Although there is no shortage of books written on yoga by talented people, this book is unique in its reader-friendly display of information and illustration. The author strived to organize the book in a style that calming and soothing to both the eyes and the mind. Each pose spans five or so pages, starting with a full-page photograph, description of the pose, its sequencing, benefits, cautions, variations, teachers' notes, and 3 to 4 photographs that show how the pose is performed. The fine choice of soft colors for the text and photos eases the task of reading the book and understanding its message.
The thirty poses constitute the foundation of yoga stretching and strengthening. They fall into standing poses (such as mountain, tree, triangles, warriors, side and forward bends, and lunges), lying down poses (such as cobra, bow, elevated legs, lying twist, and relaxation poses), seated poses (such as seated twist, hero-heroine, seated angle, child, and meditation poses), head and shoulder stands, up-plank, and bridges. These are also included in seven days plan at the end of the book. For regional anatomical therapy, the author had added a detailed section on "Theme Practice" that categorizes various poses for the lower back, hips and hamstrings, upper back, balance, strength, energy, fatigue, and relaxation.
Like many talented yoga practitioners, the author chose her photographs thoroughly to demonstrate the emphasized angles and posture of the body. This has greatly conveyed invaluable visual information that could hardly have been expressed by words in such memorizable manner.
For the price of $22.95 you are getting great lessons on getting and staying fit, learning the art of planning practical and safe yoga training, and enjoying a well written and designed book.
Mohamed F. El-Hewie,
Author of
"Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training".