If you have done yoga before, then you know it can be beneficial in relieving stress and tension. As a new mom, we need all of that we can get, right? But, did you know that yoga is also a great toning workout and that it is great for increasing flexibility? Yep, it sure is!

You basically can’t go wrong with a good yoga workout. It benefits you in a few different ways, providing you with some good R&R while strengthening your body.

As a new mom, it can be tricky to find time to get out to a yoga class, so we are bringing the yoga class to you! We are going to review the 3 best yoga DVDs for toning, which I personally own and have done many, many times. Let’s get started!

Yoga Sculpt – By: Kathy Smith

Kathy Smith has been doing workout DVDs for many years, so she is quite the workout pro. Her Yoga Sculpt DVD is one of my favorites. What makes this one of the best yoga DVDs for toning is that it offers both beginner and intermediate/advanced workout options. You also get a 30-minute bonus lower body toning workout included.

Her beginner workout lasts approximately 55 minutes, while the intermediate/advanced one is about 60 minutes long. The bonus lower body firming workout is 30 minutes long (including the warm-up and cool-down).

What I personally love about Kathy Smith’s workouts is that she isn’t over the top bubbly, which can be annoying to some. She guides you through each workout with ease and a calm manner.

Pros:

• Offers both beginner and intermediate/advanced workouts
• Explains each move well
• Great toning exercises
• Bonus lower body toning workout

Cons:

• Several ads in beginning menu
• Workouts lengthy (for a busy schedule)

Yoga Dance Fusion – By: Patricia Moreno

Patricia Moreno is no “newbie” as a fitness guru. She offers many years of fitness experience and it shows in her Yoga Dance Fusion DVD.

Why is the Yoga Dance Fusion DVD is added to our best yoga DVDs for toning list? Because it’s great for a busy new mom, of course. It offers a full-length yoga workout that runs for 50 minutes, as well as a more speedy workout that is 30 minutes long. As a nice added bonus, there is a 10-minute stretch session with Patricia too.

Why this DVD is called “Yoga Dance Fusion” is due to the fact that you are taken through a routine of yoga moves that flow almost like a dance. Once you learn all of the moves, which doesn’t take long as they aren’t overly difficult moves, you find that you don’t even look at the screen much, if at all, anymore.

Pros:

• Easy to follow flowing dance-like moves
• Great for a beginner or intermediate
• Both quick or more lengthy workout option
• Bonus 10-minute stretch

Cons:

• A bit repetitive (in both instructor speech and moves)
• Not really for advanced

Yoga Meltdown – By: Jillian Michaels

You may remember Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser show. If you know her, you know that she can be somewhat “hardcore” in her workouts, BUT she gets you results. Her yoga DVD, Yoga Meltdown, is a more challenging yoga workout, so more so for the intermediate-advanced levels.

In this DVD, you get two 30-minute workouts. The good thing about these workouts is that she has two women in each one; one that does the easier version of the moves, and one that does the more advanced.

Both workouts are somewhat unique due to the fact that Jillian incorporates movement within each movement before holding the move. So, you know you are getting a good workout in that short 30 minutes.

Pros:

• Very effective workouts
• Easier and more advanced move options in each
• Two workouts (level 1 and 2)
• Each workout only 30 minutes

Cons:

• May be too challenging/difficult for some
• If you prefer more traditional yoga (no movement added), this won’t be for you

Need a Yoga Mat?

If you are brand new to yoga, and need a yoga mat, I did some research and found this thicker (great if you have hard floors at home) yoga mat. Although I haven’t personally tried this one in particular, I found that it had a lot of great reviews and worked well for others.

P.S. It comes in a range of colors if you are not into pink!

Summary:

To summarize, if you are looking to get your body more toned, these 3 DVDs may just be what you are seeking. For me, they have been the best yoga DVDs for toning, and I have owned them for several years using them the most hands down.