Total Yoga

by Tara Fraser

The perfect introduction to yoga, from a leading teacher who shows how yoga can benefit everyone, no matter what your level of fitness or suppleness.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Reference

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Terrie Case · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains over 200 photographs with accompanying step-by-step explanations.

Total Yoga for You begins by giving a history of yoga. I was surprised that there are many types of yoga and all are not the same. The author states:

There are several paths of yoga and each one approaches the ultimate goal of self-realization by a different route. Although these paths may seem disparate, and sometimes contradictory, they are all based on the premise that human beings can, through their own efforts attain enlightenment or ‘”liberation” from the cycle of re-birth known as ‘samsara.’

The majority of the book is filled with detailed explanations and photos of yoga poses. The later ones build upon the earlier poses so that the reader can continue to excel as new techniques are shown.



I received an ARC from Watkins Publishing through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

[Kalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to yoga, and practical to start applying without feeling the need to become an expert. It is thorough, detailed information including pictures of yoga sequences you can apply right away. I love how she begins with an introduction and background to yoga in the first chapters, then transitions to sample sequences you can use. I bought this book when I was first transitioning from only attending in-person classes, toward starting an at-home individual practice. I felt the transition was more approachable because she had sample morning or evening sequences. I chose what worked for my schedule at the time, marked the pages, and could just flip to the sequence as laid out and do it on my own at home for a few weeks before trying another one, really becoming comfortable with an entire flow and knowing the poses, the names, and why the sequence was as it was. Highly recommend this book for beginners looking into an accessible practice, such as her Viniyoga style.

[Kerrie Hoar · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a person with absolutely no experience in yoga, I found this book both interesting and  instructional.  I had no idea that there is more than one type of yoga - I mean, I have heard of yoga and hot yoga, but I had no idea that there were actually six different paths/branches/styles of yoga.  The section on chakras was quite interesting as well, but I had to take the section on fasting and "detoxing" with a very healthy grain of salt.  

The main section of the book is the postures section.  Each posture is accompanied by a photograph depicting the ideal.  A description of the philosophy behind each pose is followed by a very detailed, easy-to-understand description of how to perform each posture.  While I had hoped to find a section on yoga for asthmatics, I plan to give pranayama (breath control) a try. 

(NetGalley ebook -  I received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comprehensive book for anyone interested in taking up yoga. The first three chapters, which constitute 40% of the book, are dedicated to explaining the history and theory of all aspects of yoga. There then follows a section on yoga postures. This section includes explanations of how to work with each posture and is accompanied by clear photos. A chapter on breathing techniques and exercises is followed by a chapter on meditation techniques. The final section deals with yoga postures performed with a partner.
If you are looking for a book just about yoga postures then this isn't the one for you, but for anyone interested in the wider aspects of yoga this would be an excellent book to start with.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Total Yoga for you offers more than just a few posture exercises. There is information about the history of Yoga, the different Yoga forms, breathing in Yoga, and, of course, Yoga postures and sequences of postures/Asanas.

The postures/Asanas are probably what most people are looking forward to in this book. They photographs and accompanying texts and tipps provide a lot of information for a beginner of Yoga to understand what is important about the posture and which errors to avoid. Still, I would recommend, especially to beginners, to visit at least one Yoga class and use the book for self practice at home. The written information alone can be overwhelming. A Yoga teacher can help guide the way for self practice and might also be able to point out further adjustments to the individual practitioner's needs.

[Tina Milledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. The poses are well explained and demonstrated with photographs. The only issue I had was with the formatting on my Kindle. I can see it would work well as a paperback/hardback, as well as a digital version with a bit of tweaking as it felt felt disjointed and confusing from around 15% into the digital copy. Other than the formatting issue, I really helpful guide to yoga poses. With thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Mrs Julie Gargett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book very interesting, the information about the beginning of yoga and the different types of yoga was so informative, the yoga postions or asanas were very well explained and the pictures great. Ideal for both total beginners and these with some experience.
I did yoga years ago and wanted to start practicing again, this is certainly the book for me.
Thank you netgalley

[L.H. Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been doing yoga off and on for about a year now. I'm currently making the attempt to get more serious about it. Reading this has definitely helped me prepare myself to follow through.

[Nick Popa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just the right book to get you started on your journey in the art of stretching :)

[Lotte Bliddal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeg har læst den dansk tilpassede bog "Yoga For Begyndere". Lærerig og en god start på min yoga-periode. Den vil jeg løbende komme til at slå op i ❤

[Sabina Turk · Rating 4 out of 5]

suitable for complete beginners

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for an introduction to the theory and practice of yoga after having attended hatha yoga classes for a year. Tara Fraser makes a complex philosophy much less forbidding to the western novice reader. One leaves with the understanding that asana isn’t even a fraction of what yoga is. Her approach is gentle though - and encouraging. It’s ok to start with just asana. It will definitely help if you can start a regular self practice. If you introduce pranayama (breath work) and meditation here is how to do it. And so on. This gentle flexible encouraging approach has certainly helped me already and I think this will be a book I return to when I want to deepen my understanding of yoga.

The only downside for me was purely the formatting of the e-book, which needs a lot of work in terms of the colours of the text, labelling of diagrams and text boxes etc. Sometimes I had to guess whether what I was reading was the main text or a text book; the captions were sometimes pages away from the images they described.

(This review was possible due to a complimentary e-book via NetGalley - thank you.)

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book most highly for the clarity of its information - it was the best starter book out of all I had seen at the time: touched many topics, and discussed them clearly, and I'm not even going into the posture descriptions (exceptionally detailed and clear, explaining the why and how without intimidating the beginner yogi). The pictures deserve an honorable mention too - a variety of real people was encouraging to see. While it is almost certain that if using this book as intended, you will go above and beyond it eventually, I believe that it would still be a good addition to any library.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara Fraser's books on yoga are always beautifully done. This one is no different. It features lots of helpful color photos and is printed on high quality paper. It's a good size, especially for the home practitioner who is new to yoga. Great introduction for yoga curious or new to yoga. Bonus: she includes sequences, which beginners may find helpful.

[Izslozne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and concise how-to's pictures & explanations. Not too elitist, but not too simple.
Great explanations on history of yoga & nutrition and overall wellness too.

Well made book -layout and binding. I can open it on the floor and its stays open. My introductory book recommend to people interested in yoga and a more healthy lifestyle.

[Susy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the sections on the history of yoga, nutrition, and meditation. The photos are good and so are the explanations, but some of my favorite poses are not included. I really like the sequences she laid out!

[Mary Ruthless · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good guide for beginning yogis and a thorough reminder of both basic skills and practices for the advanced or home practitioner. I really appreciated the simple language and practical breakdown of the different types of yogas, asanas and sequences.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Yoga book ever! Thanks Shellee!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite book for yoga. It does such a wonderful job describing what each pose needs and gives ample information on the yogic lifestyle, diet, and spirituality.

[Martha]

Compassionate, discerning thoughts from British yogini

[TeamLeader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book for home practitioners. It covers just about everything in a very accessible, user-friendly manner. Highly recommended to anyone interested in yoga and utilizing it in home practice.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief history on yoga & ways to eat better in addition to how & why to start a yoga practice at home. Includes information on meditation.

[Lois Marshall Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and very insightful for yoga and why there is yoga.
I have learned a lot from this book in the sense that positions, idea/mind, and just the over idea of yoga.
Best ever!!!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginner book with overview of the entire yoga experience.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love yoga and now I can take my yoga on the move with me. Whenever I go away somewhere this book is going to come with me. So then I can get on with yoga without the need of the internet. 😍