Showing posts with label hatha yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hatha yoga. Show all posts

Lilias Yoga Gets Better with Age Review

Lilias Yoga Gets Better with Age
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Lilias! Yoga Gets Better With Age
By Lilias Folan
Rodale Books, July 2005
Reviewed by Sharon Steffensen
Yoga gets better with age--and so does Lilias. In her new book she shares what she has learned along the path since the early days of her TV show, Lilias! Yoga and You, which first aired on PBS in 1972. By the mid-1980s the series was airing daily nationwide. It is likely that for people age 40 and older, Lilias is the most well-known yoga teacher in the U.S., having introduced millions to yoga.
Because she is familiar to so many of us, we trust Lilias as an authority on yoga. In her book she has adapted yoga postures so they can be practiced safely by people of any age. In her easy manner, Lilias clears up misconceptions about yoga. (Even today, some people are afraid of yoga because of its Indian roots.) Lilias writes about the koshas (the sheaths, or subtle bodies) and explains how to connect with these deeper layers of the Self. Lilias discusses the spiritual benefits and gives techniques for healing our emotions, connecting with our wisdom and feeling our bliss.
Lilias has also developed some new movements, one of which she calls the "three R's" --resist, relax and restretch--that free up muscles and allow much greater movement than ever imagined possible. She describes her style as yin--defined as cool, calm, inward and focused (for stretching)--as opposed to a yang approach, which is heated and intense (for strength). Therefore, her book is geared toward people who are 40 and over as well as to younger people who are looking for a gentler, yet powerful, approach to yoga.
Lilias demonstrates all the poses in 200 full-color photos. She looks fabulous as always. Like her TV show, her book is friendly, down-to-earth and very likeable.

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Nothing softens the aging process like yoga! Now, the First Lady of Yoga shows how to add more flexibility, energy, and joy to your life--with her new method of "yin" stretching for the maturing body.As Americans in their 40s, 50s, and beyond search for ways to increase flexibility, diminish aches and pains, enhance well-being, and slow the aging process, the word is out: yoga does all this and more. But traditional yoga poses and stretches can be a problem for stiffer, less pliable bodies. That is why Lilias Folan--the most beloved and admired American yoga teacher ever--has created "yin" yoga, a specific, safe, and creative way to stretch and strengthen within each yoga posture. The technique, which cannot be found in other yoga works, is at the heart of this book. Some outstanding features include:o More than 200 photographs of Lilias demonstrating the yoga postures using her innovative techniqueso Lilias, in her trademark soothing and upbeat style, guiding readers along a spiritual path that leads to increased vitality and a higher Selfo Engaging stories of her life's journey from this internationally renowned yoga master and grandmotherWhatever you're looking for at this time of life--wisdom, serenity, meaning, energy, bliss, or simply to feel better--Lilias will show how a mindful practice of yogic principles can help you find it.

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Essential Yoga: An Illustrated Guide to Over 100 Yoga Poses and Meditations Review

Essential Yoga: An Illustrated Guide to Over 100 Yoga Poses and Meditations
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Essential Yoga is an excellent guide to the novice student looking to expand their yoga practice. This book covers the Pranayama (Breathing Ch.1), Asanas (Warm ups Ch.2 Poses Ch.3), Dhyana (Meditations Ch.4) and Vinyasas (Flowing Poses Ch. 5) as well as Recommend Sequences (Ch. 6 & 7). It omits other stages of yoga such as Yamas and Niyamas, Pratyahara, Dharana, and Samadhi which would give the beginner a fuller picture of yoga. However, the authors state this book is for "someone who wants to do yoga and not just read about it".
Overall, I really enjoyed the graphics, general appearance, and construction of the book. This one seems to be well built in its lay-flat format which is good when you find yourself on the mat. The choice of yellow header may be hard for some readers since it does not reflect strongly against the white pages. The red text and graphics do appear well but the text might be small for some readers.
There are some very good breathing exercises (Ch.1) for more advance students of yoga. Usually, advance techniques like these are introduced to the novice student after becoming well versed in poses and basic breathing techniques.
The Asanas (Ch.2 & 3) have nice graphics of the postures with modifications. I liked the Sanskrit Names under the English Names of the poses. The benefits of each pose are presented in the beginning but no warnings which should have been included. The descriptions for getting into the posture are minimal which is nice since you want the basics to spend more time doing them, which is fine for the more advance yoga practioner but beginners might feel somewhat lost.
The Meditations (Ch. 4) were wonderful. The explanations were fantastic and the descriptions were very solid. It really allows the reader to visualize and affirm the thoughts during the meditation. I really enjoyed them.
The Vinyasas (Ch. 5) are described very well and the artwork was clean and crisp. It is nice to see a yoga book include more than the basic Sun Salutation. However, the poses didn't have their page numbers next to them to help the user reference them which seems odd because later in the book they are there for the Chapters Yoga Sessions and Recommended Sequences. No big deal, but the omissions itself is quirky.
The Yoga Sessions and Recommended Sequences (Ch. 6 & 7) are basically designed for students that allow them to work on specific conditions, goals, such as athletic improvements or time constraints. The poses do have corresponding page numbers for quick reference if you are rusty on certain poses. Beginners might be discouraged by this since they would be flipping back and forth too many times.
Beginners should always find a good teacher to start learning yoga. This allows the teacher to answer questions and make adjustments for them to get the maximum benefit from their yoga practice, then progress to books, videos, and retreats as ways to supplement their yoga practice.
Bottom line, this book would make a nice addition to your yoga library and give you some nice inspiration to help expand your yoga practice.

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Yoga Teachers' Toolbox Review

Yoga Teachers' Toolbox
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I received my yoga teacher certification in '99 in Integrative Yoga Therapy with Joseph LePage. As part of our training, we are given a 300 page manual. While extremely comprehensive, it can be a bit daunting to use weekly in planning yoga classes. Joseph's Yoga Teachers' Toolbox is convenient, concise, yet thorough. Each "flashcard" explains which chakras are affected, how to teach the posture, excellent modifications with photos, and these flashcards are easily copied to be carried to class. I can't recommend this toolbox enough. No matter which teacher training you have completed, this will be an excellent resource for beginning and experienced teachers.

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Yoga in the Shambhava Tradition Review

Yoga in the Shambhava Tradition
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I am a practitioner of yoga for 22 years and I have been teaching for 20 years. I teach an eclectic blend of various styles of hatha yoga. Yoga n the Shambhava Tradition is an inspiring book both for those new to yoga as well as the very experienced. It introduces the true roots of yoga, spiritually, including meditation and breathing, derived from the lineage of Swami Muktananda. Although it includes the history of yoga, it is not religious, and can be used by people of all backgrounds. The directions are simple and concise. The models are of all body types. The book is colorful and inviting. It suggests various daily practices from the simplest routines, to the more involved, deeper practices for the more dedicated practitioners. The emphasis is spiritually based, using hatha yoga as a means of achieving peace of mind, a relaxed body, and a steady, focused mind.
I would recommend this book for all levels. Anyone who wishes to explore yoga for the first time, or anyone looking for new inspiration to spice up their practice can appreciate this book. It is a very sweet, fun, easy to follow, well laid out book.
Deborah DeVoursney
Certified Yoga Instructor
Yoga in the Shambhava Tradition

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Swami Omkari Devananda shares a compilation of teachings that have been part of The Shambhava School of Yoga for years. Shambhava hatha yoga is yoga from the heart, and this richly illuminated volume will bring inspiration to everyone, from the beginner to the hatha yoga teacher. With full color photographs and easy-to-understand instructions, Devananda shows students how to bring balance to their own practice.Each of the five chapters offers a different level of postures and presents poses, mediation exercises, breathing exercises and daily gratitude practices. There are also recommendations for beginners, practitioners, teachers and meditators, and those who are looking to remedy specific conditions. This book is a delight to the senses and has something to offer everyone who is drawn to yoga.

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Morning Yoga Workouts (Morning Workout Series) Review

Morning Yoga Workouts (Morning Workout Series)
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This will be a very useful book for me and for many others. The first two chapters provide a very succinct overview of the fundamentals and a detailed guide to good habits. My yoga library is fairly extensive and these two chapters provide more foundational guidance on more aspects in fewer pages than any book I can recall. Of course my short-term memory is not what it used to be! But even if there are other yoga books with this much guidance in such a short read, providing it in a book primarily aimed at the fitness market is fabulous, and you will find it to be clear and useful.
That the breath is fundamental to my experience of yoga is without question. That a morning practice (adapted to my time and ability) is not to be missed is also without question. These are now part of my enjoyment of life.
I should disclose that I have studied with Zack for nearly five years, so I am pre-disposed to write a positive review. I have also studied with Leslie Kaminoff, Mark Whitwell, Kausthub Desikachar, and T.K.V. Desikachar; and have read all their books and many others. And am currently enrolled in Gary and Mirka Kraftsow's teacher training program. I have read lots of yoga books.
Showing asana practice routines of three intensities and three time lengths is very useful. It addresses the principal obstacles to getting a home practice started - ability and time. Of course these two obstacles are issues of perception, but who knows that until we start to break the obstacles down. I bet this book will help more than a few people break them down! Thank goodness that in fact we all have all the time and ability we need, and that there are books like this and people like Zack, that are helping others to experience this truism. Life is good!

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A yoga routine to fit every morning schedule! You know that exercising in the morning is the best way to maintain a regular exercise schedule, manage weight, and energize your day. Morning Yoga Workouts makes it easy to find a way no matter how you sleep, what your energy level is, and how much time you have to spare.

Nine workouts include light, moderate, and intense sessions that last for 15 to 20 minutes, 30 to 40 minutes, and 50 to 60 minutes at home or in a studio. Poses include an in-depth exploration of the sun salutations and the full range of yoga asana and breathing techniques, which appeal to all levels of yoga experience, for building strength and flexibility, improving postural alignment, and stabilizing the inner core.

Warm-up routines are included so you can use your yoga practice to prepare for other activities, and visualization and meditation mantras improve the mind-body connection. Nutrition advice helps you balance eating and hydration with energy upon waking, and tips to improve your environment make workouts even more effective and enjoyable. With Morning Yoga Workouts, you will never tire of your morning routine again.

Morning Yoga Workouts is part of the Morning Workout series, books designed to help you get in tune with both mind and body, stay motivated, and improve your morning exercise experience.




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Basic Yoga for Everybody: 84 Cards with Accompanying Handbook Review

Basic Yoga for Everybody: 84 Cards with Accompanying Handbook
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What a great idea! So, I bought the cards and opened the nicely marketed package to find hard to understand illustrations and non-descript type. This product could be helpful for the ultimate beginner, but I would not even recommend it for them. I was very disappointed with the content of the cards and the intangibility of the text. What was the purpose and where is the teaching?

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Full-Body Flexibility Review

Full-Body Flexibility
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I have been looking for a good stretching/yoga book, and came across Full-Body Flexibility and was reading the reviews. I have actually seen Jay speak in person, and so I was compelled to buy it. I was not surprised by the positive reviews, but was very surprised by the negative one because I thought Jay had a lot of interesting things to say about stretching and flexibility in the lecture he presented. I am a personal trainer, and enjoy Jay's approach and philosphies because he keeps things simple and straight-forward. I bought the book, and was very satisfied and impressed, and am baffled by the negative review. The pictures are clear, the instructions are simple, and the entire concept of active or "unassisted" stretching is VERY unique and not found in most books. In addition, Jay's book has great stretching routines at the end that I have found very useful and so have my clients. I have used the routines many times since I bought the book. I have seen Jay speak in person. He is not just a marketer. He is a renowned Trainers with an extensive background in exercise and health education. In fact, he has provided me with useful training information over the years that is often better than the PhDs in the same field. Jay has been a trend-setter in the health club fitness industry for years, and continually clarifies, simplifies and organizes what is often complex information into easy to understand and use exercise protocol that I use every day in my exercise routines with my clients and students. I am not sure what that particular reviewer was looking for in a stretch book, and maybe he never read the the opening section of the book (where much of the interesting information is presented), but I think it is a great book. Easy to read. Clear organized pictures. A variety of stretches. Routines I can use. Not a clinical text book, but not an artsy-fartsy picture book either. Well done...

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Yoga Over 50 Review

Yoga Over 50
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This book is filled with pretty pictures of seniors doing easy to difficult postures. No attempt is made to discuss the precautions anyone, but especially older people should take in practicing yoga, and I would definately not recommend it for an older beginner, especially anyone with injuries. A far better book is The New Yoga for People Over 50, Suza Francina, which discusses the changes that take place as we age, and shows many asanas with appropriate use of props and modifizations for safety, and which are suitable/unsuitable for injuries, high blood pressure -- a much, much better book.

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TEN MINUTES A DAY CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE As our bodies begin to show the signs of daily wear and tear, and workout programs which once seemed effective no longer meet our changing needs, yoga can be the ideal exercise. Low impact and non-competitive, invigorating rather than exhausting, and with an emphasis on keeping the body supple and the mind relaxed and focused, the ancient discipline of yoga can be practiced at any time of life. The programs in Yoga Over 50 feature: * Step-by-step descriptions of yoga positions for active and resting poses * Programs suited to varying degrees of fitness, experience, and flexibility * Exercises to relieve specific problems, including headache, stiffness, and insomnia Whether you're looking for an alternative to more strenuous exercise, or a gentle yet efficient way to stay fit, Yoga Over 50 will enable you to reach new levels of physical vitality and mental clarity.

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Yoga for Real People: A Year of Classes Review

Yoga for Real People: A Year of Classes
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This book was recommended to me by my yoga teacher. But now, I feel as though I have TWO yoga teachers! As I read the book and do the postures I feel as though Jan Baker is right with me, guiding me through each step. And I love her meditations at the end of each lesson. I've been a follower of yoga for many years and have read numerous books on the subject...but never one that encompassed every aspect of yoga. Ms Baker's book is extremely precise. I love the way it's written...as thought it's just for me alone. It's a book that will benefit beginners...all the way up to yoga teachers (like mine)!

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For anyone intimidated by crowded yoga classes, complicated textbooks, headstands, or simply touching their toes, Yoga for Real People offers a year of classes that progress from beginning to intermediate to advanced levels of practice. A down-to-earth guide for yoga teachers and students alike, this book is illustrated throughout with more than 160 photographs correctly demonstrating 100 poses. Each lesson begins with a discussion of an important yogic concept, before presenting a posture to build flexibility and strength, followed by a meditation to inspire mental relaxation and spiritual growth. As students build a routine, they learn to first "do" the postures, then "experience" the postures, and finally "become" the postures. The appendix includes a complete list of the postures along with a helpful summary of the benefits. Jan Baker's gentle and encouraging style teaches readers how to listen to their bodies, how to stretch without strain, and, most of all, how to find joy in all things. As she writes in the introduction, "If you want to live longer, be healthier, more peaceful - yoga has the answer. How long does it take to accomplish this? That's up to you."

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The Little Yoga Book Review

The Little Yoga Book
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I'm taking my first yoga class next week after reading this book!! The author's personal account of using yoga to improve her health is inspiring. What prompted me to explore yoga myself though was her explanation of how it can benefit others, plus her down to earth approach to yoga. She has easy to understand descriptions and depictions of poses and breathing exercises. She also emphasizes that yoga is an activity that can be beneficial upon first attempts but is even more useful if one is patient and practices over time.

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One-of-a-kind book which explains 50 yoga poses in easy-to-follow terms with 250 helpful illustrations.

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Yoga (101 Essential Tips) Review

Yoga (101 Essential Tips)
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I was introduced to Sivananda Yoga in May 06 by my Shiatsu masseuse. I had several sessions of Shiatsu for back pain relief. However, a few days after the session the pain returned. My masseuse told me that if I practiced Sivananda Yoga once a day it would significantly reduce my back pain. She covered the basic asanas with me in two sessions. I ordered "The Sivananda Companion to Yoga..." and "Yoga 101 Essential Tips". I began performing the asanas on my own using both books as my guide. They are easy to read and fully explain the asanas.
"The Sivananda Companion to Yoga..." is more detailed. It gives a great (but brief) history of Yoga along with breathing, meditation, diet info. and health benefits (in detail using photos). My favorite part of this book is the chart for 30m or 90m sessions and also additional asanas as my routine advances. I use this book when I have more time to experiment with new asanas or as a reference.
"Yoga 101 Essential Tips" covers every basic asana and briefly touchs on diet, meditation, etc. I use this book daily because it covers a complete session.
I am a newby at yoga and highly recommend both books. As a result of doing yoga from them for approximately 3-4 weeks my body feels great, my back pain is relieved and I have either toned or lost inches around the abdomen and thighs which has always been difficult for me. My sugar cravings have decreased (once a daily user of Coca Cola and Haribo Gummies) and coffee is not desired. I am also working on a better diet from recommendations in the book.
Good Luck!


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Breaks down key information on yoga into 101 easy-to-grasp tips and gives quick answers to all your questions.

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Yoga Body, Buddha Mind Review

Yoga Body, Buddha Mind
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As a (semi-serious) practitioner of both yoga and Buddhism, I have for some time wondered about the connections between the two. I feel that there is some connection, but it is hard to know what it is. Neither my Buddhism classes or my yoga classes make any reference to the other, and they almost seem to be competing philosophies at times. Unfortunately the book, although not bad, was a bit of a disappointment.
This was an enjoyable, somewhat rambling discussion that seemed more like a relaxed lecture than a serious monograph. As someone who is a highly regarded yoga teacher and who runs a successful yoga center (one of the most popular in New York from what I can tell, along with Yoga Works and Jivamukti), she clearly knows about yoga. But her knowledge as expressed in this book, although not superficial, does not seem very extensive. In the realm of Buddhism, she is not an experienced teacher or scholar. She makes a few references to things that some yoga teachers have said, but her knowledge does not seem particularly broad. The book is basically structured like a casual talk, interspersed with photos and descriptions of ashtanga asanas. Now so far as that goes, it is not bad, but it is the kind of thing I would rather watch or listen to than read about.
The key question for me is whether the book began to answer my questions and add to my knowledge of the intersection(s) of yoga and Buddhism. In that regard, I must tip my cap to Cyndi Lee and thank her. She does begin to touch on some things, but not nearly to the extent that the title suggests. She may have done some damage to her cause with this overly ambitious title, which implies that she will explain the hows and whys of the linkage of yoga exercise and Buddhist thinking. In fact, she goes on primarily about yoga, and makes the occasional reference to Buddhism. However, some of her comments are illuminating, and helped me to understand why I often experience something similar when I meditate and when I do yoga.
Yoga connects us to the earth, to the universe, to our own physical experience thru breathing and movement. Things are always in flux and life moves to the same rhythms that our breath does. Unlike other forms of exercise, yoga is built around the breath, and this begins to connect us to our minds and to nature as well. When the mind and body are in synch, then we are more in tune with all life, and we are in a position to grow spiritually, as well as become healthier. Yoga grew out of the Hindu (altho Lee says it is separate from Hinduism) Sankhya philosophy, which came along around 200 CE and proposed a dual level of existence: purusha (which basically means spirit) and prakriti (matter). I am a little unclear where the mind fits into it, but yoga means union, and it is an effort to join the two - body and mind, matter and spirit. I am also a little uncertain as to where the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali comes into the picture, since that was another huge point of origin for yoga. Oh well, I guess I will have to learn some more about it. Lee's book is a good starting point for further explorations, and she has a nice yoga center, too. I respect her willingness to take on such a big subject and attempt to popularize it.

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In Yoga Body, Buddha Mind-the first book to give readers the best of both inextricably linked practices-Cyndi Lee shares her twenty years of experience as a practicing Tibetan Buddhist and one of the country's most famous yoga instructors. This easy-to-use guide shows readers of all yoga levels how to combine the basic tenets of Buddhism and meditation with yoga practice. Her book offers simple meditations and exercise sequences that can be done just about anywhere, in addition to more advanced and rigorous regimens. Written in the same personal, comfortable, and charismatic style that Cyndi Lee has brought to her classes, Yoga Body, Buddha Mind is a comprehensive how-to guide for the ultimate enlightening experience.

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Big Yoga: A Simple Guide for Bigger Bodies Review

Big Yoga: A Simple Guide for Bigger Bodies
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I waited for months for this book, and it was worth the wait. As a large-bodied yoga instructor who teaches people of all abilities, I find BIG Yoga an invaluable resource. I have recommended it to Chair Yoga and large-bodied students, and will be recommending it to the yoga teachers who attend the "Yoga for Larger Bodies" workshop I facilitate. Simple instructions, props and helpful suggestions make the practice of yoga accessible to everyone from beginners to advanced students, and do-it-home practitioners. Thank you Meera for your part in making yoga accessible to everyone.

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Yoga Journal's Yoga Basics: The Essential Beginner's Guide to Yoga For a Lifetime of Health and Fitness Review

Yoga Journal's Yoga Basics: The Essential Beginner's Guide to Yoga For a Lifetime of Health and Fitness
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This book is a competent introduction to yoga. Contrary to one reviewer, the section on yoga philosophy is short and to the point.
The section on yoga teachers and styles can be very useful in helping to decide what yoga style you might wish to explore.
The section (the bulk of the book) on yoga postures is adequate but unexceptional. The descriptions are ok, but the photos are small and not especially clear. No variations are shown for advanced practicioners or for those with limited flexibility.
There is a brief description of yoga props, but no information on how to incorporate them into your practice.
The section on sample yoga routines is mediocre.
This book is best as an inexpensive supplement to a good yoga class or video tape. The best beginners yoga book I've seen is "Yoga for Beginners" by Mark Ansari and Liz Lark.

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Welcome to the world of yoga.Yoga Journal's Yoga Basics offers the first truly comprehensive introduction to the practice of this popular ancient healing art. Produced by a teacher of yoga for over 25 years and the editors of Yoga Journal, it offers all the inspiration and instruction you'll need to develop your own at-home yoga practice. Beginning with an exploration of the roots of yoga, the book goes on to describe a variety of hatha yoga styles-- Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and others-- so you can choose the method that's appropriate for you. Featuring easy-to-follow instructions and 140 black-and-white photographs to illustrate the postures, Yoga Basics provides a thorough understanding not only of the mechanics of technique but of all the important elements that make yoga so much more than a fitness regime. In this unique book you'll find:* Tips on the use of the breath in yoga practice and breath awareness exercises* Guidelines for regular practice, including health and safety considerations* Dozens of illustrated postures-- standing, seated, supine, and prone-- with their benefits described* Sample Yoga routines that can be done in as little as 15 minutes per day* Instruction on the practice and power of meditation

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Structural Yoga Therapy: Adapting to the Individual Review

Structural Yoga Therapy: Adapting to the Individual
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I've looked at many books about yoga for various physical needs, and this is the most knowledgable and comprehensive book I've seen. Reading Peg2's comments, I can see what she means about photos. They would have been nice, or at least drawings of the postures in various phases, but in my mind this "inadequacy" is greatly overshadowed by other aspects of this book. Charts and comprehensive details about muscles need to be strengthened or stretched. There is a great deal of information about body structure, and the reader is guided through an analysis of their own posture problems. I have suspected that my shoulder, back, and knee problems were related to each other in some way. This book confirmed it. I have been doing recommended postures for a few weeks and am seeing real progress. I feel like I'm equipped to go into a yoga class and modify or substitute postures for to meet the needs of my body. The author has a physical therapy degree and well as yoga training and his knowledge level is very apparent in this book. I can't recommend it enough! This information is not available anywhere else that I know about, in this beautifully organized, accessible way.

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Structural Yoga Therapy has been written for teachers and serious practitioners who want to use yoga to bring complete balance to the body. Mukunda Stiles begins by providing a comprehensive overview of the spiritual philosophy of yoga, and its many branches. He discusses everything that a beginning student needs to consider when choosing a practice, including how to find a yoga teacher. He also shares his solid understanding of anatomy and kinesiology (how specific muscles and bones react during movement) so that you can understand how each asana affects your body. Structural Yoga Therapy "TM" involves a series of 24 asanas. You'll learn "body-reading" to determine what your posture reveals about muscular imbalances. You'll find out about joint mobility and muscle strength and learn how to work with a series of joint-freeing exercises to strengthen muscles. Once you are fully acquainted with your individual needs, Stiles teaches you how to synthesize a personalized program from the 24 Structural Yoga asanas to optimize health and healing. This valuable textbook is also useful for anyone working in physical therapy, myofascial release techniques, or other forms of massage.

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The Woman's Yoga Book: Asana and Pranayama for All Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Review

The Woman's Yoga Book: Asana and Pranayama for All Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
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The Woman's Yoga Book: Asana and Pranayama for All Phases of the Menstrual Cycle is a book that every woman will want to own. With detailed illustrations, excellent guidelines and practices for any type of reproductive issue, author Bobby Clennell has written THE book that works directly with your cycle. Clennell is a senior Iyengar instructor who has studied directly with the Iyengars, most notably, Geeta Iyengar, who writes the forward to this book. Iyengar has written her own book for women, Yoga - A Gem For Women, and although that is a very useful book, I have found Clennell's book to be more user friendly.
There is an intro with discussion on how menstruation has been viewed over the years by each culture as well as the physical dynamics. The illustrations are really nice - there are variations of poses and in some cases, she shows how to come in and out of each pose. Every picture is clear and easy to understand. Instructions are concise - Clennell makes even the most complicated poses simple to comprehend. Any possible discomfort that you may have during your cycle is covered along with a suggested routine. There are practices for mood swings, breast tenderness, fatigue, migraines and more. And best of all, these routines do work!
Sadly, there is not a lot of information on perimenopause or menopause - but I guess since this is a book about menstruation, I shouldn't expect it. Perhaps Clennell could address these issues in a future book? After using The Woman's Yoga Book with great success, one can only hope!

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In The Woman's Yoga Book, senior Iyengar Yoga teacher Bobby Clennell offers a comprehensive program of asana (yoga poses) and pranayama (breathing techniques) designed to support menstrual health from menarche to menopause, along with nutritional and lifestyle information for those times off the yoga mat. With over 30 years of teaching experience, she encourages women to draw on the strength that comes from practicing women's yoga. A former professional animator, Bobby Clennell has used her skill in rendering 735 illustrations that teach right along with her text.

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Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan Review

Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan
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About a month ago, I found this book in our bookcase at home. My mom had bought it years ago, after her doctor recommended it to her. It is the old version with beautiful photographs. Just yesterday, I finished the program after following it for the past 28 days. I'm a dancer, and so am pretty flexible, but I was amazed to find that I've become more flexible, and that my back, with which I've had trouble in the past, has become stronger, more flexible, and does not bother me any longer (I used to go to bed almost every night with an ache in my lower back). This book is amazing. The instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow, as they are accompanied by photographs illustrating each part of the asanas. Richard has created a Yoga system which enables anyone to incorporate yoga in their lives. Each day, new asanas are learned, and more advanced positions of previous ones are suggested, allowing anyone to progress at their own pace. Each day's practice is followed by the "Thoughts for the Day," which discuss different aspects of everyday life, such as eating, sleep, stress, etc... and how yoga and yoga philosophy can help one better their lifestyle.This book has trully changed my life and the way I see it. I have become more in touch with my body and my mind. This book is exceptional. I cannot thank Richard Hittleman enough. Since I've started the program, I've been researching yoga, and reading everything on it I can get my hands on. If any of you out there have any recommendations for books, videos, equipment, web sites, anything having to do with yoga, and advice, I would love to hear from you. Thanks-

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This short time is all it takes to master the 38 simple exercises in this book. You will quickly grasp the ancient Yoga secrets of breathing, concentration, nutrition and muscle control -- in just minutes of your spare time and without any discomfort. Day by day you will notice astonishing results -- loss of weight, greater firmness, more energy, relief from pain, freedom from stress and an overall feeling of youthfulness and well-being. This Yoga regimen will become a lifetime program to keep your whole organism radiant with a natural beauty and health.This Yoga regimen will become a lifetime program to keep your whole organsim radiant with natural beauty and health!

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