Power Yoga: The Total Strength and Flexibility Workout

As a previous reviewer said the Primary Series should not be learned solely through a book. This book does the best job of breaking down most of the difficult poses, offering great modification poses to help work a person into the pose that's part of the series. For instance the half bound lotus forward bend is by not means an easy pose (at least not for me). Bender offers beginner and intermediate modifications to help you work to the full version of the pose. She does this throughout the book giving the reader a chance to build up his/her endurence while he/she is learning the series. I used this book in conjunction with Julie Pegrum's "Ashtanga Yoga: The Complete Mind and Body Workout" Book. Together they are the next best thing to going to class. Overall, I have seen nothing better that helps a person learn the Primary Series, and at the same time, making finishing it semi-attainable.

This book is an excellent guide to astanga yoga. For beginers, or experienced practicioners.If you're looking for an exercise routine, you can't do better than this.Astanga yoga builds strength, flexiblity, stamina, discipline and mental quiet. It won't change your life overnight. But bit by bit as you start to feel healthier, and better about your body, the way you perceive the world changes as well. But everything comes very slowly, as it should.

This book is excellent. It really helped me to further my practice at home. It has a lot of helpful information. Now that I'm teaching Power Yoga, I recommend it to my students.

This book has changed my life. If you take the time to read her instructions, this book will teach you, step by step how to properly practice astanga yoga. Beware -- many of the positions are impossible to start off with, that's why she includes several work arounds for those not flexible enough to hold the positions yet. These workarounds are what prevent you from getting hurt and gradually teach your body to be able to do all the difficult positions.Since starting astanga, I am becoming as flexible as when I was a child and stronger than during my years of weight lifting. My running, posture and sleeping have also improved as has my sense of general well being.I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is almost as good as having a personal trainer with you as she walks you through every single position and transition between positions.

This book is a must have for anyone interested in realigning their body and overcoming injury. While most of us will never duplicate some of the more difficult poses, with practice - most of them can be achieved. The author makes it very clear that mastering this yoga work is not done quickly or easily. Do not buy this book if you are not willing to work hard. This book is geared mainly toward preventing and recovering from injury - realigning the body thru strength and stretch work. There is quite a bit of text dealing with injury and misalignment - explaining the benefits and process of healing. Also explained in great detail is the proper breathing technique for this practice. The breath is an important part of *heating up* the body. This heat enables the body to perform the stretch work safely. The only complaint I have about this book is that the picture labeling is difficult to follow. If the book is reprinted, this should be addressed.