Yoga Journal's Yoga Basics: The Essential Beginner's Guide to Yoga for a Lifetime of Health and Fitness

The word "Essential" says it all in terms of the usefulness of this book. This is a must have for the person that wants to put the right foot forward in understanding and developing a personal Yoga practice, or for the individual that hopes to gain a better historical understanding of this ancient practice. In a concise fashion the reader will acquire the tools to develop an individual practice. The reader will also find answers in identifying an instructor and style of Yoga that is right for them. Clear photographs and detailed instructions round out this most excellent and "Essential" resource.

This book is a competent introduction to yoga. Contrary to one reviewer, the section on yoga philosophy is short and to the point. The section on yoga teachers and styles can be very useful in helping to decide what yoga style you might wish to explore.The section (the bulk of the book) on yoga postures is adequate but unexceptional. The descriptions are ok, but the photos are small and not especially clear. No variations are shown for advanced practicioners or for those with limited flexibility.There is a brief description of yoga props, but no information on how to incorporate them into your practice.The section on sample yoga routines is mediocre.This book is best as an inexpensive supplement to a good yoga class or video tape. The best beginners yoga book I've seen is "Yoga for Beginners" by Mark Ansari and Liz Lark.

This title is a handy resource book for practicing yoga, although the spine design makes it difficult to keep flat on the floor near your yoga mat. However, the posture photos and descriptions are easy to follow. The history and philosophy of yoga are written very accessibly, as are the approaches to meditation. I enjoy this book as a yoga student of 8 years, and am glad a yoga teacher recommended it. I keep signing it out at my library, but it's so handy and succinct I want to give it a permanent place on my bookshelf.