Yoga Zone Introduction to Yoga: A Beginner's Guide to Health, Fitness, and Relaxation

by Alan Finger

Let the modern authority on yoga guide you on the most important journey you'll ever take.

As people search for inner peace amid increasingly hectic lives, the practice of yoga continues to gain popularity. Yoga means to yoke, or to bring together, the various aspects of the self -- body, mind, and spirit -- and while the physical and mental benefits of yoga are truly astounding, to many people the idea of yoga is intimidating. In fact, nothing could be easier than starting a yoga practice, and Yoga Zone Introduction to Yoga is the perfect guide.

In the first section, Yoga Master Alan Finger offers a brief history of the different types of yoga and how they are practiced in the West, including an explanation of the ISHTA yoga that Alan created and that is taught at Yoga Zone. You'll learn about the benefits of yoga and how to prepare for a practice with different breathing exercises. Next Alan outlines two series of beginner postures, accompanying each pose with detailed instructions on how to achieve it, along with tips and modifications for various fitness levels. All the exercises are fully illustrated and the text is instructional yet friendly, in the tradition of a Yoga Zone studio class. Following the postures, there's a special section on relaxation and meditation, cornerstones of any yoga practice. Packed with personality and full of valuable information, Yoga Zone Introduction to Yoga will introduce you to a life of unlimited possibilities and infinite joy.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2000

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the first books I read on yoga, nearly 20 years ago. Yoga Zone taught me a lot through this book and their videos. This is an excellent beginner book assuming you accompany it with other resources (I'd say that of any beginner book). The book does include a beginner 20 and 40 mins routines. I found the asana directions easy to follow, but I was familiar with Alan Finger's direction style prior to reading. I just read through the book again in an effort to return to yoga. I remember now why I fell in love with it all those years ago.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vairagya. I'm letting go of most of my yoga books as I prepare for a move and a new path.

I bought this book several years ago after learning about Yoga Zone through their DVDs, so I sought out this book.

This is a nice book for beginners, and an excellent introduction to ISHTA yoga.

[Liberty Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for any beginner or just for as anyone looking to depend their understanding of how poses affect you and appropriate positioning. Really enjoyed working with this book.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT beginners yoga book. Good straightforward history, philosophy and basic poses.