Yoga: A Gem for Women

by Geeta S. Iyengar

Yoga, A Gem for Women presents a detailed, practical guide for the yoga student who wants to go deeper with her practice of Hatha Yoga. The book is divided into three sections that create an integrated path of yoga suitable for both the beginner and advanced student:

Theory--Yoga and Women
A natural bridge to health and well-being
Practice--Knowing Your Body
Techniques and benefits of over 80 asanas complete with photographs and detailed instructions
Experience--On the Threshold of Peace
Relaxation, breathing and the practice of meditation

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Health, How To

Paperback

First published December 12, 1990

About the author

Geeta Iyengar, eldest daughter of the founder of the worldwide Iyengar yoga method, Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar, has been described as "the world's leading female yoga teacher".

Iyengar studied yoga with her father from an early age. After graduating from high school in 1961, she began substituting for her father when he was away on international teaching tours. When her father's retired in 1984, she became co-director, with her brother Prashant S. Iyengar (b. 1949), of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI). She also has toured, teaching students worldwide.

Reviews

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so...I haven't technically finished reading all of the information on each asana yet, but this book is amazing. The background information at the beginning is laid out in a straightforward way and there are instructions for a three-year course of study, including weekly schedules to follow for each year. I think these schedules will be useful when I'm feeling stuck or uninspired, or when I need to make sure I am tackling a variety of asanas in my practice. Iyengar also gives suggestions for poses for various ailments and gives further instruction for practice during menstruation (including various period-related problems), after giving birth (natural and Caesarean), and for menopause. Ah! So much great info! The way the technique (step-by-step info on how to get into and out of each asana), special instructions (with ideas for adjustments and the use of props), and effects are laid out for each asana is so wonderfully clear and easy to follow that I found myself just reading them when I got to them. I mean, there is a 21-step technique listed for Savasana! I haven't gotten into the Pranayama and Dhyana (meditation) sectons, but will eventually. Another amazing bonus are the plates depicting each asana (including variations and intermediate stages). PLUS, there are a ton of plates where the author's sister is practicing various asana while late in her pregnancy. Super and cool and inspiring.

This is a great resource for yoga students (especially those of Iyengar yoga, obviously) and I've already purchased a copy for my library. I'll definitely be referring to this one a lot.

[Kavitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is writted by Geeta S. Iyengar, daughter of B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of “Iyengar Yoga”
This is more a reference guide specifically for women. I’d call this a medical yoga guide for women.This book is very comprehensive, philosophical and insightful. I would recommend this book for someone with exposure to yoga & for Iyengar yoga students. Not appropriate for the casual yoga practitioner.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. The philosophy on yoga is so well laid out, as well as the history of women and yoga. Also the sequences are little easier to follow for a newer yogi than Light on Yoga.

[Gabriella Bishop-Schiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

History of yoga in India and different schools of thought. Poses for strength and spirit. Textbook style content, very informative

[Teri Ciocco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a classic and is often used in yoga teacher training courses. This makes an excellent reference book for the trained yogi, but it will probably be too detailed for those who are new to the practice, unless you enjoy reading about science and philosophy. It should be in the library of every yoga teacher for reference to specific conditions and so that the teacher can avoid any contraindicated poses.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

SO old-school, but chock-full of great resources and some interesting advice.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geeta Iyengar's specific outline of yoga for women. Highly recommended for all Iyengar practitioners and teachers.

[Subha Ganapathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on yoga with illustrations. Hats-off to the author who has mentioned her life experience on how she took to yoga.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coupled with Light on Yoga, very detailed pose descriptions.

[Raghubir Kintisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible heart-centered book on yoga for everyone - but with a particular emphasis on women. You don't have to be a practitioner of Iyengar yoga to obtain great benefit from this beautiful book.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. A must read book for yoga lovers

[Sonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for starting and keeping a home practice going.

[Vineeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book has very fluid language which makes it easier to understand the technical stuff. First 100 pages tell us how and why Yoga is beneficial to women across ages. How it impacts our biological functioning. It ia not about losing weight and going into picture perfect asana. Later half of the book teaches right way to do asanas on your own.

[Mia Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covering everything from adolescence/ puberty and pregnancy to menopause, this yoga guidebook is a must have for women who regularly practice yoga. It talks the different ‘phases’ of a woman’s life and the corresponding yoga poses and practices that can be used as a tool to support that particular time.

[Neha Tandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is reread by me at all times.I find more connection to this book than Light on Yoga. It is with this book that I verify what I learn. The pictures of asanas done by a pregnant lady in the book is what made me to rethink in power of Yoga. It is truely a gem!
The most wonderful gift from a friend.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extreeeeemly detailed and difficult to follow. Descriptions of poses are in a completely different section from the pictures of them. Thorough overview of yoga philosophies. Too thorough to be interesting to me or helpful.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very insightful. The Iyengar family make profound leaps to getting yoga to the west. Their personal practice and knowledge makes them the premier authorities on the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga. A must read for those interested in yoga.

[Michelle]

Have only referenced this book and then had to quickly return it back to the library.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a comprehesive book. The reason it has only 4 stars is because it's not easy to navigate. There is a lot of cross referencing between charts and chapters.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

BKS Iyengar's daughter.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealth of helpful information that specifically addresses the physical aspect of yoga on women. It's become my new favorite. And I love it that the author has pit stains in the panel pics.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reference this book weekly, a real gem!

[Barbc]

25new

[Alexandra Mergen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all: philosophy, instruction, reflection. I referred to quotes from this book in several of my yoga classes. Students enjoyed it.

[ufo28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a woman and you're practising yoga you'll find this book very useful.

[A.П. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 З 5

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, this yoga book is great for women with any ailment.