Mastering the Secrets of Yoga Flow [Mass Market Paperback]

Doug Swenson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 2004

World renowned yoga instructor Doug Swenson introduces Sadhana Yoga, which connects traditional yoga postures with flowing movements to enhance the experience-an experience that will help yoga students relax and build their strength.

Utilizing movements similar to tai chi, Sadhana Yoga techniques connect the standard yoga postures-keeping the flow of positive energy circulating in an improved workout for fitness and relaxation.

Now yoga students can achieve peace of mind and spirit while toning their bodies, with a revolutionary new approach that can be used with any type of practice.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Doug Swenson began studying yoga with Dr. Ernest Wood, and has been teaching yoga classes, workshops, and teacher training courses since 1972. The author of several books on yoga and one on diet and nutrition, he teaches yoga workshops all over the world, to thousands of students each year. His list of clients includes actors Mariel Hemingway, Patrick Swayze, and Karen Allen.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade (January 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399529454
• ISBN-13: 978-0399529450
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #955,336 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a complete yoga how-to book, February 16, 2004

By 

shelby settles (silver spring, maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mastering the Secrets of Yoga Flow (Mass Market Paperback)

Doug Swenson's Mastering the Secrets of Yoga Flow is for you if you are interested in starting a home practice or if you are wanting to incorporate yoga into more aspects of your life. Part II offers detailed, yet easy to follow instructions for asana practice, and covers sequencing and linking the asanas with vinyasas. The vinyasas give the routine its unique flavor, since Swenson connects one asana to another through tai chi-type movements that work with the energy of the natural environment. The book encourages creativity, giving the yogi choices of asanas from which to choose in designing a safe practice. I loved Part III the most, though, for its discussion on meditation, diet, cross-training, and bringing yoga into your daily life. In a very non-judgmental manner, Swenson describes how to progress to a diet plan that is healthy and life-sustaining. I expect to refer back to the book for years to come.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging Book, February 12, 2004

By 

Ali DiMatteo (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mastering the Secrets of Yoga Flow (Mass Market Paperback)

Mastering the Secrets of Yoga Flow is an excellent book on a truly unique form of yoga personally developed by Doug Swenson. Doug's Sadhana Yoga is one of the most graceful and naturally flowing I have seen. Doug's experience with tai chi is very much evident, with beautifully flowing vinyasas concentrated on the movement of energy. Using the power of the breath and the strength and energy of nature he literally seems to flow like water. The book eagerly covers both soft and hard flowing asana and includes modifications and instructions with props, making it ideal for both beginners and those looking for a more sophisticated and meditative yoga style. Doug provides not only complete routines for beginner and advanced students, but includes in-depth sections on meditation, discussing breath, visual and sound exercises; nutrition; and life beyond the mat. I found the chapter on nutrition and the advocating of a raw food diet especially interesting. With our current culture of Atkins obsession, Doug's discussion of the importance of protein and carbohydrates in a balanced diet was refreshing. The chapter discusses a healthy attitude toward food, and includes meal plans for three levels of dieters. Mastering the Secrets is a wonderful book with a fabulous holistic approach to yoga. I highly recommend it not only for great instruction but for purely magical inspiration.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Yoga, March 30, 2005

By 

Healthy Dude "Healthy Dude" (FL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mastering the Secrets of Yoga Flow (Mass Market Paperback)

Mastering the Secrets of Yoga Flow is an excellent book that captures all of the components of yoga.

There are clear instructions and excellent photos for the postures, suggested routines for all levels, tips on nutrition, and guidelines for meditation.

My favorite feature of the book is the openness with which it is written. Doug encourages the yogi to be creative with their practice and offers modifications and sequencing to boot.

Check out his DVD of the same title; it helped me really understand the flow of the practice by watching his demonstrations.