Beginning Yoga (Paperback)

by Vijayendra Pratap (Author) "Lie supine, with feet comfortably apart and relaxed, hands at a comfortable distance along the sides of the body, with palms up and eyes closed..." (more)
Key Phrases: twist pose, posterior stretch, meditative pose, Lotus Pose, Stick Pose, Corpse Pose (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A manual of easy but fundamental poses, this text is designed to help beginners learn the essential postures and preliminary breathing practices of yoga.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (September 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804821046
• ISBN-13: 978-0804821049
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #375,678 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic Classical Yoga book written by a practicing Yogi, February 24, 1999

By A Customer

This book appears so simple, yet everytime I read it I find something new. It is the perfect companion for practicing. The format is excellent, the illustrations well done and the instructions are clear. 8 progressive practice plans in the back of the book include proper timing, correct sequences and drawings of each posture. Beginning breathing practices ( Pranayama ) and relaxation techniques are also included. Are you interested in practicing traditional Classical Yoga? Then begin with this book. Practice and have fun!!! Lauri

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, but gets results, May 6, 2004

By	Monica Jewett - See all my reviews

I bought this book on the advice of a friend who knows a fair amount about Yoga. Just to make sure, I compared it with other books on the shelves of a New Age bookstore. I saw dozens of books about Yoga, some big and lavishly illustrated coffee-table books, some detailed treatises with clinical/anatomical exegesis. There was even an "Idiot's guide" to Yoga.

This book was not only the simplest, but also the most authentic one, without a lot of hi-tech jargon, and with clear illustrations, and speaking from a true love of the tradition, exemplified by a photo of Patrap's distinguished teacher on the flyleaf, followed by the introductory quotation: "Let wellness and prosperity be bestowed upon you."

The book consists of individual descriptions of 27 poses, followed by a collection of several multi-pose "practise plans" geared to different levels of difficulty. There is also a glossary of Indian technical terms.

I have been doing the most beginner-level practise plan for about 6 months now off and on, and it always does make me feel much better. When I first began to do it, I had to look at the book a lot to remember what to do, but eventually I learned it by heart and it became much more fluid, so that it's easy and relaxing to do, and I really do feel like doing it when I need to relax and stretch out. But the benefits of this exercise go beyond just stretching out - there's something about the sequence of poses that not only stretches your muscles but also establishes good circulation and restores stressed-out nerves. The result is not quite as powerful as going swimming, but you can do it in your bedroom!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely terrific, March 25, 2002

By A Customer

I purchased this book two years ago to familiarize myself with Yoga. I could barely bend and had back problems. After six months my flexibility tripled and I was hooked. I now take classes. I've since purchased this book for many relatives and friends who have expressed a Yoga interest. I HIGHLY recommend this book.