The Sivananda Companion to Yoga: A Complete Guide to the Physical Postures, Breathing Exercises, Diet, Relaxation, and Meditation Techniques of Yoga

This is a beautiful book, with gorgeous instructional photos and helpful drawings. This routine of poses will not intimidate beginners and will inspire advanced yoga practitioners. Each of these exercises show total newcomers how to start specific poses, mid-level practitioners how to progress through them and advanced users how to reach each asana's pinnacle. I learned yoga from this softcover book and my latest order of it is my third copy. They're well made but I've referred to each so often that the spine starts cracking and the pages I most refer to become dog-eared. I would like to see this book published with a spiral spine so the user can lay it open to the pages they're following. It should also stand up better in that format. I'd also like to see it made in a larger format. There is so much to take in and learn from that bigger pages will provide better spacing. And bigger photographs will only enhance their beauty. The book encompasses more than exercise routines. It also talks about the philosophy behind yoga, provides related information about the human body, offers breathing exercises and holds short sections on asanas for people passing through life's cycles -- ranging from children to pregnant women to less-abled seniors. However, people with special requirements should look elsewhere for a full yoga-exercise routine.

To my mind Sivananda is the perfect type of yoga-- just the right mix of spirituality, workout, stretching and relaxation all in one. I always feel fantastic afterwards! So when I moved and couldn't find a class in my area, I really missed it. Tried Ashtanga--too many pushups! Iyengar...so much time on alignment and never broke a sweat! Gym yoga class...how do they even call this yoga? So I got this book, and it basically took me right back to the classes I used to take at the Sivananda center on 24th St., minus the chanting and a few of the variations. I use it all the time. The poses are explained well, especially if you have practiced them in a class before, with lots of diagrams and pictures and they include plenty of variations. The quick reference chart is great to remind you what order things go in or if you just want a quick half-hour session. Also good advice on diet and meditation and yoga in general. Definitely worth it for me...it's one exercise book I actually use!

I'm a yoga teacher and I love this book!I got this book for my Yoga Teacher Training as a book we had to have. This book goes over everything you need for a yoga lifestyle. It's really informative about alot of different points. It has lots of pictures for reference. The instructions on how to get into the poses are very easy. The only thing I don't like is how much emphasis they put on the headstand. First, in the sequence that they reccomend the headstand is one of the few first poses you should do. I was taught to do it towards the end of practice. Plus constantly doing the headstand is actually not good for you. It has it's benefits but you can over do the headstand pose. Overall it's a really great book and everyone who practices yoga should have this.

I ordered this book for a class I had to take, but also for myself. The illustrations do a great job of showing how to maneuver in certain poses, where pictures alone would be confusing. The photos included take up 3/4 spreads and are stylistically appeasing. The book is certainly outdated, however, if you can ignore the 80s headbands, leotards with tights, and legwarmers, it is a great read. Actually, that style is back in now anyway. The information is phenomenal if your roughly a beginner like myself, and even goes into dietary options which was very helpful. Honestly, some of the information in here goes above and beyond what a google search could do, and really helps you learn what health benefits come with specific poses. It gives you the tools to help build and plan your own yoga routine, rather than a playlist on youtube that doesn't explain why you do what you do. The only reason I am giving this book less than 5 stars is because it is a bit outdated, and that alone may not appeal to some. Seller and shipping, however, was perfect as expected.

I have a lot of good things to say about this book. I am a yoga teacher and this is one of the best books out there. This is excellent resource for your personal practice whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, for yoga teachers (with modifications as appropriate) to teach adults and kids. I bought several copies of this book for kids yoga class workshops. It has very clear and crisp instructions aided by excellent pictures. This book encompasses all the elements of asanas, relaxation, breathing, meditation, diet, kriyas, anatomy etc at the right depth for almost anyone interested in yoga.

This book is pure gold. Don't hesitate, get it!

An amazing book . If my house were on fire , I'd try and grab this book before leaving..... I'd forget other items and run with this book.This is in my top two yoga books . I learned quite a bit from it and I'm. It a novice , but the book is appropriate as well for a novice. Every stage of your yogic journey can find this book very useful.

I purchased this book as a replacement for one that I had before. Therefore I already new that I loved the book itself. I was very pleased with the condition of this used book. It also came in a timely maner.