Ashtanga Yoga

The back of the book includes short form practices for those who are pressed for time and also has the standing and seated exercises on two page spreads which is ideal as an aide memoir when doing your practice.

My only criticism is that David Swanson is so brilliant at everything it makes me feel very inadequate when comparing my positions to the "correct" ones he performs.

I researched very widely before buying and looked at loads of yoga books. This is undoubtedly the one I would recommend to anyone wanting to do Ashtanga self-practice


Please bear in mind the following   April 6, 2005
30 out of 30 found this review helpful

Having bought this book, I will say that it is everything that one could hope for from an instruction manual: informative, lucid and encouraging for the beginner, with plenty of 'easier' options included .
However, I personally find that learning only from a book can be a little dry and uninspiring, and until you can remember the routine you will have to keep resorting back to the page, which can become tiresome when you just want to get on and stretch. And with this in mind, I would like to point out that if you search on the web, you can find David Swenson's DVDs to accompany this book, which will allow you to see everything in the book executed perfectly. Please also remember, whilst Ashtanga-style yoga is very rewarding, it is also challenging; although you can, of course, freely use the postures in this book to put together your own more relaxed Hatha-style workout, if you feel like it. Good luck and good health.


my yoga bible   November 5, 2004
16 out of 18 found this review helpful

superb book jam-packed with clear and helpful photos, helped me to learn how to 'jump-through' something even my own yoga teacher couldnt really put into words for me, step-by-step format thats easy to follow and best of all it lies flat (its ring-bound) a major plus any budding yogi will tell you!!!


Ashtanga Yoga... very well presented book   May 30, 2004
Chris Gray
28 out of 29 found this review helpful

This was my first book on Yoga - As a martial artist, I wanted to incorporate some Yoga to increase my flexilbility, through a more relaxed routine!!
This book is a hardback and is in binder format, which means you can turn the page easily as you work through your Yoga...
It gives you an introduction to the roots of Ashtanga Yoga & the philosphy behind it, which can help in keeping your mind focused on how to perform your postures.
the pictures of the postures are illustrated at different levels of flexibility - so you can try the more advanced ones as you progress..
The instructions are clear and easy to follow....
Overall I would definately recommend this book to anyone, whether you're new to yoga, or you teach it..
This book continues to help me improve my flexibility (and state of mind), and I use it as part of my exercise regime on a regular basis.
EXCELLENT VALUE...