The American Yoga Association's Beginner's Manual

I first bought this book many years back, and have used it on and off. Looking forward to purchasing the revised version. Also gave it to my father who was having problems getting motivated about any form of exercise, and he used it for years. It is great if you don't have time to go to class, but need someone telling you exactly what to do (I am not motivated enough to just develop a series of poses for myself). The fact that it has multi-week classes in succession with pose variations is great for me. I find videos dull because it's the same thing over and over and they are ususally too slow once you've done it a few times and generally the voice/music combos are irritating. This way I put on my own music and go at my own pace. I agree with other reviewers that it is best to avoid the flakiness and get on with the courses which are flake free, easy to follow and physically rewarding.

I have found this book helpful for many years, and have ordered copies for family and friends who are interested in yoga as a health and fitness practice. A stroke survivor myself (some 20 years ago), I find yoga a great aid in staying alive and functional!To be perfectly honest, the author's short little intro story in the beginning is a tad too new agey for most who don't want to do yoga from a spiritual position, but would benefit greatly from a health position -- don't let that turn you off! Do what I did (and what I recommend to people I'm giving this to) -- read it once, say, "hmmm" and then get on with the program. Christensen has laid out a wonderful program starting with daily stretches (you can do these even if you can't do the individual exercises, or asans, every day) and then offering a week by week series of exercises to help you advance through -- or stay where you are comfortable.She also has special programs for pregnancy and other times when you can't go full tilt. Easy directions, clear photographs that truly help you know what you should be doing, breathing exercises. Excellent for the beginner or person who (like me) slips off and on the yoga and exercise path.

I knew nothing about yoga when I ordered this book. The exercises are clearly written, the instructions are excellent, and the photographs are very clear. I especially appreciate her philosophy about practicing 5 minutes a day is better than nothing at all. So I practice 5 minutes a day using this book, and my flexibility has improved noticeably. There is also a section on runner's stretches that is great for us older runners.

I love this book. I keep going back to it. I improved my flexibility, strength, sleep, pain and stress levels by following the courses in this book. The book is divided into three courses, and each course takes about 8 weeks, depending on your ability. You move from very simple moves to more complicated ones. Each weeks set of exercises includes warm-ups, asanas, breathing and meditation. Thank you Alice!

This book is a great for anyone starting yoga..it guides you through everything:breathing, meditation, nutrition, exercise, and more elements of yoga. There are hundreds of different exercises to do, each with detailed, step-by-step pictures that explain the exercise. If you want to start yoga..THIS is the book to buy!