What do you think?
Rate this book
Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual : A Simplified Guide for Daily Practice
Whether new to Ashtanga or an experienced student or teacher, readers will find this book to be invaluable. It contains over 650 photos and multiple variations for every asana in the primary and intermediate series plus three short forms. Its spiral binding assures easy use while practicing and the hard cover increases durability.
Paperback
First published September 20, 1999
99 people are currently reading
1934 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 7, 2008
Strongest feature is that for each posture, a number of alternative versions are suggested for students who can't accomplish the full posture. Many detailed photos and motivational insights. The spiral-bound format is useful for practioners.
Some aspects of the layout are a little cheesy, and editing is not great (many misspellings and grammatical errors), but these are outweighed by the good points. Note: the book is Ashtanga-specific, so there's no discussion of pranayama, for instance.
Some aspects of the layout are a little cheesy, and editing is not great (many misspellings and grammatical errors), but these are outweighed by the good points. Note: the book is Ashtanga-specific, so there's no discussion of pranayama, for instance.
August 20, 2020
I've been doing the 15-minute sequence from the end of the book almost every day for a couple years now, and I'm the fittest I've ever been, it's magic. The amount of detail given for each asana is amazing, and the whole vibe of the book is wonderful.
I also enjoy working on the longer sequences every now and then, but having a short intense routine is best for me. I hope to keep it up for the rest of my life!
I also enjoy working on the longer sequences every now and then, but having a short intense routine is best for me. I hope to keep it up for the rest of my life!
August 26, 2018
This is a great reference, in addition to few mores, for those on the Ashtanga yoga path. it offers clear photos with modification on how to conduct each asana for the primary and secondary series. additionally it offers a concise and summarised description of the Ashtanga method, for more consult Yoga Mala. It remains a constant reference that I go back to very often as it is written in a clear and straightforward language.
March 17, 2016
Best practice manual I've seen - simple, clear and good photos.
Read
August 30, 2024A great manual that I was gifted by two amazing yoga studio owners. Great for anyone who loves the Ashtanga practice to get a breakdown of the series. Really easy to follow and has literally been by my side many times in front of my mat. The perfect buddy when developing your practice. And David Swenson is wonderful. Great energy, so much knowledge.
March 14, 2012
Liked the emphasis on 'practice,' the explanation of the basics: Breath, Bandhas, Mulabandha, the 9 Drishtis, and at the end, the Full Flow and Short Forms. Helpful manual!
November 9, 2020
Very helpful book on ashtanga.
February 10, 2020
If you’d like a book that can set you up to have a home yoga practice this is a great place to start! Once the series are learned it’s very simple to be able to create your own little practices. As I don’t subscribe to only Ashtanga yoga and have a more Ayurvedic standpoint in my own practice and teaching of yoga this book isn’t the end all of what you may want in a yoga practice but for me going through my yoga teacher training with leaning the fundamentals of Ashtanga first was really beneficial to me having a lifetime relationship with yoga.
August 14, 2017
This is a fantastic resource, it specifically shows step-by-step instructions for each pose and most importantly it gives you the breathe exercise to go with you to pose. It also includes modifications for each pose, which is good because every day is different.
Want to read
May 9, 2016Received as a wonderful Mother's Day gift 2016!
June 4, 2017
Great to have pictures and clear explanations of the poses
October 27, 2025
Very useful manual, to start practicing Ashtanga Yoga
January 11, 2020
A must-read for your yoga shelf. My yoga teacher mentioned this manual in a group discussion about poses and modifications. David Swenson, in putting together the practice manual, says he has done “everything possible to make this book both user-friendly and informative.” It’s true. What I love about Ashtanga Yoga is what Swenson says about this practice - in that it “ultimately promotes independence” . I also love what Swenson says about how “your personal practice will become your greatest guide” and that he recommends to " create a practice that best suits your personal needs so that it is something that you look forward to” , something that I truly believe in. Punishing the body to distort it into shapes it can't hold, or to go faster is not wellness. Challenging doesn't always mean sweating or dying in the literal sense.
Swenson’s photographs are amazing. The beautiful lines and shape of his body in various poses - so aspirational to me. For each pose, he shares modifications that are also photographed. Swenson goes through the Basics: the 8 limbs of yoga, bandhas (energetic locks), vinyasa (linking of breath with movement, so that each asana moves into the next in a flow that is an outward expression of our prana life force), and drishti (gaze point, external and internal).
The practice manual goes through the Standing Series, the Primary Series, the Intermediate Series and the Finishing Sequence. It then shows the full flow for suryva namaskar, standing, primary and intermediate series as well as the finishing sequence so that you can see the whole flow in one page. Swenson also provides shorter flows for people who only have 15, 30 or 45 minutes for the series.
What I like to do with the practice manual is play around with the shapes on my mat at home, flipping through its pages for inspiration for class and personal practice. It has a spiral binding and a hardcover so you can place it near you during practice, but it still feels sturdy. I have a limited practice of Ashtanga Yoga, having done the Standing Series up to the beginning of the Primary Series, but I’d like to get back to incorporating Ashtanga Yoga into my personal practice.
Swenson’s photographs are amazing. The beautiful lines and shape of his body in various poses - so aspirational to me. For each pose, he shares modifications that are also photographed. Swenson goes through the Basics: the 8 limbs of yoga, bandhas (energetic locks), vinyasa (linking of breath with movement, so that each asana moves into the next in a flow that is an outward expression of our prana life force), and drishti (gaze point, external and internal).
The practice manual goes through the Standing Series, the Primary Series, the Intermediate Series and the Finishing Sequence. It then shows the full flow for suryva namaskar, standing, primary and intermediate series as well as the finishing sequence so that you can see the whole flow in one page. Swenson also provides shorter flows for people who only have 15, 30 or 45 minutes for the series.
What I like to do with the practice manual is play around with the shapes on my mat at home, flipping through its pages for inspiration for class and personal practice. It has a spiral binding and a hardcover so you can place it near you during practice, but it still feels sturdy. I have a limited practice of Ashtanga Yoga, having done the Standing Series up to the beginning of the Primary Series, but I’d like to get back to incorporating Ashtanga Yoga into my personal practice.
August 11, 2016
In Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual, David Swenson provides step-by-step illustrations for primary, intermediate, and advanced postures. The “Basics” section was a simple and clear introduction to the rest of the book’s content. I could appreciate how the author took the time to explain every step, term, and yoga pose. The chart that defined the eight aspects of yoga and little things such as explaining the meanings of the Sanskrit words made it easier to follow along with the instructions.
One of the added features I found surprising was the description of where the drishti would be in each posture. I don’t pay attention to my gazing point as much as I should. Sometimes not looking in a certain direction can mean the difference between a kink in my neck and no pain in a pose. Having the drishti assigned to each pose gave me a new focus and something to work on in the future.
Even though there were many photographs in the book that demonstrated different variations of the postures, it could have been even better to feature more of them. While the instructions were detailed, the photographs didn’t depict each step of entering into the postures. Some poses aren’t entered into as methodically as the others. The way I see it, the more pictures, the better the book can be.
In general, I found this book to be an informative and easy-to-read guide for all levels. The organization was consistent, and I liked how the same amount of instruction was provided for each posture. I tried following the “Short Forms” section and I found the sequences to be familiar, yet challenging.
One of the added features I found surprising was the description of where the drishti would be in each posture. I don’t pay attention to my gazing point as much as I should. Sometimes not looking in a certain direction can mean the difference between a kink in my neck and no pain in a pose. Having the drishti assigned to each pose gave me a new focus and something to work on in the future.
Even though there were many photographs in the book that demonstrated different variations of the postures, it could have been even better to feature more of them. While the instructions were detailed, the photographs didn’t depict each step of entering into the postures. Some poses aren’t entered into as methodically as the others. The way I see it, the more pictures, the better the book can be.
In general, I found this book to be an informative and easy-to-read guide for all levels. The organization was consistent, and I liked how the same amount of instruction was provided for each posture. I tried following the “Short Forms” section and I found the sequences to be familiar, yet challenging.
May 28, 2021
I have a few Ashtanga reference books, but this is the one I turned to exclusively in the past year for home practice as someone who knows the postures but had not done longer sessions in some time. In addition to having clear explanations of the postures, there are many alternatives offered. Over the years of owning this book, I have been grateful for the thoughtfully designed 30- and 45-minute sequences as alternatives to the full (usually 1.5 hours) full series. I have been lucky to take workshops with the author as well, and highly recommend his in-person teaching as well.
May 22, 2019
An ashtanga reference manual I will go back too often. David Swenson is the kind of teacher I wish I had more face to face contact with. He is the embodiment of pure joy and not taking yourself too seriously. Yoga is for everyone and you use it to your ability.
February 2, 2023
"Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual" by David Swenson is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and practice of Ashtanga Yoga. The book is a comprehensive guide to this dynamic and physically demanding form of yoga, and is suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners!
The author, David Swenson, is a highly respected and experienced Ashtanga Yoga teacher, and his passion for the practice shines through in every page of the book. The manual is well organized, with clear explanations and step-by-step instructions for each posture in the Ashtanga Yoga primary series. The author provides detailed descriptions of the physical and mental benefits of each posture, as well as modifications and variations for those with injuries or limited mobility.
One of the strengths of the book is the author's emphasis on correct alignment and safe movement. He explains the importance of moving slowly and mindfully, and provides helpful tips and cues to ensure that practitioners are doing each posture correctly and avoiding injury. The author also stresses the importance of breath and how it should be used to support the physical practice.
The book includes a wealth of additional resources, including photographs, illustrations, and a glossary of yoga terms. The photographs are particularly helpful, as they provide clear visual references for each posture, and the illustrations help to explain the key anatomical movements involved in each pose.
In conclusion, "Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual" is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and practice of Ashtanga Yoga. The author's passion and expertise are evident on every page, and his clear explanations and step-by-step instructions make the book accessible and user-friendly for yogis of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book is an essential tool for enhancing your practice and achieving your yoga goals!
The author, David Swenson, is a highly respected and experienced Ashtanga Yoga teacher, and his passion for the practice shines through in every page of the book. The manual is well organized, with clear explanations and step-by-step instructions for each posture in the Ashtanga Yoga primary series. The author provides detailed descriptions of the physical and mental benefits of each posture, as well as modifications and variations for those with injuries or limited mobility.
One of the strengths of the book is the author's emphasis on correct alignment and safe movement. He explains the importance of moving slowly and mindfully, and provides helpful tips and cues to ensure that practitioners are doing each posture correctly and avoiding injury. The author also stresses the importance of breath and how it should be used to support the physical practice.
The book includes a wealth of additional resources, including photographs, illustrations, and a glossary of yoga terms. The photographs are particularly helpful, as they provide clear visual references for each posture, and the illustrations help to explain the key anatomical movements involved in each pose.
In conclusion, "Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual" is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and practice of Ashtanga Yoga. The author's passion and expertise are evident on every page, and his clear explanations and step-by-step instructions make the book accessible and user-friendly for yogis of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book is an essential tool for enhancing your practice and achieving your yoga goals!
August 21, 2022
Ashtanga Yoga" literally means "the 8 limbs of yoga."
Yama - ethical disciplines
Niyama - self observation
Asana - posture
Pranayama - breath control
Pratyahara - sense withdrawal
Dharana - concentration
Dhyana - meditation
Samadhi - a state of joy and peace
Many of the poses and ideas in this book are much too advanced for me at this time but the author does a great job of explaining that yoga is about "experiencing" it.
"There is no way to rush the growth of a tree. It will expand as our understanding of the depths of yoga matures. Patience may be the greatest tool to assist in our journey down the scenic path of Ashtanga Yoga."
"Be relaxed. Enjoy every breath. Feel the magic of moving your body and filling the lungs with air. The rewards of yoga are personal! It is an incredibly valuable and diverse tool."
Yama - ethical disciplines
Niyama - self observation
Asana - posture
Pranayama - breath control
Pratyahara - sense withdrawal
Dharana - concentration
Dhyana - meditation
Samadhi - a state of joy and peace
Many of the poses and ideas in this book are much too advanced for me at this time but the author does a great job of explaining that yoga is about "experiencing" it.
"There is no way to rush the growth of a tree. It will expand as our understanding of the depths of yoga matures. Patience may be the greatest tool to assist in our journey down the scenic path of Ashtanga Yoga."
"Be relaxed. Enjoy every breath. Feel the magic of moving your body and filling the lungs with air. The rewards of yoga are personal! It is an incredibly valuable and diverse tool."
February 24, 2022
Not for brand new yogis. If you’re new to yoga, I highly recommend getting in-person hands-on training with a teacher first.
Ashtanga is a rigorous practice, and the basis for Vinyasa. This book is great for people who have a good foundation and are looking to advance their training, or want a more structured sequence for daily practice to add on. Surya Namaskara A and B are listed out perfectly, with modifications in the book, and the author has added his short and long form sequences.
Yoga is a lifelong journey and this book has great foundation strengthening but in no way can it replace a good instructor who can guide and target your alignment.
Ashtanga is a rigorous practice, and the basis for Vinyasa. This book is great for people who have a good foundation and are looking to advance their training, or want a more structured sequence for daily practice to add on. Surya Namaskara A and B are listed out perfectly, with modifications in the book, and the author has added his short and long form sequences.
Yoga is a lifelong journey and this book has great foundation strengthening but in no way can it replace a good instructor who can guide and target your alignment.
March 27, 2023
Very clear and simple overview of the asanas (posture) in the primary and intermediate series. And very intimidating too; I'd never seen many of the intermediate postures until I opened this book and if it weren't for the fact the book uses photos I'd thought they would be pretty much physically impossible 😆
But for each asana the author includes several simplifications (from beginner to more advanced), so even I can attempt some form of the posture.
The included 15, 30 and 45 minute short forms leave no excuse to not practice more regularly. As my first reference book for Ashtanga yoga, I can highly recommend this.
But for each asana the author includes several simplifications (from beginner to more advanced), so even I can attempt some form of the posture.
The included 15, 30 and 45 minute short forms leave no excuse to not practice more regularly. As my first reference book for Ashtanga yoga, I can highly recommend this.
September 1, 2017
Absolutely fantastic. I felt like I was holding the field manual for going to yoga teacher training with Pattabhi K. Jois. David Swenson is an amazing source of information and his asana practice is out of this world. An ultimate resource for teachers and serious practitioners of Ashtanga. Glad I purchased.
November 23, 2020
A total must if you are into yoga, particularly ashtanga yoga. Offers various alternatives for every posture, very well explained, making the whole primary and intermediate series accessible to all levels.
November 3, 2021
I normally prefer the book over anything else, even when it comes to an instruction book or do it yourself book like this one. However, reality is that there are some things that need a personal trainer or teacher. Perhaps this book is for more advance yogins and I am too much of a beginner still.
November 28, 2023
Great reference manual. Beginner-friendly with lots of examples for adaptation of the postures. Also in-depth enough to be interesting for high-level practitioners. Clear photos with just enough explanation.
June 19, 2017
I got some good tips out of this book for my practice in general, as well as to use during the primary series.
July 16, 2017
This was the first Ashtanga book I read that offered attainable variations to postures.
September 8, 2019
The go-to guide for ashtanga. Although remember: ashtanga is 99% practice, 1% theory.
January 22, 2020
My fav yoga teacher for Ashtanga is David Swenson!
August 6, 2020
This book helped break down poses so they were easier to understand.
January 24, 2021
awesome book for ashtangi. I wish there were a bit more like the counting in sanskrit..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews