Power Yoga: Connect to the Core with Astanga Yoga [Paperback]

Liz Lark (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 2000

"An extremely clear and beautifully presented introduction to astanga yoga. I strongly recommend Liz Lark's book for anyone who wishes to practice astanga yoga, or anyone who is practicing already." (Ralph Fiennes, Actor)

Once a student of India's yoga masters, Liz Lark now shares her years of experience practicing and teaching astanga yoga, the yoga tradition behind the popular new Power Yoga. With step-by-step instruction and color photographs of each stage in the postures, readers can learn the art of this graceful and strong yoga at their own pace.

Power Yoga is written to be used on its own or in conjunction with class instruction. Each of the more than 45 poses includes the traditional and English names, the drishti (gaze point) and at least one modification of the pose. Benefits of each pose are supplied so the reader can personalize his or her routine. Instructions include cautions for beginners, and for those with limited flexibility or physical limitations.

A comprehensive primer on astanga yoga, Power Yoga includes:

• an introduction to all of the major yoga practices
• the 8 principles of astanga yoga
• the history of astanga yoga and its introduction to the West
• the elements of the full astanga practice
• the primary series: sun salutations, seated asanas, standing postures
• the finishing postures: the relaxation phase
• raising the bindu

Legendary for improving muscular, mental and emotional health, astanga yoga has become wildly popular in North America. Power Yoga is an expert introduction to the practice of this ancient physical art.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Lark is ... healthy looking, strong but without bulging muscles and firm skinned: an encouraging goal for the rest of us. -- Marilee Reyes, San Gabriel Newspaper Group, November 27, 2000

Terrific illustrations. -- Toronto Star, September 1, 2000

About the Author

Liz Lark is an experienced instructor of astanga yoga. She co-authored her previous book Yoga for Beginners, with Mark Ansari.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (September 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552095029
• ISBN-13: 978-1552095027
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,302,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Workout, August 12, 2000

By 

"kevinb61" (South Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Power Yoga: Connect to the Core with Astanga Yoga (Paperback)

I'm only a beginner at Yoga having toyed around with various books, videos and classes over the last 6 months. Astanga Vinyasa Yoga has everything else beat hands down. I originally took up yoga to increase my flexibility and balance for Jujitsu training but I find that the muscular toning is so good that I now no longer go to the gym (still do cardio work though). The other great advantages Yoga gives me is portability (I travel a fair bit) and a fantastic feeling of well-being. Although she often recommends supplemental instruction, Liz Lark's book has been everything I have needed to gain worth-while benefit from Astanga Yoga. For the most part, Liz's book is well illustrated and clear but is let down in a few minor areas by bad editting (hence the 4 vice 5 star rating-- wrong photos causing minor confusion). Still, a great book that's a pleasure to read.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent but with a caveat..., June 17, 2006

By 

Donovan Baldwin "lazy networker" (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Power Yoga: Connect to the Core with Astanga Yoga (Paperback)

The contents of this book are extensive, the pictures illustrate the basic aspects of the poses well, and the text goes beyond simply telling you to put your hand here and your foot there. However, a yoga beginner should probably spend some time learning some basics and becoming comfortable with yoga practice before leaping into this particular book. Yogis and yoginis with even a little experience will get much more out of this otherwise excellent book than a beginner will.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars power yoga: connect to the core with astanga yoga, February 7, 2002

By 

liza marie (canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Power Yoga: Connect to the Core with Astanga Yoga (Paperback)

This book is laid out very nicely, with easy to follow pictures. But I found it to be geared more toward intermediate to advanced yoga, would not recommend for beginners.