Hatha Yoga Illustrated

I am not much for classes and the like. Last year when I decided to join Weight Watchers and amp up my work out schedule I decided to try Pilates, so I bought a fantastic book called The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler. I found that it was amazing for building my core, but I wanted to add a yoga dynamic to get me focused and balanced (literally and figuratively). I bought this book, and six months later, I have learned to incorporate nearly all of the moves into a Pilates/Yoga fusion that has greatly improved my muscle tone, breathing, focus and balance. Not only does Hatha Yoga Illustrated offer photographs of various poses (and the succession in which you need to achieve them) but also offers in-depth descriptions about gentle variations (for beginners or people with injuries etc. that may not be able to achieve a pose as is), breathing, and the ailments that each pose has the potential to relieve. The book also offers a bit about the philosophies of yoga. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the book offers, at the back, a number of yoga sequences/routines you can put into practice once you are familiar and comfortable with the individual poses. At the age of 38, I am literally in the best shape of my life. Through Pilates and Yoga I have been able to achieve a toned and slender body without the use (and potential injury factor) of weight training. This book has proven invaluable to me and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an introduction to Yoga. I've never been more limber, flexible and focused. And all this from two books (The Pilates Body and Hatha Yoga Illustrated). If you work well on your own and are motivated to change for the better, you need look no further than this book for a terrific start. I would suggest buying a yoga mat if you don't have one already... Read more

Hello. I am a bodybuilder/weightlifter and long distance runner who started doing Yoga in 2002 (I practice 6-7 days a week, at least 90-120 min. daily)after surgery to repair the L5-S1 disc in my back, which I blew out while running with a cold and coughing intensely (coughing, sneezing, and laughing allegedly places tremendous pressure on your spine). I have read or purchased at least 15 books on Yoga. This one is by FAR the best (9.5.04). One pet peeve of mine has been hairy, anoerexic-looking, freaky looking Yogis showing off incredibly difficult poses that take years and years to master, if at all. These authors and models are very normal looking and easy on the eyes. This book does indeed display difficult poses, but also shows important modifications for those less accomplished. The book shows the Sun Salutations of course, and dozens of other standing, seated and twisting, forward bends, reclining, arm balances and inversions. Each has a thorough description of the benefits and instructions with fantastic photos for all levels of practioners. You will develop more lean muscle mass, lose weight, and increase flexibility and balance if you are serious about your training (obviously combined with a healthy eating style). The authors summarize several different workouts in a one-two page layout at the back of the book. Another nice feature in my opinion, the authors don't ramble on about the horrors of eating meat, simply saying that it is an intensely personal decision. Moreover, the authors refrain from outlandish promises that I have found to be either completely inaccurate, scientifically unproven, and/or lies. Yoga is like any other form of fitness. You get out of it what you put in. Rather than making wild, unproven claims, the authors offer responsible descriptions of "potential" benefits. I found this measured approach to be very refreshing. Because I have read so many Yoga books, I have endured the many wild and completely irresponsible claims by many Yogis and even Yoga Journal magazine (weighing in on the dangers of genetically modified foods [tell that to starving people in Sub-Saharan Africa], peacefullness, and non-violence, yada, yada, yada). The authors achieve a perfect balance in this regard. This book is PERFECT for anyone from beginners to advanced practioners. Also, thank you again to Amazon.com for offerring this book at a great price and of course perfect service. Namaste Read more

This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in yoga, but I especially recommend it for those doing the P90X program. The yoga portion of P90X frustrated me greatly. I couldn't follow it at all--until I got this book. It explains all of the positions used in Yoga X (plus more) step-by-step, complete with photographs. Once I practiced the positions from this book, I had no problem at all following the Yoga X DVD. I only wish I had purchased it sooner. P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program - 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner The book is also great for people who've gone through Richard Hittleman's 28-Day Yoga Exercise Plan and are looking to delve deeper into yoga and learn more positions. The Hittleman book gets you started and provides a foundation; this book builds on that foundation. Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan Read more