Yoga with Carol Dickman, certified yoga instructor, demonstrate that yoga doesn't have to be difficult or strenuous to be beneficial. "There is nobody who is too stiff, too challenged, or too anything to do yoga ... anyone can do yoga and benefit from it," says Dickman of the Kripalu style of yoga in her videos. She shares that Kripalu yoga encourages the participant to listen to his/her body and trust its wisdom. "Yoga focuses on what you can do, not on what you can't do. Though all have limitations, everyone can do some form of yoga. People are going to do it to different degrees and in their own manner." Throughout the tapes, she encourages participants to let go of judgments and comparisons, respect limitations, and to modify movements when necessary. Both of the tapes offer step-by-step instructions in Carol's soothing voice, but without the stereotypical chants, music, incense, and Eastern philosophy. No additional yoga blocks, supports, or paraphernalia are required. Poses are enjoyable but appropriately challenging as well, even when one must modify positions. In the afternoon, the seated stretches are a nice energizer, whereas the bedtop positions promote relaxation and more restful sleep at night. Other forms of exercise can lead to fatigue or soreness, but yoga leaves one feeling calm and renewed. Both of the tapes can promote reduced tension, pain, and stiffness, and increased flexibility from chronic conditions such as arthritis. These are excellent tapes to use at health/fitness facilities, senior centers, nursing and retirement communities, and rehabilitation hospitals. Likewise, these tapes could be used as a group class once a month for camaraderie, where the individuals could then use the tapes at home to continue the benefits.

Dickman currently teaches yoga as part of the cardiac health program at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. The relaxation and stress management benefits of yoga can help individuals who have had bypass surgery, or who have coronary artery disease, angina or high blood pressure. Persons with joint and muscle conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, MS, and fibromyalgia can reduce tension and improve muscle tone, flexibility, and stamina with yoga. The breathing exercises may help weakened lung muscles of individuals with post-polio syndrome, who may have been in iron lungs or developed asthma. Research also indicates that yoga improves creativity through clearer thinking, improves circulation, stimulates the immune system, decreases depression, alleviates insomnia and reduces headaches and other stress-related conditions.

Ms. Dickman has spent more than 35 years as a student of yoga and more than ten of those teaching it at organizations, corporations, hospitals, fitness centers, and to individuals. While teaching yoga to students at New York City's Jewish Guild for the Blind, Carol began audiotaping her lessons for students to do yoga when they were at home. All of her blind students had additional disabilities. To meet the needs of students with disabilities, she introduced the concept of turning traditional yoga exercises into lying or sitting poses. Both of the tapes are beneficial for wheelchair users, seniors, or anyone seeking a less strenuous workout. Seated Yoga (43 min.) offers simple warm-up stretches, breathing exercises, simple yoga postures, and relaxation from a seated position. Seated Yoga is designed for chair use, on the edge of a bed, while traveling, during office waits, or at your computer.

Bed Top Yoga (33 minutes) features simple stretches and yoga postures that can be done lying down. For website and address information, go to http://www.ncpad.org/674/2915/2002-10-01