The other reviewers have already given detailed descriptions of this book, so I'll just add on that this is the same exact book as "Teach Yourself Visually Yoga" (also by Maran Graphics Development Group). If you click onto that book on Amazon, you can search inside the book. It's a beautiful full-color book with lots of great information for the beginner yogi/yogini. While I embrace the spiritual side of yoga, I like that this book doesn't go over the top with the spirituality or food recommendations. It specifically shows poses (English and Sanskrit names) and their description and suggestions for yoga practices.
I found this book to be an exceptional counterpart to my yoga dvds and as a reference guide.
"Health is wealth. Peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way." ~Swami Vishnu-Devananda
Maran Illustrated Yoga is a complete introduction to yoga postures and styles of yoga. Whether you are interested in Bhakti, Hatha, Karma, Jnana or Mantra Yoga, there is something for everyone. Do you want to focus on self-discipline or mantras?
Is meditation important to you for a more relaxing lifestyle? This is the first book I've found that covers the types of yoga and then explains the variations within each discipline. So, Hatha yoga also has many styles - like Power Yoga/Ashtanga or Kundalini Yoga, both of which I've tried and enjoyed.
Yoga can improve your mood, reduce stress, improve mental functions, improve your self-confidence and reduce pain in your body. The emphasis on breathing helps to release tension from the body, while the exercises improve flexibility and strength.
New to Yoga? There is a complete list of yoga clothes and props. There is also advice on how to find a yoga class.
Highlights include:
Introduction to Yoga - explains how it started
Muscular System and Skeletal Systems- pictures
Tips for Yoga Practice
Breathing Exercises
Pictures of all the Poses with detailed instruction on the same page
While you may feel more inclined to do yoga with an instructor or while watching a video, this book will introduce you to the postures. If you have been practicing yoga for many years, you may find you can take your practice to new depths through reading the details of each pose.
Chapter 15 gives advice on how to create a personal yoga practice, complete with instructions and pictures.
This entire book is a beautiful celebration of yoga and all its varied possibilities. Highly recommended to new or experienced yogis, teachers or students.
One of the enlightening aspects of this book is it gives names for all the poses, which is wonderful if you have been looking for a detailed resource with pictures.
~TheRebeccaReview.com
