The American Yoga Association Beginner's Manual Fully Revised and Updated (Paperback)

by Alice Christensen (Author) "Yoga is a step-by-step process that brings health, self-awareness, and self-fulfillment..." (more)
Key Phrases: seconds bellows, completed pose, five niyamas, Baby Pose, Knee Squeeze, Seated Sun Pose (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product 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.

About the Author
Alice Christensen founded the American Yoga Association -- the first nonreligious, nonprofit, educational Yoga organization in the United States -- in 1968. She is the author of 20-Minute Yoga Workouts, The American Yoga Association's New Yoga Challenge, The American Yoga Association's Easy Does It Yoga, and Yoga of the Heart. She lives in Sarasota, Florida.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; Rev Upd edition (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743219414
• ISBN-13: 978-0743219419
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #68,578 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #92 in

  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Reference

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 119 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book kept me from learning yoga for a good time., June 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: American Yoga Association Beginner's Manual (Spiral-bound)

I thought it would be a great idea to get the basics from a national association, because I understood it would mean something more serious. This is not the case. It has a mystifying preface, in which the author tells us about the experience of waking up to see a column of light at the foot of her bed after which the word yoga sprang into her mind. The same old trip- to-India/finding-Guru new-age story. Lots of silly advices, like how to be nice to your body by talking to it. It does not provide an easy start to begin poses or sequences. It lists a sequence of poses which can't be understood by someone who hasn't practiced any yoga before, and only then begins teaching the poses themselves. I only began learning yoga when I bought the tape Living Yoga - Yoga Practice for Beginners (which focuses on practicing yoga, not personal beliefs). If you happen to have practiced yoga this book might be used as reference, since it does contain a lot of poses and pictures.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Pictures that Explain Everything, August 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: American Yoga Association Beginner's Manual (Spiral-bound)

This book is a great for anyone starting yoga..it guides you through everything:breathing, meditation, nutrition, exercise, and more elements of yoga. There are hundreds of different exercises to do, each with detailed, step-by-step pictures that explain the exercise. If you want to start yoga..THIS is the book to buy!

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just my observations...., July 25, 2002

By A Customer

-----------------

THE TOP 5 REASONS YOU MIGHT THINK THE AUTHOR IS A FLAKE:

5) The bright-light story!
4) She practically chants that "yoga is not a religion"...she mentions this at least twice, possibly three times.
3) The word "yoga" is capitalized throughout the book! Do most people capitalize the word "aerobics" in a sentence? I didn't think so...why yoga?
2) She states (p.17), "...do not be in a hurry to 'convert' family and friends to Yoga.". Ummm, good..I won't! Afterall, she said it wasn't a religion, right?
1) She states (p.16), "The fact is, no one knows where or when yoga began". What? Are we supposed to believe that yoga is infinite, like God? (woman, please!).

THE TOP 5 REASONS YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU BOUGHT THIS BOOK:

5) Under the title of each exercise, you will find a list of the body areas it targets.
4) Easy-to-understand instructions of the exercises.
3) Good tips under each set of instructions...these help to ensure correct breathing and form.
2) Good photos for visual guidance as to form and posture.
1) Yoga IS enjoyable and this book makes it easy to get started.

THE TOP REASON TO HAVE A FEW BOOKMARKS HANDY:

1) You'll want to bookmark the warm-up chapter and a few different pages of specific exercises that are out of order until you memorize the routine and know the poses well.