Publisher's Synopsis
Is this the right book for me?
Relax and Unwind with Yoga is designed to help you reap the full benefits of yoga for practical and emotional wellbeing by following a daily routine that doesn't require a huge amount of commitment. Ideal for the beginner with no previous experience, it outlines all the basic/key exercises (asanas) you will need in addition to giving you information on how, where and when to practice them.
There is plenty of insight into the philosophical background of yoga and helpful tips on diet and lifestyle. Supporting materials, including a practice diary, will allow you to record your progress, while a list of teachers and sources for taking it further will be useful to all those who wish to deepen their practice.
Relax and Unwind with Yoga includes:
Chapter 1: Introduction
The philosophy and goals of yoga
The main paths of yoga - which one is for you?
Hatha yoga: ancient techniques for a modern lifestyle
Benefits of hatha yoga
Chapter 2: Starting your practice
Starting your practice
When and how often
Where and with whom
Who can practise yoga
What you will need
Safety measures
Chapter 3: The exercises - asanas
Warming up
Standing and balancing: connect fully with your body
Sitting and forward bending: focusing within
Back bends: opening up to the world
Twists: wringing out negativity
Inverted poses: attain a new vision of life
Relaxation techniques: winding down
Chapter 4: Pranayama - working with breath
Why do pranayama?
Styles of breathing
Kapalabhati: purifying the mind and body
Nasal cleansing exercises to enhance your breathing exercises
Chapter 5: Yoga lifestyles
Moderation in all things
Keeping your life in balance
Yamas - your relationship with the world
Niyamas - your relationship with yourself
The yogic diet
Chapter 6: Meditation - retraining your mind to let go
What is meditation?
Why meditate?
The practicalities
How to sit
Using your breath
Focusing on sound
Chakras - bringing your awareness to your higher energy centers
Tratak - candle gazing
Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and added features:
Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the authors' many years of experience.
Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of Yoga.
Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.
Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.
