The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga

by Joan Budilovsky, Carolyn Flynn, Eve Adamson

Completely restructured to focus more on the how-to components of yoga, this step-by-step guide replaces photos with all-new two-color line illustrations that not only show readers what the various yoga postures look like, but how to get in and out of them easily and painlessly. Non- intimidating and easy-to-follow exercises show readers just how fun and relaxing yoga can be.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Fitness, Health, Religion, Philosophy, Self Help

282 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 1997

Reviews

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually prefer Yoga for Dummies because it has better step-by-step instructions and photos. This one uses drawings, so it's hard to tell what your body is supposed to look like, and the instructions aren't quite as clear as Yoga for Dummies. HOWEVER, there is a lot of valuable info in this book, and it contains some poses I enjoy that are not in my other yoga books. Lots of good stuff on breathwork and so on.

[Meredith]

This is by far my favorite yoga book. It has a bounty of poses, a bit of history and a lot great advice.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good. I liked it so well, that I just bought a new copy for 75cents on Amazon : )

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Уникална книга!!! Щастлив съм да споделя, че в нея намерих всичко за това:
- какво представлява йога и основите на хатха йогата
- всички основни видове пози в хатха йогата, заедно с по-лесни и трудни техни разновидности
- предложения за йога практика с приятел, партньор или семейство
- и не на последно място - различни йога комплекси (5,15,30,60 минутни)
В книгата има специална глава посветена на жените и как йогата помага при ПМС, бременност или менупаузата, както и йога при различни здравословни проблеми и хронични заболявания. В края на книгата има приложение, в което са описани всички видове чакри подробно. Препоръчвам я горещо, на всеки който се интересува и е начинаещ в йогат!!

[Jessi Waugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being a large book, it is basic - if you've read other yoga books, you won't find much new here.

[Santopo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun reading. It's like the 'for dummies' serie.

[Barbara]

I skipped ahead to Chapter 15 on breathing. After I am through with that chapter I will go back and read the chapters I haven't read yet.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice, friendly introduction to the practice of yoga focused on the physical poses or asanas. Joan brings in side notes on the meaning of Sanskrit words and the yogi's view of body/spirit metaphysics, diet, and the asanas. She highlights the yogi lifestyle and in later chapters brings in some aspects of mediation and chanting. There are suggestions for developing your own yoga practice with a series of asanas (vinyasa). Joan includes some specific vinyasas and gives the amount of time for each -- so you can easily find one that fits into your day. There are also chapters on yoga for the whole family, for stress and other health concerns including serious illness, for women in all the life cycle stages, and for seniors. The chapters on the asanas included photos and drawing of the poses as well as verbal instructions. The book is most helpful for beginners and as a reference for the asanas.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good primer on yoga for someone who knows absolutely nothing about it.
I enjoyed reading about the philosophy behind it and basic terms. The different poses are arranged by focus, which I found helpful, i.e.. forward bends, back bends, cardio, relaxation. The photos for the poses and explanations that go with them are understandable. They also include sections on special issues, such as pregnancy, children, menstruation, or older adulthood. Suggestions for how to integrate yoga into your routine and ideas about how to structure those yoga sessions are provided. If you know nothing about yoga, but would like to know more, this is a good place to start.

[Sukhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been a wonderful introduction to Yoga. I enjoyed learning about the background of Yoga including the principles behind it, etc. I also enjoyed the simple instructions provided on each of the poses.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty clear and easy to use guide to trying out yoga. I haven't injured myself yet....

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference. Used during 2010 yoga teacher training.

[Lindsey Fleck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much I bought a copy!

[Linda Beauchamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic instructions for beginners. I use it as reference now.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot to take in. A good keeper to reflect back on.

[Mell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rounded up from 2.5 stars. Good for *lots* of written detail and thorough overview of yoga: physical, mental, dietary, etc. Not so good for step by step how-to photos/illustrations.

[Bill Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference for poses and their correct execution.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful. Nice to get some background that I don't always get on tapes.