Yoga: Natural Exercises for Life

I received this book as part of a gift package from the Body Shop, and I wasn't expecting much. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this is an extremely well-thought out book appropriate for beginners to more advanced levels. The book begins by reviewing some of the basic tenats of yoga, including the importance of breathing as well as the purpose of the healing chakras located throughout the body. It then goes on to introduce the sun salutation series, a basic series of poses which forms the foundation of most practices. Following this, the book is divided into approximately 20 chapters, with each chapter containing instructions for approximately 4-5 poses centered around a particular theme. For example, the "Renewal" practice is a series of poses which can be done at your desk to restore your energy while you are at work, the "Stability" practice focuses on back exercises to strengthen your midsection--other themes include waking up in the morning, warming up prior to a workout, attaining calm, increasing concentration and mental focus, strengthening your muscles, and many more. Each series takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, so they can be done in isolation or mixed and matched to form a custom practice. All of the poses in the book are at a beginning level, but most have both modifications and more advanced versions. Furthermore, the bottom of each section includes tips on breathing, meditation, and/or general wellness. I have really enjoyed this book, expecially given that it has helped me to incorporate more yoga into my fitness routine.

The best thing about this book is the photographs that accompany the text. Each position is clearly mapped out for you in clear, colorful pictures so that even a beginner can do advanced positions after reading this book. Each chapter is set apart by different techniques and it is an easy size to carry with you if you are on the go. I highly recommend this book for yoga enthusiasts of all levels. For example, I work in a library and this book is always checked out, even though we have a wide variety of other books on yoga and stretching.

This is the best yoga book I have ever seen. Beautiful design, clear and honest writing. I've seen guests in my house -- with no yoga experience -- pick it up and before long they're on the floor doing the Downward Dog.

A wonderful resource for the yoga practitioner of all levels. The origin and focus of yoga is discussed throughout the book along with an introduction to the "yogic vocabulary"."Yoga: natural fitness for body and spirit" contains beautifully photographed and extremely easy to follow descriptions of the proper positioning of each pose and the intended benefit. The yoga poses are organized into sequences that compliment each other and flow when practiced. Each sequence is focused on a specific goal and contains breathing exercises that compliment the yoga positions. I truly recommend this book; it demystifies yoga and is an inspirational balance of the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice.

A wonderful resource for the yoga practioner of all levels. The origin and focus of yoga is discussed throughout the book along with an introduction to the "yogic vocabulary"."Yoga: natural fitness for body and spirit" contains beautifully photographed and extremely easy to follow descriptions of the proper positioning of each pose and the intended benefit. The yoga poses are organized into sequences that compliment each other and flow when practiced. Each sequence is focused on a specific goal and contains breathing exercises that compliment the yoga positions. I truly recommend this book; it demystifies yoga and is an inspirational balance of the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice.