American Yoga Association Beginner's Manual

Yoga -- the step-by-step process of exercise, breathing, and meditation that brings improved health, self-awareness, and self-fulfillment -- improves the quality of life of more Americans every year. An age-old discipline, yoga gradually builds physical flexibility and strength, enhances concentration and emotional stability, relieves stress, increases energy, and develops the ability to relax at will -- skills that are an important adjunct to the fitness-conscious, high-stress eighties. Replacing the classic Light of Yoga Society Beginner's Manual, The American Yoga Association Beginner's Manual provides a safe and thorough introduction to yoga by the organization that sets the standard for yoga instruction in this country, clearly and concisely presenting its techniques to novices. The core of the program is three graded, easy-to-follow ten-week beginner's courses of 75 yoga exercises illustrated with more than 300 black-and-white photographs. This seven-and-a-half-month core curriculum is rounded out with special chapters on peaceful pregnancy, stress relief, and improved sports performance, which offer twenty additional customized routines to personalize your program. These features, along with, make The American Yoga Association Beginner's Manual a comprehensive, safe, and easy-to-use guide for beginners of any age and most levels of fitness. * new chapters on nutrition and philosophy, * an appendix classifying yoga poses by type and a glossary of yoga terms, * variations for those with physical limitations, * a tear-out, anti-stress routine for home or office, * and a list of suggested further reading