Sivananda Beginner's Guide to Yoga

Book excerpt: From the leader in the field of yoga today, The Sivananda Yoga Centre, comes a long-awaited, essential beginner's guide to this popular exercise. Everything students need to know to begin practicing at home is here, with easy-to-understand instructions and 200 illustrations-including a discussion of yoga's five basic principles: exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and meditation. Start with basic, gentle stretches, and in eight sessions, learn the right (and wrong) ways to perform 12 main asanas: Easy Pose, Sun Salutation, Locust, Cobra, Bow, Plough, and more. The guide includes tips on how to lead a yogic lifestyle in terms of diet, stress relief, and positive thinking. Anyone, regardless of age or religion, can practice yoga and achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.