Customer Reviews:
For beginners only.......2007-07-14
For true beginners, I'm sure this has value. For anyone who has been doing yoga, the Kabbalah, whatever, for years, this book is old news. Very few exercises are included, and it's too short to help anyone on a more advanced path, IMO.
Very Insightful.......2007-07-12
I really got a lot from reading this book. I helped me connect with, identify, and disperse the energies I had already been feeling.... It is great for those who have never heard of the chakras. I would definitely recommend this book to any mature reader.
Excellent "for beginners" book!.......2007-07-05
This book is simply excellent! It is written in an easy to understand language with some helpfull exercises and lot of notes that you can put in good use practicing yourself! I highly recommed it to any beginner or non-beginner that wishes to know a little bit more about Chakras, their balanced and unbalanced state, how to balance with trivial solutions (this solutions are so simple and plain that it is impossible to imagine that they actually work.. and let me tell that they work!). Short, Simple, and Rich in information is the best description of this Book!
Just the introduction I was looking for!.......2005-11-01
I have practiced yoga regularly for several years now, and this has led to an interest in exploring the chakras, the seven "energy centers" of the body. I was able to obtain some basic information online, but I wanted a book which would provide more details as well as exercises--hopefully incorporating yoga--which would focus on balancing the energy of the chakras. Happily, this book met my needs very well.
After offering an overview of the chakras and the importance of keeping them balance, author David Pond addresses each of the seven chakras individually. In particular, he describes both the balance and unbalanced perspectives of each chakra as well as offers several exercises both for connecting with that chakra and awakening the energy contained within. Some of the exercises do contain suggestions for yoga--i.e., performing tree pose to attain balance--but most of them are more meditative in nature.
In the second half of the book, Pond presents a selection of "Essays," which are basically short chapters (2-3 pages on average) about the relationship between the chakras and other issues, including the ego, vows, negative energy, visualization, and other similar topics. I found this section to be less helpful, as here, Pond's tendency towards new-age thinking (he is an astrologer by profession, after all) became a bit too much for my tastes. However, he concludes the book with additional exercises, meditations, and a chakra chart, all of which I found useful. All-in-all, this is a very nice introductory book about chakras which provides good basic information as well as easy-to-follow meditative exercises.
excellent introduction to chakras.......2005-06-21
I have read many books on chakras, and this one really stands out in its ability to relay concepts with Simplicity and Clarity, which renders them more accessible to most readers. His meditations are pleasant, and I hope he writes more of them for us in the future.
Thank you, David Pond.
Amazon.com
"No segment of our population can benefit more from yoga than people over 50," says author Suza Francina, Iyengar yoga instructor and director of the Ojai Yoga Center, where she specializes in classes for people over 50. The New Yoga for People over 50 shows how to adapt traditional postures to suit any age or fitness level with step-by-step instructions aimed at the older beginner. Photographs, quotes, and personal stories of yoga teachers and students--many in their 70s and older--add inspiration.
One key to modifying postures for older, stiffer bodies is the use of props that provide support to let the yoga student get into strenuous postures and hold them longer without pain or fatigue. The book illustrates how to adapt many postures with the aid of chairs, walls, wall ropes, bolsters, back-bending benches, and straps. Yoga decreases stiffness and inertia, and enhances health, energy, flexibility, posture, breathing, independence, and balance (physical and emotional). Francina explains how yoga may prevent the shortening and rounding of the spine and ward off osteoporosis. This book is an excellent companion to a yoga class or an inspiration to begin one. --Joan Price
Book Description
Many seniors are searching for ways to improve their quality of life and remain active as they enter midlife and later years. Nationwide, people are recognizing yoga for its ability to slow down and reverse the aging process. A complete health system, yoga not only restores vitality to the body, but also expands the mind and soul. Yoga transforms the years after 50 from a time of deterioration to one of increased perspective and illumination. In The New Yoga for People Over 50, readers will learn how the health of the spine and posture affect every sustem of the body, and how yoga positions and breathing exercises benefit the circulatory system, the heart and other vital organs, relieve menopausal symptoms, and remove stiffness and inertia from the body. In this comprehensive guide, Iyengar yoga expert Suza Francina describes and illustrates how to begin and maintain a yoga program through personal stories and over 100 easy-to-follow instructional photos of older teachers and students.
Customer Reviews:
Older people people doing incredible poses, Discouraging!.......2007-09-22
I thought it would be a beginner's guide but I guess the astounding photographs of older people doing incredible poses was meant to inspire. It didn't help me get started!
A book for all ages.......2007-07-30
This book would be helpful for anyone (of any age), it is very readable and understandable. Buy it and you (too) will be pleased
the best for elder yoga addicts.......2007-05-14
I loved this book for it's optimistic and practical attitude towards aging.
BEST yoga book for seniors.......2007-01-15
This body/mind turned 60 last year. I have been practicing yoga (off and on) since 1975 and have started a yoga and meditation teacher training program with the Aura Wellness Center. I have over 30 yoga books and feel "The New Yoga for People Over 50" is THE BEST yoga book for seniors; it is my yoga bible! Very inspiring stories of seniors into yoga with great pictures. AND very readable...the print isn't too small!
Clark Elliott
Santa Fe, NM
Response to Previous Review.......2006-03-23
After recently reading Amazon review by "More hype than hope", I would like to counter her negative opinion with a few positive thoughts on "The New Yoga for People Over 50" by Suza Francina.
I first read this book (and subsequently reviewed it) in 1999. My enthusiasm has not waned. This, to me, was and is the most common sense yoga book I have ever read.
Its purpose is to inform the reader about various issues affecting those over 50 and the ways yoga can help. It is a serious and helpful resource for older students and teachers who instruct seniors. The "success stories" (term used by reviewer) are meant to inspire and encourage and do not include any specifically by the author (to glorify herself as suggested by the reviewer).
Yoga classes are not "elitist" (term used by reviewer). They are commonplace in many locations and range from YMCA, gyms, senior centers, etc. Additionally, many yoga studios offer instruction for all ages and levels of ability, from beginner to advanced.
I still feel this book is an inspiration to learn and practice yoga. The models are real people, over 50, which in itself is an incentive. While some are longtime practitioners and famous teachers (like BKS Iyengar who wrote the foreward), many began yoga while in their 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. Perhaps someday "More hype" will meet Ms. Francina in person. She is an empowering teacher as well as a talented author.
Book Description
A unique hands-free, eye-level, step by step guide
- Beginner and intermediate programs
- Full range of sequences
- Breathing Exercises
- Meditation techniques
- Modified programs for those less able
Customer Reviews:
Helpful.......2007-09-20
Well put together and clear instructions. Don't know if I will ever get to the point of doing all those poses, but it has a nice range in the book. Shared with a yoga teacher and she loved it.
Excellent starting point.......2006-07-10
I found this book very helpful in my efforts to become a yogi. The spiral binding makes it easy to references as you practice your poses.
Very helpful and easy to follow instructions........2005-10-31
I looked at several books before purchasing this one. I was immediately impressed with the spiral binding which allows the book to be open next to you while you are learning the pose. The pictures are large and show multiple steps to reaching the pose. I also liked the "Take Care" instructions. I highly recommend this introduction to Yoga.
Clear Design........2005-01-17
This book has an excellent layout, intelligent design and great descriptions about the asanas and the specific benefits from each pose. I got this one for just 4 bucks on an Amazon sale and its much more worth than that. I'm just a beginner at Yoga and this book helped me get going!
Very Useful Book For Beginners.......2004-01-14
If you have no prior experience and want to jump right into a routine, this is the book for you. In fact, it serves that purpose better than any other yoga book I've seen so far. It's design is simple yet clever, and allows the user to study the instructions and accompanying photos of the various poses while simultaneously attempting them. The descriptions and illustrations are understandable and well-organized.
This is strictly a beginner's book, and that point is clearly stated in the title, but for that reason it is fairly limited in scope. The authors cover several important poses in great detail, but you may want to explore further and cross-reference with other books. Another that I'd recommend highly is called Hatha Yoga Illustrated, which I've also reviewed.
Overall, Yoga For Beginners is a great starting place for those looking to dive in head first. It will give you a good sense of the time needed to learn and perform a full routine. You'll be attempting your first poses literally within minutes of cracking the book open!
Book Description
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
Customer Reviews:
Yoga Journal's Yoga Basics : The Essential Beginner's Guide.......2001-05-03
The word "Essential" says it all in terms of the usefulness of this book. This is a must have for the person that wants to put the right foot forward in understanding and developing a personal Yoga practice, or for the individual that hopes to gain a better historical understanding of this ancient practice. In a concise fashion the reader will acquire the tools to develop an individual practice. The reader will also find answers in identifying an instructor and style of Yoga that is right for them. Clear photographs and detailed instructions round out this most excellent and "Essential" resource.
Just like the title says--Yoga Basics.......2000-10-17
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.
Very basic information with too much history........1999-06-11
The book covers the very basics of yoga. It is too long on history and people in the yoga movement, which is ok for those who want that stuff. I went away wanting much more from the book. It did not deliver what I had expected.
A clearly written book about yoga philosophy and practice........1999-03-30
This title is a handy resource book for practicing yoga, although the spine design makes it difficult to keep flat on the floor near your yoga mat. However, the posture photos and descriptions are easy to follow. The history and philosophy of yoga are written very accessibly, as are the approaches to meditation. I enjoy this book as a yoga student of 8 years, and am glad a yoga teacher recommended it. I keep signing it out at my library, but it's so handy and succinct I want to give it a permanent place on my bookshelf.
Book Description
OM Yoga in a Box-Basic Level, Contains everything you need to sustain an ongoing, varied home yoga practice:
—2 Compact Discs: Instructional CD with 70+ minute yoga class(This CD can be programmed into 4 shorter, targeted classes, including one especially for brand new beginners) —Flash cards, showing correct posture alignment and describing benefits. —A Yoga belt, to help with deep stretching. —A candle, incense and incense holder to help create sacred space.
Customer Reviews:
My favorite yoga workout.......2005-01-05
This may be my favorite yoga workout ever. Because it's a cd, and not a dvd, it may take some getting used to, especially for a total beginner. But it comes with a set of cards which show you the correct poses. What I like the best about it is that the cd lets you pick and choose the various sequences to create your own workout. You can just go through the entire workout, or you can pick from various workouts they suggest, or you can create your own. I like the instructor very much for the most part (she makes one comment about a "spinster aunt" which I find very offensive), and I find the level of difficulty perfect--not too hard, not too easy. Plus, since I can basically create the workout I want, I can modify it to be as difficult or as easy as I want it to be.
The Sound Of Strength.......2004-09-05
I really enjoyed using Cyndi Lee's Yoga practice!! The only draw back is I'm hearing impiared. So at first I sometimes did not hear Cyndi's voice as it dipped low, so I was unable to hear her voice. I also have Shiva Rea's Yoga Sanctuary, and am looking for other Audio CD's to alternate my practice.
Great Introduction to Yoga.......2004-08-31
Having never participated in yoga before, this box contains everything I need to get started. I find myself getting further and further into yoga every day.
I bought a yoga video years ago, but had a hard time following it. The C.D. and flash cards make the whole experience much more positive. Cyndi Lee has a calming and easy to follow voice on the C.D. Her cards are illustrated so that I can easily visualize the poses. If you are thinking about trying yoga for the first time, this is the way to go!
Serenity in a Box.......2004-01-26
"Yoga is a practice of awakening and connecting with all that is." ~Cyndi Lee
I can think of very few gifts that will actually change a person's life and this is one of them. Yoga can actually change your life. Yoga is so much more than a duplication of poses. While other exercise routines can make you feel a bit like a robot, yoga opens your inner world and as you complete the poses, you actually grow and change and become a person who is more aware of the world and yet the world influences you less. You start to connect with the deepest levels of your inner self and as you continue practicing yoga, you start to feel very good about the poses you have mastered. In this way, you also start to boost your self-esteem, all while being very aware of how you affect everyone in your world.
Cyndi Lee has a unique and very effective method of introducing you to yoga. She has a fun almost playful approach and I laughed out loud a number of times because of her witty humor. She is the director of the OM yoga center where she teaches hatha yoga. She has been teaching yoga for over 20 years, but her pictures look like she is ageless. Her beauty represents the deeply calming benefits of yoga. Her work has been featured in Shape, New York Magazine, Yoga Journal, Elle, Forbes, Newsweek and Self. She writes a regular column and lives in New York City. She travels to lead workshops and retreats in places like London, France, Italy and the Virgin Islands.
I wish I had found these boxed sets a long time ago. Each box contains everything you need for yoga practice besides a blanket and a yoga mat. I'd also like to recommend a soft blanket or comforter, a pillow and yoga blocks if you are just starting your practice. You can use the yoga blocks for some of the poses like triangle pose.
This box contains 2 Compact Discs, flash cards, a yoga belt (nice feature!), a candle, incense and an incense holder. The 2 Discs are in a durable little book with additional information.
The first CD is a 70 minute instructional CD that guides you through:
Warm Up
Sun Salutations
Standing Poses
Seated Poses
Backbending
Finishing Poses
Relaxation
When you open the box it is like an exotic experience. The Bodhi Sattva incense has permeated the entire box and everything has the scent of "celestial sandalwood."
Once you start the CD you soon realize that there is a method here. I had enough time to quickly place the cards out in order so I could see all the poses. This is very effective and unlike most yoga workouts on video, you can actually see the poses while you are doing them. A lot of yoga poses have you looking straight down at the ground, so it is great if you have cards placed out where you can see them.
Each flash card has information on both sides. When viewing all the cards from the top, it is easy to see the different colors of cards and separate the cards into sections. What I loved most about the cards is the names of the poses and the additional information on each card.
During the workout, you will learn the basic poses first and then put them into practice in the Sun Salutation section. On a "standing poses - sun salute card" you will find information on the "swan dive forward" with drawings and information on how this pose stretches the hamstrings and strengthens the legs and back. On the other side of the card, you will see Cyndi Lee illustrating the pose and see the words: Surya Namaskar. I found that these cards added a new depth to the yoga positions and loved learning all the added information most yoga workout videos don't ever discuss. This is a very authentic yoga workout.
The second CD is an amazing musical experience. This is music for when you want to experience the benefits of Yoga on your own without instruction.
OM Yoga is a well-organized system that provides a quiet sanctuary where you can regain physical strength and mental clarity. There is a emphasis on the breath and you can create your own practice sessions with the cards and CD.
There are 5 Suggested Practice Sessions:
OM Yoga Basic Level
Short Practice 1-3 (Three variations for added variety. Choose 35, 45 or 50 minutes.)
Very Short Practice - You can warm up and then relax
If you are already practicing yoga, you might want to buy this for yourself and some for gifts. This is truly serenity in a box! Also look for: OM Yoga Flash Cards: A 68-Card Deck with 32-Page Booklet. I really think you might enjoy both because I loved reading through the little booklet and seeing how the cards are used in each section. If there is a more perfect workout system, I haven't found it. This is just a beautiful healing gift for the body and soul.
~TheRebeccaReview.com
Great for beginners!.......2003-03-20
I really like the idea of a CD for beginning yoga - rather than a video tape/DVD. With a video, I tended to keep my eyes focused on the TV, but between the flash card photos and the audio, it's easy to follow along. And it is a better yoga experience. I would recommend this!
Book Description
The American Yoga Association has set the standard for Yoga instruction for more than thirty years. Its classic Beginner's Manual has sold close to 100,000 copies nationwide since its release in 1987. Now fully revised and updated with all new photographs and revised text, this essential step-by-step guide provides students with the information and guidance they need to learn Yoga safely and effectively.
Now that there are an estimated 18 million Yoga enthusiasts in the United States, this influential resource is poised to inspire a whole new generation of students to discover the myriad physical and spiritual benefits of practicing Yoga.
Customer Reviews:
This book is the answer to "Where do I start?".......2007-05-07
No need for 1000 words. If you are a beginner, or are starting after a long layoff, this is your book. Sensible, and a great focus on what yoga is all about.
Has Stood the Test of Time.......2006-08-28
I purchased this updated version after wearing out my 1987 edition that I had been using for 10+ years. The first thing that struck me is that it's not spiral-bound like it's predecessor, so unless you have the book open somewhere in the middle, you must have something to prop it open. The new book is a smaller format with smaller photos, which also makes it less appealing that the 87 version.
As far as the book, itself, it's a great way to learn yoga. There are 3 courses that are 10 weeks each. Each week, the routines change in small steps, so you build on what you previously learned After using the book for many years, I appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into the selection of exercises. They work well together, and the progression each week is just the right amount of difficulty. As far as the weekly subdivisions, I wouldn't pay too much attention to them. For some weekly routines, I spent months before going to the next week. If you see yoga as a lifelong endeavor, then there is really no reason to rush.
The routines are simple and straightforward. Go to page 25 and start the warm-up exercises. There's about 13 of them and they take about 5-10 minutes. Then go to page 43 and start with the exercises for course 1, week 1 (there are 9 of them). Next to each exercise is a page number. Turn to the page number and follow the directions for that exercise. When you are done, go back to page 43 and do the same for the next exercise. That's it. I've yet to see another yoga book make it this simple.
Poses.......2006-07-11
I started with this book years ago for my yoga practice. It still helps me to further my practice. An informative all purpose yoga book with clear detail instructions. A must for every yoga library.
For those who seek yoga as exercise (not a new worldview)..........2006-06-17
This book achieves what it sets out to do...introducing the beginner to yoga. It will slowly ease you into the practice of yoga. However, as many have noted, the author also offers new age advice which many will find "weird" at best. Her new age/self-help philosophies might offend the common sensibilities and/or religious beliefs of some. I ignore this stuff and stick to the lessons and that has worked very well for me. If you think this stuff might bother you, tear out the preface & the chapter about philosophies for life, then ignore the tidbits dispersed throughout the rest of the text & lessons plans (fairly easy to do). I've detailed out below the basic format of the book as well as areas where you'll be confronted with her worldview, as I know this may be a concern to some (Christians, in particular) who are considering yoga for exercise.
The lessons are divided into three courses. Within those courses you will find the weekly curriculum. Course One offers 10 weeks worth of curriculum with a maintenance routine, a fatigue-reducing routine and a menstrual cycle routine. At the end of the 10 weeks, you then move on to Course Two. Course Two has 10 more routines. As with Course One, you practice one each week for 10 weeks. Course Two also has a short routine for busy days and another maintenance routine. Course Three is divided like so:
Weeks 1 & 2: Emotional Stability Routine, Version I
Weeks 3 & 4: Emotional Stability Routine, Version II
Weeks 5 & 6: Full Emotional Stability Routine
Week 7: Full Emotional Stability Routine, focusing on specific spots (she recommends "talking to your body". I simply focus on "trouble spots" and try to be reflective.
Week 8: Experiment doing routines at different speeds
Week 9: Vary your alternate routine to include many asans you haven't practiced in awhile. Experiment with creating routines for yourself.
Week 10: She recommends the body talk exercise again. Whatever. I try to focus in on more difficult routines or areas of my body which need more work. She also offers a routine for practicing holding positions, which is not to be repeated two days in a row.
Course Three is where I felt she tried to push her philosophies a little more than some might be comfortable with. This involves talking to your body, which I found to be harmless, but absolutely absurd. If you do not subscribe to new age philosophies, you'll also want to avoid the "Philosophies for Life" chapter at the end of the book entirely as it filled with new age/adapted eastern philosophy. She may deny that yoga is a religion, but this section is the philosophy of a worldview that many would consider religious, if not at the very least in conflict with their own religious beliefs. It is definitely not for everyone - things like karma and reincarnation are addressed as truth. The author's beliefs are not amenable to those found in other religions (Christianity, Islam) and may be offensive to Christians, Muslims and others. I am a Christian (Catholic) and have no trouble ignoring her new age ramblings and self-help philosophies. Her beliefs will probably sound like self help/new age mumbo jumbo to those who consider themselves atheist or agnostic. White lights, ethical guidlines (which seem very much like a religious creed of sorts), etc.
However, it is easy enough to ignore it and adapt it to your own purposes while increasing your difficulty level and introducing yourself to some new challenges. After course three you should be able to create your own routines and will be ready to move on to bigger and better things. This book is a good start to yoga for exercise. I could have done without all of the new age philosophizing and personal ramblings of the author, which I tried to ignore as much as possible. She also refers to evolution, which may be annoying to some as it can be a touchy subject. Again, easily ignored (for me). Yet I wish none of it were there and she had simply stuck to yoga. I realize that yoga is more than exercise to her. The book is still a good starting place if you consider yoga as exercise alone and do not want to take up a new worldview.
There is also a yoga during pregnancy chapter with routines, yoga & sports with routines, yoga & stress management (a bit too much of her philosophies there, as you can imagine). Furthermore, the Yoga Techniques Classified by Type section at the end of the book is very helpful for creating your own routines.
Hope this review helps. Good luck!
Works well for people who need direction.......2004-11-25
I first bought this book many years back, and have used it on and off. Looking forward to purchasing the revised version. Also gave it to my father who was having problems getting motivated about any form of exercise, and he used it for years.
It is great if you don't have time to go to class, but need someone telling you exactly what to do (I am not motivated enough to just develop a series of poses for myself). The fact that it has multi-week classes in succession with pose variations is great for me. I find videos dull because it's the same thing over and over and they are ususally too slow once you've done it a few times and generally the voice/music combos are irritating. This way I put on my own music and go at my own pace.
I agree with other reviewers that it is best to avoid the flakiness and get on with the courses which are flake free, easy to follow and physically rewarding.
Average customer rating:
- for all yoga beginers
- Terrific resource
- Excellent Intro to Yoga & Yoga Zone
- Excellent for beginners...
- Excellent book!
|
Yoga Zone Introduction to Yoga: A Beginner's Guide to Health, Fitness, and Relaxation
Alan Finger , and
Al Bingham
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Exercise & Fitness
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Yoga
| Exercise & Fitness
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
New Age
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
| Astrology
| Chakras
| Channeling
| Divination
| Dreams
| General
| Goddesses
| Meditation
| Mental & Spiritual Healing
| Mysticism
| New Thought
| Reference
| Reincarnation
| Self-Help
| Theosophy
| Urantia
| Visionary Fiction
Hatha Yoga
| Hinduism
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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Yoga Zone Yoga for Life: An Intermediate Guide to Health, Fitness, and Relaxation
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Chakra Yoga: Balancing Energy for Physical, Spiritual, and Mental Well-being--includes a CD with guided meditations
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The Essential Yoga Sutra: Ancient Wisdom for Your Yoga
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Yoga for Beginners
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Yoga Zone - Introduction to Yoga (Beginners)
Accessories:
-
Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor
ASIN: 0609804057
Release Date: 2000-01-04 |
Book Description
Let the modern authority on yoga guide you on the most important journey you'll ever take.
As people search for inner peace amid increasingly hectic lives, the practice of yoga continues to gain popularity. Yoga means to yoke, or to bring together, the various aspects of the self -- body, mind, and spirit -- and while the physical and mental benefits of yoga are truly astounding, to many people the idea of yoga is intimidating. In fact, nothing could be easier than starting a yoga practice, and
Yoga Zone Introduction to Yoga is the perfect guide.
In the first section, Yoga Master Alan Finger offers a brief history of the different types of yoga and how they are practiced in the West, including an explanation of the ISHTA yoga that Alan created and that is taught at Yoga Zone. You'll learn about the benefits of yoga and how to prepare for a practice with different breathing exercises. Next Alan outlines two series of beginner postures, accompanying each pose with detailed instructions on how to achieve it, along with tips and modifications for various fitness levels. All the exercises are fully illustrated and the text is instructional yet friendly, in the tradition of a Yoga Zone studio class. Following the postures, there's a special section on relaxation and meditation, cornerstones of any yoga practice. Packed with personality and full of valuable information,
Yoga Zone Introduction to Yoga will introduce you to a life of unlimited possibilities and infinite joy.
Customer Reviews:
for all yoga beginers.......2003-10-07
Excellent book!! Teaches you how to do yoga from breathing exercises, warm up, strength building and so on, all the way through to relaxation. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in beginning yoga.
Terrific resource.......2001-11-11
I have enjoyed the benefits of yoga for several years, guided by excellent teachers. After moving to a new city, I found that I was ready to pass on some of what I know, by starting to teach. This book has been a terrific find -- reminding me to look with fresh eyes at things that I had once learned in class or in workshops which had since become "automatic". I found the writing, illustrations and photographs clear and useful, with enough detail to support good practice. The examples of "misaligned forms" are also wonderfully clear for the novice -- with a colleague or a mirror, an independent student could make good and safe progress. It is a valuable complement to the other books on my Yoga shelf.
Excellent Intro to Yoga & Yoga Zone.......2001-02-03
I am a rank beginner when it comes to yoga--I didn't even think about it until last year and just started taking classes this year (2001). This book provides a good introduction to Yoga Zone's brand of yoga--a mixture of three types: Hatha yoga (a physical form of yoga), Tantra yoga (a more philosophical form of yoga) and Ayurveda yoga (a healing form of yoga). The section on breath and breathing (an important part of yoga and life in general) is great and the descriptions and illustrations of the various postures are quite helpful (and take up the bulk of the book). Finger and Bingham have a very personable style of writing that makes it seem you are being spoken to, rather than reading a book.
Excellent for beginners..........2000-04-10
like me! Completely new to the yoga scene, I saw this listed in the "Editor's Picks" as one of the top yoga books and decided to buy it based solely on that. And I don't regret it. Alan Finger takes you not only on an informative and practical journey into the world of yoga, but a gently spiritual one as well.
The book is nice quality, with easy-to-read pages and beautifully illustrated poses. I like how he emphasizes substance over form i.e. you don't have to *look* perfect to have a perfect yoga practice. It's the approach and the inner work that goes with it that matters the most.
The form he teaches (ISHTA) is an amalgamation of different yoga "schools", developed by he and his father(a master yogi) and taught in their Yoga Zone studios. He gives a 20 min. practice and a 40 minute regimen, with the option to customize it later when you feel more adept and comfortable.
As for me, I already have all the poses for the 20 minute series marked in red, pages bookmarked, and I plan to get the video tape as well, to get even more benefit from seeing it in action. So, if you're a beginner like me, this seems like a great place to start and I highly recommend it. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll practice more of that "ujjayi pranayama" breathing... ;)
Excellent book!.......2000-04-06
This book was wonderful, easy to understand, and perfect for beginners as well as seasoned yogis and yoginis. As a yoga teacher, I find myself referring to this book while teaching my class. It's a great way to get yourself started in yoga, and keep you strong and flexible.
Book Description
With over 20 million practitioners in the U. S. alone, yoga is more popular than ever. For those interested in starting a practice of their own but hesitant about attending a class, Shiva Rea presents The Beginner's Guide to Yoga—the perfect introduction to hatha yoga. Complete with a 60-minute guided session with yoga basics and simple poses—plus a detailed study guide with instructional photographs—here is an easily accessible how-to program from one of the world's most respected yoga teachers.
Customer Reviews:
Great CD!.......2007-01-16
I use the Lunar yoga every evening before retiring. It is incredibly relaxing...especially the first 2 lunar tracks. I wasn't sure if I would like having yoga on a CD but am now glad I purchased it. I love simply listening to a soft voice and music (rather than having to watch a video) just before retiring. The beginner's series is easier than Yoga Sanctuary but both are excellent.
Book Description
From the leader in the field of yoga today, The Sivananda Yoga Centre, comes a long-awaited, essential beginner’s guide to this popular exercise. Everything students need to know to begin practicing at home is here, with easy-to-understand instructions and 200 illustrations—including a discussion of yoga’s five basic principles: exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and meditation. Start with basic, gentle stretches, and in eight sessions, learn the right (and wrong) ways to perform 12 main asanas: Easy Pose, Sun Salutation, Locust, Cobra, Bow, Plough, and more. The guide includes tips on how to lead a yogic lifestyle in terms of diet, stress relief, and positive thinking. Anyone, regardless of age or religion, can practice yoga and achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Book Description
Upholstery, curtains, linens, cushions, and pillows: these are all soft furnishings, and they offer the decorating novice an array of stylish and inexpensive options for making a home look great. From selecting the right material and figuring out costs to caring for each type, the information here shows how to make the most of these handy accessories. There’s an overview of fabrics, patterns, and styles, as well as a host of quick fixes and easy projects, such as beautiful pillowcases to sew and attractive window treatments to enhance individual spaces. A special section on solving furnishing problems deals with tricky areas and choosing items according to your lifestyle and budget.
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- Dr. Atkins' New Diet Cookbook
- Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year: A Guide to Health and Comfort Before and After Your Baby Is Born
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- Flotsam (Caldecott Medal Book)
- Focus on Health with Online Learning Center Bind-in Card
- Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal: An A - Z Guide to Safe and Healthy Eating
Books Index
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