Stretch, strengthen, and start your yoga journey with this approachable guide
Yoga For Dummies teaches beginners the fundamentals of Yogacorrect posture, breathing techniques, meditation practices, and beyond. Its also a helpful resource for established yogis who want to focus on foundations. Whoever you are, youll enjoy the proven mental and physical health benefits of this ancient practice. Improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, increase your flexibility and balance, reduce stress, and more! Let Dummies help you get the most out of your yoga routine. This edition includes updated photos, new mindfulness meditations, new routines, and easy-to-follow instructions for mastering core yoga poses and building a regular practice.Discover the ideas and philosophy behind the ancient practice of YogaLearn correct techniques and alignment for basic and more advanced posesPractice sequences of yoga poses for a full-body workout that builds strength and flexibilityReap the benefits of mindfulness meditation and yogic breathing exercises
Yoga For Dummiesprovides beginner-friendly instruction and expert guidance so you can enjoy the health and peace of mind that yoga brings.
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Yoga 5
Chapter 1: Yoga 101: Building a Foundation 7
Chapter 2: Ready, Set, Yoga! 23
Chapter 3: Preparing for a Fruitful Yoga Practice 35
Chapter 4: The Fine Art of Letting Go of Stress 43
Chapter 5: Breath and Movement Simplified 59
Part 2: Moving into Position: Basic Yoga Postures 83
Chapter 6: Please Be Seated 85
Chapter 7: Standing Tall 97
Chapter 8: Steady as a Tree: Mastering Balance 113
Chapter 9: Absolutely Abs 123
Chapter 10: Looking at the World Upside Down: Safe Inversion Postures 131
Chapter 11: Easy round the Bends: Classic Bending Floor Postures 141
Chapter 12: Several Twists on the Yoga Twist 159
Chapter 13: Dynamic Posture: The Rejuvenation Sequence and Sun Salutation 167
Chapter 14: A Beginners Routine for Everyone 177
Part 3: Creating and Customizing Your Yoga Routine 189
Chapter 15: Designing Your Own Yoga Program 191
Chapter 16: Partnering Up for Yoga 229
Chapter 17: Its Never Too Soon: Pre- and Postnatal Yoga 245
Chapter 18: Yoga for Kids and Teens 257
Chapter 19: Its Never Too Late: Yoga for Aging Adults 281
Chapter 20: Prop Art: The Why and How of Simple Props 305
Chapter 21: Yoga Against the Wall 313
Part 4: Living Life the Yoga Way 327
Chapter 22: Yoga throughout the Day 329
Chapter 23: Meditation and the Higher Reaches of Yoga 343
Chapter 24: Yoga Therapy: Customizing Your Back and Body Treatments 359
Chapter 25: Using Restorative Postures to Relieve Stress and Chronic Pain 381
Part 5: The Part of Tens 397
Chapter 26: Ten Tips for a Safe Yoga Practice 399
Chapter 27: Ten Ways to Get the Most out of Your Yoga Practice 403
Index 407
