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The American Yoga Association Beginner's Manual » (REVISED & UPDATED)

Book cover image of The American Yoga Association Beginner's Manual by Alice Christensen

Authors: Alice Christensen
ISBN-13: 9780743219419, ISBN-10: 0743219414
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Date Published: January 2002
Edition: REVISED & UPDATED

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Author Biography: Alice Christensen

Book Synopsis

The American Yoga Association has set the standard for Yoga instruction for more than thirty years. Its classic Beginner's Manual has sold close to 100,000 copies nationwide since its release in 1987. Now fully revised and updated with all new photographs and revised text, this essential step-by-step guide provides students with the information and guidance they need to learn Yoga safely and effectively.

Now that there are an estimated 18 million Yoga enthusiasts in the United States, this influential resource is poised to inspire a whole new generation of students to discover the myriad physical and spiritual benefits of practicing Yoga.

Table of Contents

Preface10
1.Introduction to Yoga14
The Techniques of Yoga15
Before You Start16
Finding a Yoga Teacher21
How to Practice Yoga Asans21
2.Getting Ready to Exercise: The Yoga Warm-Up24
3.Putting it All Together: Curriculum and Routines41
Course One42
Course Two49
Course Three56
After Course Three ...61
4.Exercise (Asana)62
5.Breathing (Pranayama)142
Breathing Techniques142
Facts About Yoga and Your Breath143
How to Start Breathing Better144
Breath Warm-ups146
Breathing Exercises (Pranayamas)149
Breathing and Mood Changes152
Breathing Exercises New to Course Two154
Breathing Exercises New to Course Three157
6.Relaxation and Meditation160
How to Begin161
Benefits of Meditation in Everyday Life165
Common Experiences in Meditation166
7.Diet and Nutrition167
The Vegetarian Diet and Health169
Why Is Diet Important in Yoga?169
The Yoga Vegetarian Diet171
The American Yoga Association Food Pyramid172
Supplements179
8.Pregnancy184
Helpful Hints185
Yoga Routine During Pregnancy186
Nutrition for Pregnancy190
9.Yoga and Sports191
How Yoga Helps Improve Sports Performance191
Yoga Techniques for Warming Up and Cooling Down192
Daily Yoga Routine for Improved Sports Performance192
10.Stress Management198
Three Steps to Greater Stress Resistance199
Stress and Diet204
Breath: Your Most Portable Stress Management Tool206
Relaxation and Meditation206
11.Yoga Philosophy208
Rama208
Your Two Bodies209
Lakshmanjoo210
Ethics in Yoga212
Glossary216
Resources219
Index225

Subjects