Sivananda Companion to Yoga

To my mind Sivananda is the perfect type of yoga-- just the right mix of spirituality, workout, stretching and relaxation all in one. I always feel fantastic afterwards! So when I moved and couldn't find a class in my area, I really missed it. Tried Ashtanga--too many pushups! Iyengar...so much time on alignment and never broke a sweat! Gym yoga class...how do they even call this yoga? So I got this book, and it basically took me right back to the classes I used to take at the Sivananda center on 24th St., minus the chanting and a few of the variations. I use it all the time. The poses are explained well, especially if you have practiced them in a class before, with lots of diagrams and pictures and they include plenty of variations. The quick reference chart is great to remind you what order things go in or if you just want a quick half-hour session. Also good advice on diet and meditation and yoga in general. Definitely worth it for me...it's one exercise book I actually use!

This is the most well rounded and authentic book on yoga i have ever seen. The pictures in it are bright and lively. and the discriptions are short and to the point. it includes many handy variations and even a practice chart to keep your yoga practice continual. and unlike other yoga books this book includes not just the postures but the vital breathing and relaxation exercises along with a food guide. I was actually forced to buy it for the teacher training i'm going to and i'm more than glad i have it!

This is an excellent book on yoga. For years I've tried to get started with yoga but didn't know exactly how to do it. This book gives a step by step approach which serves as a guide as to how to get started. Not only are the physical positions described very well but also diet, meditation, and the spiritual aspects are treated admirably. I've read the book several times and am making good progress. I was so impressed with the book I bought a copy for my son, my daughter, and one for a friend. If this isn't the best book ever written on yoga, I'll be surprised. It is truly an inspirational book!

This Yoga companion is a wonderful guide for any beginner or inntermediate yoga lover. The book has a wonderful variety of poses, all of which are broken down into step by step instructions and accompanied by wonderful illustrations, pictures, and breathing instructions. This book also contains history, a diet section, and a recommended yoga schedule which is what I started on and like to follow. I use this book with my friends and we like it very much. It is a wonderful reference and I recommend it to everyone! Enjoy your yoga!

This is an excellent resource for learning & discovering Hatha Yoga. It covers everything from the histroy & philsophy of the Sivananda Yoga Center to warm-ups, basic & advanced postures, breathing, diet, cleansing, & purfication techniques. There are excellent illustrations & inspiring photographs of extremly talented instructors performing basic & advanced asanas (postures.) It also includes a detailed outline for learning the asanas & organaizing a practice routine. There are even sections which discuss routines for the young, elderly, & pregnent. Although nothing beats hands-on instruction, this book allows you to learn the fundamentals of Hatha Yoga in a clear, detailed manner. If you are lucky enough to have a good teacher, you'll find yourself going back to this wonderful book for review & inspiration.