Yoga: All You Need to Know (Pocket Book)

Consequently, yoga is sometimes ridiculed or dismissed out of hand. But once discovered for what it is - an extremely effective and beneficial form of exercise, both for the body and mind - the student will incorporate yoga almost unconsciously into his or her way of life.

Yoga brings not only an awareness to your body - how you sit, how you stand, how you breathe - but it also focuses your attention on your mind, letting you learn how to relax.

If you can, try to approach yoga without any preconceptions. You can take from it as much or as little as you want. If you just want something to make you suppler then attend a beginner's class and feel the gentle stretching you can get from practicing the postures. You may find yourself wanting to explore other aspects of yoga: the breathing, the philosophy, the literature. As much or as little as you want is there to be discovered. But just as your yoga teacher will tell you when referring to the postures, 'Only do what feels right for you'.

The selection of postures included in this book has been chosen to illustrate the ones that are likely to be taught in a hatha yoga class. We have omitted some of the more difficult postures which should be learned under the supervision of a qualified yoga teacher.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages