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43 of 44 found the following review helpful:
 Excellent introduction for the true beginnerJul 30, 2000
I read the Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga over a year ago. I have found myself practicing yoga faithfully and referring to the book ever since. The book gives a wonderful overview of this centuries old practice. I particularly liked the book for the authors' humor and openmindedness. As can be found in their other book, Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation. All the information needed to start practicing yoga today is provided without making the reader feel as though they must change religions or make other drastic changes in their lives. Facts and ideas are presented in such a way that the reader can take as little or as much from the book as he wants.I found the explainations of postures, breathing exercises and other yoga aspects to be clear and detailed (enough for a beginner). I was particularly impressed with the instructions for the postures as modifications are included. A lot of books don't do that. The book is truly an introduction to yoga - there is so much more to be learned. In fact, it has lead me to read many other wonderful books about yoga. As well as research yoga on web sites listed in the book (including Joan Budilovsky's site - wonderful, & you actually get answers to your letters). The CIGY offers an EXCELLENT place to begin. I have recommended this book to several friends who have asked me about my yoga practice. I would recommend it again and again.
22 of 23 found the following review helpful:
A fine introductionFeb 16, 1999
Granted, I've only begun to practice yoga in the past 3-4 weeks (!), but this book strikes me as the next best thing to live instruction. * It deals with both the physical and spiritual/mental aspects of yoga without being "preachy" or totalitarian about some behaviors (e.g., meat-eating) that most people aren't willing to give up. * It demonstrates a wide variety of postures without picturing extreme variations that no beginner could ever hope to achieve. * It can be read cover-to-cover in just a few hours. Readers looking for a thorough, basic introduction to yoga will treasure this book; those already immersed in yoga will probably find it less helpful (but then, they aren't the ones for whom "Idiots" and "Dummies" books are written.)
14 of 14 found the following review helpful:
A complete guide to take you from Beginner to Intermediate!!Aug 18, 2004
By Mark
"Technology, Music and Movies"
I recently read this book and I must say it was a pleasure. This series is written as a "Complete Idiot's Guide," meaning the material is not only supposed to be easy to understand, it's also supposed to be comprehensive. This book is both, and it is nicely put together to boot.
For starters, I thought the pictures and illustrations were pretty good considering the difficulty of capturing certain Yoga poses. The good quality of the paper stock and clarity of the pictures get extra bonus points.
In addition, the book does have extensive comments on the meaning behind the Yoga poses. Some people may not be as interested in this kind of information, but for me knowing the names of the poses and some of the meaning behind them helps me to remember them better. So I enjoyed that extra research. For those who don't want that level of detail, there are a number of nice picture guides that simply show you the basic routines.
What I really like about this book is that it not only helps you get your feet wet as a beginner, it can take you up to intermediate and perhaps even advanced understanding of Yoga. The book is so full of good info that after you read it the first time, you can continue turning back to it for a long time to come. As a beginner, it's good for me to know that my investment in a book will become a nice reference when I'm done reading it.
I hope you enjoy this book. :)
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Yo, this is the Yoga guide for Yo...Aug 16, 1998
Yoga has never been so easy or so much fun! This book is fun, humorous, interesting, beneficial, etc... Finally, a yoga book that a layman can read without referring to a dictionary. From the history of yoga, to breathing techniques, to choosing a right yoga school, to yoga postures, to eating healthy, Joan provides the reader a way to appreciate yoga and incorporate it into his/her life. Anyone thinking about starting yoga "must" begin with this book.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
A Splendid Celebration of LifeApr 20, 1998
"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga" was a treat to read from start to finish." The authors are not only knowledgeable about yoga, but express that knowledge with warmth, humor, and humility, a rare combination in our day. The book is filled with many beautiful quotes that highlight its specialness. For example:
"The wise yogi eats moderately, and moderation means not being obsessive about anything, even moderation!" p. 210
"Many voices harmonize to form a single, beautiful sound that is more complete than one voice alone, just as the universe is a beautiful blending of each soul into a single vibration of love." p. 199
"Take an active role in bringing peace to your life through shavasana, because even the most hectic and chaotic external life is miraculous and wonderful when peace lives inside you." p. 204
"Hope is the best nurse of all." p. 222
Finding a book that offers hope, encouragaes inner peace, and clearly and simply explains inner and outer exercises to achieve that hope and inner peace is a rare book indeed. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga" is a splendid celebration of life. I highly recommend it to all.
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