Yoga for Beginners (Spiral-bound)

by Mark Ansari (Author), Liz Lark (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product 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

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 96 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (January 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062736485
• ISBN-13: 978-0062736482
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,202 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

  #25 in

  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Exercise & Fitness > Stretching

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

148 of 148 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best I've seen!, October 16, 2000

By	Kenneth Robinson (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I reviewed many yoga books before selecting this one. For starters, the binding is cleverly designed to allow you to keep it near your mat for a quick review of the posture.

The photos and descriptions of the postures are exceptionally clear. Variations on the postures are noted for those who have limited flexibility. The program of postures is well thought out and is excellent for beginners, and is rigorous enough for those who are serious about their practice.

One minor quibble--it would have been useful if the book contained information about the use of yoga props, such as straps, blocks and bolsters.

While yoga classes are great for learning different styles of yoga, and getting needed corrections and suggestions, I find this book to be the single best investment I have made in my yoga practice. Though I also use various yoga videos, this book is far superior to any of them.

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to yoga actually intended for beginners, April 29, 2002

By A Customer

I give this book 4 stars for its organization, simplicity, and attention to the needs of true beginners; I give it 3 stars for its yoga program.
This book's strength is that it is really intended for beginners. The layout of the book is easy to follow, and the focus is on the exercises, which are divided into two routines of different levels and which are actually doable. (No twisting legs behind heads here.) These routines take about 45 minutes from warm ups to relaxation if done at a brisk pace or about 1 hour if done with more resting in between asanas. The authors also give a basic and brief introduction to other aspects of the yogi life.
I am using this book as a complement to my introductory yoga class to improve my flexibility and strength to a point where I can begin a more intermediate level of yoga. The book works fairly well for that purpose, allowing me to focus on developing strength and improving flexibility in key areas for key poses. I would definitely recommend either taking a yoga class for a couple of weeks or working with someone who is more advanced in their yoga practice to see the poses in action, get feedback on posture, and hear other interpretations of the poses.
This leads me to what I feel are the book's weaknesses. The poses are adequately, even well, explained and photographed, but I find that the authors do not do as good of a job explaining how to come out of the asanas the safest way possible. (They do hint at this, but here a more experienced yoga person could help.) I find that my lower back is often stiff following workouts unless I switch the order of the last few poses, and I have to expand the warm ups and bring in cool down stretches from my class in order to prevent injury better.
Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to someone looking to get into yoga. I think that seniors especially may find this approach to yoga helpful, particularly with the recommended modifications. (Even less intimidating than this book is Yoga for Wimps, which modifies most, if not all, of the asanas; however, that book does not intend to prepare its followers to pursue more advanced levels of yoga. In contrast, Yoga for Beginners allows users to keep to its program or work towards a more difficult method.)

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for beginners, June 13, 2001

By	Rochelle "r_leanne" (California) - See all my reviews

I have bought several yoga tapes marked as "Beginner" only to get frustrated by how quickly they go from one pose/position to another without regard for the real beginners. I thought I would never learn the terms and poses - and would have to ditch my tapes.

This book saved me!!! It provided step by step guides to each pose - visually so that you can walk yourself through the steps to acheive the position. It's a great first step to learning the basics. With this foundation I am now ready to tune into the tapes I have purchased and truly experience yoga!!!