Customer Reviews

Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I disagree very much with the 1-star pan of "reader from Los Angeles". I am a beginner. I have both John Scott's book and David Swenson's. Both are wonderful but different. While doing (or trying to do!) ashtanga, I usually have BOTH books open in front of me. Yes, Swenson's has spiral binding and therefore stays flat easier, but the binding on Scott's book was no match for me and easily cracked, allowing it to lie flat on the floor, too. The main reason I have Scott's book open is because for each asana, he illustrates each step to reach it. E.g., the very first asana has about 8 "steps", each requiring an inhale or exhale. All 8 are shown on the same two facing pages, so I can see each. Swenson's book does not have this. However, Swenson's book shows not only the ultimate pose, but also two or three variations for the "asana-challenged." Scott's book does not illustrate any variations, so this is a big plus for the Swenson book. Both are excellent for differing reasons. Make it a two-fer:) Namaste.

I like to think of this book as a cross between David Swenson's Ashtanga Practice Manual and Yoga Mala. Scott's book only cover's the primary series, while Swenson's book covers both the Primary and Intermediate Series. The big difference is the level of detail Scott offers with getting into and out of each pose. Swenson offers three to four variations of every posture displayed, while Scott only displays the "correct" version of each posture. While Swenson gives a great break down of each pose in the Sun Salutation A & B, Standing, Primary, Intermediate, and Finishing series, Scott gives explicit detail of how to get into and out of every pose. Swenson gives pictures (and pictures of modifications) of each pose in the Sun Salutation A & B, Standing, Primary, and Finishing series. Scott offers some philisophy and opening and closing prayers (similar but not as detailed as Yoga Mala). Scott also offers tremendous detail on sychronizing the breath with each movement. It is a more visual representation (but not quite as detailed version) of what a person would get reading Yoga Mala. In addition, Scott gives the Sanskrit count of each movement of the two Sun Salutation series.

Overall, Scott offers a tremendous break down of the Primary Series, each pose is explained in enough detail to allow an advanced practioner to appreciate the subtleties of linking breath and movement, while being easy enough for a beginner (along with attending regular classes with an instrutor) to read and gain a deeper understanding of the Primary Series. The opening and closing prayers are good too (and not found in Swenson's book). I would suggest using Swenson's book to see each pose and find a modified version (if necessary) that suites your skill level, while using Scott's book after you feel confident in your practice to go deeper into the Primary Series. Again, this book is a great way to gain further understanding of the Primary Series and would probably make a great teacher's aid.

John Scott goes into great detail to talk about yoga theory, especially the Ahstanga breath, and the internal locks used through the practice. It is the first book I have seen which explains the difficult vinyasa transitions is such a lucid manner, using full color photographs to illustrate each subtlety. Another outstanding feature is that John takes you through how to enter and exit each posture step by step, breath by breath. I have been doing Ashtanga yoga for five years, and this book has helped me greatly in my own practice and as a teacher. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to students of all levels. Thank you for this beautiful work John Scott!

I recently began taking Ashtanga Yoga classes and I firmly believe, after only a few sessions, that Ashtanga Yoga is Very Beneficial to the Body and the mind. After one session, your body begins to tighten-up. After two sessions, you feel Great!

I am only a beginner, but I intend to pursue this form of Yoga for the rest of my life. This form of Yoga makes you feel Wonderful and puts you in-tune with your body, very quickly. However, it is rather Complicated & this Instructional Book is Perfect for anyone involved in this practice. In fact, one of the students in my class brought the book and the teacher used the pictures for demonstration purposes. She is a Professional and she recommends this book.

The positions are all layed-out in-detail, via sketches and (mostly) Pictures. This is an elegant book and it is Very Reasonably priced!

I would strongly suggest taking a few classes to begin and learn the techniques properly, but this book will help you immensely in your studies ! If you cannot afford classes or you live in a small town, this book, in combination with a quick Search of the Web, for "Ashtanga Yoga" will get you going (just make-sure to read all the safety issues and proper practices, first).

Complete and admirable presentation of Ashtanga Yoga foundamentals and the whole first series.More so than the David Swenson book,stays true to the way PK Jois teaches the first series.John Scott is an amazing practitioner and a great teacher in his own right, and that shows clearly in this book.Highly recommended for all Ashtanga practitioners and for beginners that have a teacher.

If you like yoga to be more strenuous, this book may be for you. It shows a series of ashtanga exercises in words and pictures. The poses are so well explained that you won't need an instructor. Unfortunately, many are out of my reach, although I have been practicing yoga for two years. I simply pick out the ones I like and leave the rest for contortionists. But if you either start young or you have a background of gymnastics or ballet, this book will teach you ashtanga yoga at its best.

Unlike other forms of yoga, ashtanga includes flowing poses, a series of individual poses that are stringed together so that you flow from one into the other. Those are great exercises for developing balance, rhythm and strength.

The author places great emphasis on breathing and explains clearly how to breathe at each step. This is very useful and can be transferred to other yoga exercises as well. Another plus: The book focuses on physical exercise and does not go into nutrition or lifestyle.

After a long search (I looked at dozens of books) for practicing Ashtanga Yoga at home, I found this book which I think is the best of them all. I use this book as a supplement to my yoga classes. It is clearly written with very detailed photos showing the poses and the entire sequence of movement. Extremely easy to follow and therefore very encouraging! I highly recommend this book. It has helped me practice yoga at home.

I just bought this book about a week ago and so far am really enjoying it. I had taken an Ashtanga Yoga class 3 years ago and really enjoyed it, but then quit my practice. I've been looking for a good book/manual that shows the sequences, and this is the best one I've found. It's easy to read, and the photographs are very helpful. It also is very good in that it tells you the proper breathing techniques, i.e. when to inhale/exhale for each transition move. Great book for both the beginner and someone looking for a nice review of Ashtanga Yoga.

This book has been my companion since I began practicing Ashtanga Yoga. John's detailed and thorough description of the vinyasa and poses are extremely helpful both as a student and, now, as an Ashtanga teacher. I now use it as an occasional reference but remember when I would consult it almost daily in order to refine my practice. I highly recommend this text as one of the only "pure" Ashtanga books, ideally complimented by taking Ashtanga classes if you can. A++.

I highly recommend this book. It is absolutely wonderful. It demonstrates all the steps exactly, and helped me between weekly classes for beginners. The book made everything the instructor explained simple and clear, and the excellent photographs show the steps I forgot in the first classes. The book is helpful on many levels, and can help each person wherever they are in their Ashtanga Yoga practice. The explanations ring with clarity. What a wonderful gift John Scott has offered the yoga student.