My New Yoga Book

I have been trying to get a handle on Yoga for a few years (and I wish I would have gotten a better handle on it about 7-8 years ago when I was still very young and flexible and just trying out yoga for the first time). I have found that yoga classes vary a great deal and can be expensive, and I have never enjoyed the whole exercise video thing. The nice thing about going to a class (if you actuallly have a good teacher) is that he/she can help you with correct form.

Well, this last week I ordered a book from amazon.com called Moving Toward Balance: 8 Weeks of Yoga with Rodney Yee. First of all, I will say that the paper that the book is printed on alone, is worth the money I paid for it. He shows you exactly how to breath and takes you through different kinds of yoga poses throughout the 8 weeks (or however long it takes you to do it - I will not be getting through it in 8 weeks). Also, are detailed descriptions of how to hold the poses and what body parts to focus on. Now some of the poses I am a bit worried about like handstand and a full Plow Pose, but he gives some alernate versions of these poses that do not require the full range of flexibility or strength - you can work up to it over time.

Although I am familiar with most of the poses I am going to take my time and go through the sequenced practices. Yesterday I did day one, focusing on standing poses. Anyone who has taken the time to really try yoga knows that it is not just stretching - it focuses on balance, focus, looking and listening inward, strength, relaxation and vulnerability. Leaning towards a type 'A' personality, I have always skimmed past the relaxation and meditation 'crap' before, but I am trying to change that and make it a part of my yoga practice. Maybe then I won't have any more posts entitled "Too Much to Do" or "I'm Completely Stressed Out."

If you do the program as prescribed then you do 6 days of yoga each week (including one day of relaxation/meditation. I cannot devote six days a week; 2-3 works for me because I also like jogging and don't want to exclude that. At the end of the book after going through the 8 week course, Rodney Yee helps you to design your own practices - no guess work. But after I become an expert, do not expect any pictures of me holding weird poses (insert wisecrack here).

You can view the entire book on google books here.

Oh, and after Day 1, I felt great! You should join me! And of course I will let you know how everything goes when I am finished with the 8 week program (which will take me about 16 weeks).

Namaste