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Product Description

This is the most user-friendly yoga book available! It contins the entire Primary and Intermediate series of Ashtanga Yoga with three options for every asana. It is spiral bound to easily remain open while practicing. It contains over 650 photos with clear instructions and commentary. It is a great book for all levels of practitioners to enjoy and teachers will find it to be an invaluable tool for teaching their students.

Customer Reviews:

• The Bible of Ashtanga
  This book is the best book on ashtanga yoga on the market - a must have for any person interested in ashtanga yoga. It covers all aspects, showing easier versions of the poses so that the beginner can also follow it.
  The back of the book has shorter versions of the full primary series so that when you are limited for time, you can do a shorter workout.
  The only thing about this book that is not so great is that when you have used it for a long time, the edges of the pages start to tear due to the way it has been bound. It has been bound this way so that the pages stay open while you are practising a pose....more info
• Madonna's Yoga
  Very detailed. A great get in shape book. A wonderfully relaxing type of yoga....more info
• What I've always wanted from a Yoga book!!
  A+, I HIGHLY RECOMMED! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this book! My favorite thing is how they show each pose in the beginner, intermediate & advanced levels, + variations. It has clear instructions on how to get into each pose, when to inhale or exhale, how long to hold the pose, the benefits, etc. They even show how to utilize a strap when trying to progress to the next level of a pose. I've never seen that in any other yoga books including my certification materials.
  The pictures are clear, details are easy to see, & the instructions are easy to understand taking you through each detail.
  In my opinion the book is very professional in its LOOKS, CONTENT & MATERIALS. The spiral is secure and there appears not to be any danger of the pages coming loose. **It also includes a lot of yoga poses &/or variations I haven't seen before.**
  
  I've been teaching yoga at various fitness facilities for over 3 yrs. Most classes have participants that fall into each of the levels. This can make it very challenging to give the more advanced students the challenge they need while also teaching the beginners the basics. This book gives me a quick way to know the best way(s) to accomplish this while not compromising safety.
  
  I have several yoga books but none have all the information, pictures, instructions, etc. There is always a piece of information that I need missing from each book. I have all now. The book has HIGH QUALITY Looks & Bindings without compromising on the information.
  
  If you are in doubt click on the "SEARCH INSIDE" icon like I did and judge for yourself. ...more info
• Met or exceeded my expectations
  This was recommended to me by my Ashtanga teacher. It has great photos and really complements what you hear in class. I understand more the drishti (eye gazes) and what the modifications to the poses are. When I think about it, I open it up and read about a particular pose that I am having some trouble with. It's really nice to have around.
  
  I do wish it had the Sanskrit counting in it, but that is a minor thing....more info
• Gotta love the man in the speedo. ;)
  I've been doing Ashtanga for 2 years and am really enjoying David's manual. It explains each posture in detail, it has the sanscrit translation, and many variations in postrues for those of us that are not quite up to David's skill level (that's most of us).
  
  I would hightly recommend this book and I would also recommend taking a class from David if you have the opportunity - he is serious about his practice but very light hearted and funny in the lesson.
  
  He very assertively recommended that we do not push ourselves too much just to be 'good yogis', which has helped me become less of a perfectionist and has enabled me to relax, enjoy, and breathe.
  
  Namaste....more info
• Great resource for Ashtanga Yoga practitioners
  David's book was wonderfully designed for those perfecting their practice of Ashtanga Yoga. Postures and breathing are well described and illustrated. The series reference in the back is great as well as abbreviated practice series if you want to get a quick session in and don't have 1.5+ hours to devote at the time. ...more info
• fantastic ashtanga resource
  This book is a great resource!! It's spiral bound so you can lay it flat on the floor. Using this book helps me learn the order (and names) of the poses when I'm practicing ashtanga at home. Also, the descriptions of the poses are very clear and there are pictures with modifications. I love this book!!!...more info
• A totally good idea
  I bought this book because I was recovering from serious nerve and muscle damage. I was an absolute beginner, with the extra added bonus of being able to easily hurt myself very seriously with a simple fall. My doctor initially recommended strengthening therapy, which is useful but not enough. Yoga seemed like an excellent solution (and I'd never tried it). But it didn't seem that I could do anything in my current state, and classes were out because I couldn't get into a cab.

  With Swenson's book I've made an incredibly quick recovery. It doesn't demand strength, agility or more concentration than you're prepared to give. Practicing the short forms gives you a sense of how to make a session longer and more useful, but even a 15 minute short form will do wonders for people starting out. Swenson takes the view that those rock-star positions are ideal forms, something you reach after years of work. Get yourself into an approximation of an ideal form and follow the flow from one position to another, and you'll still feel a huge benefit. And since Swenson shows photos of the approximations and flow, you don't have to guess what's next or what you could do instead.

  Would you be better off starting with a class? Perhaps. It wasn't really an option for me, and a lot of people are put off by the roll-your-eyes snobbery of...well...yoga geeks. Swenson's book allowed me to gain confidence and stability in a very short period of time, and I could now handle a class without being discouraged. But to put it simply: this book will last me forever....more info

• Develop Your Practice
  As you begin your lifelong journey with Ashtanga, this book acts a tutor - answering any questions that you may have. It helped me memorize the sequence, reinforced correct breathing and the pictures are amazing. If you want to become an Ashtangi as quickly as you can, this book will help. It is like a dear friend to me... I constatnly consult it after practice....more info
• The ultimate Ashtanga Yoga book
  This is it...if you want to learn Ashtanga Yoga, this is the book for you. It has lots of pictures, lots of illustrations, lots of explanations, what more can you ask for? :) If you can't attend an actual class, this is the "next best thing."...more info
• Ahtanga Yoga the Practice Manuel
  I ordered this book on February 17th,2009 and still have not received this book. When I e-mailed marketplace@superbookdeals to find out where my book was they told me it takes 21 business days emphasizing "business days" but not giving me a time frame on when to expect the book. I would not recommend ever ordering from this comapany unless you are someone who enjoys ordering and paying for something that you may or may never receive when you need it. ...more info
• A Yoga Book I Can Understand
  This is a great book to see how all the poses of the primary series work together, and it gives some great tips to improve my practice. The pages on mastering the "jump through" have been really helpful to me. I also like how it details the secondary series-gives me something to look forward to!
  ...more info
• Excerpt does no justice
  This is a great book for beginner to advanced. It was recommended to me by my Ashtanga Yoga instructor. It shows tons of poses and modifications for those of us who are, shall we say, less flexible. If you look inside and are disappointed don't use that to judge this book. It is phenomenol!!...more info
• A practical and comprehensive manual
  I bought this book when I read an article in a Melbourne newspaper from Antonia Kidman who swore by this manual. I have a few other Yoga books, both good, but this bound, hardcover manual is very practical as attested to by other reviewers.
  
  I only dropped a point due to the fact (and other Yoga books I have seen don't seem to emphasize this either) that the reader does not really gain an insight into how long it should take them to be able to realize these poses. Many of the poses, even in the Primary Series could take the average person years of practise to perfect. We all know Yoga is a lifetime journey but one tends to feel a little incompetent when after practising for some time that they are still struggling with what would be elementary poses for many Yogi's.
  
  That said, take your time and perhaps concentrate on the Sun Salutations and the 30 and 45 minutes sequences to begin with and as you progress and become more flexible you can begin to concentrate on the more advanced asana's. This book should last you for a long time. ...more info
• Really now...
  Do you look like this person on the cover? If not, you may want to rethink this book. I got it as a gift but plan on "regifting" it soon. It makes yoga a game of accomplishment rather than an honest practice for normal people. Interesting Asana is fine for those who are truly moved and have a body that is capible of accomplishing it, but the real goal of yoga is to help you do a practice that enhances your life, not to spend your life trying to accomplish gymnastics designed for young Indian boys. For a different view, take a look at "The Yoga of Heart" by Mark Whitwell. ...more info
• Excellent practical guide
  This book is a fantastic guide for your Ashtanga Yoga. I would recommend reading Yoga Mala (Pattabhi Jois) first, and then using this book as a guide for your practice. Illustrations are clear, vivid and easy to follow. The binding of the book allows for propping while praticing. David Swenson does a fantastic walking through step by step how to get into each pose. I use it everyday!...more info
• excellent
  I have looked at a lot of books on yoga, and also own both of Beryl Bender Birch's books, but David Swenson's book and tapes are the absolute best for someone who wants to get started with Ashtanga. Highly recommend the "Short Forms" video for those not already familiar with Ashtanga; it is extremely user-friendly and unpretentious. This is supposed to be about the book, though, which is excellent; it includes photos of most modifications that are discussed, is easy to follow, and is the only book that includes ALL of the postures in primary and secondary series. The only criticism I have is that the Birch books are better about letting the reader know which postures should be avoided without help of a teacher. Hopefully, as Ashtanga grows in popularity, there will be more qualified teachers throughout the country. Now, though, many of us do not have the option of regular instruction, and this book is the next best thing....more info
• Great book!! the options are so useful
  It is a great book, I was looking for new postures, and I already knew both series of ashtanga, but the options than Swenson ilustrate are just great, in some postures that I need work, I can start from the beginning. I totally recomend this book....more info
• Rank Beginner's Perspective
  Mr. Swenson's book is well organized and appears to summarize a great deal of the Ashtanga yoga system. However, what I'm learning most from the book is that I need to take some yoga lessons to really begin practicing. Very quickly the exercises become quite challenging, but I suppose much of that is due to the nature of Ashtanga yoga. The poses are very well photographed and annotated, and I imagine his book will make an excellent reference after I've learned a little more from an instructor. Not to sell myself short, but I can't imagine ever requiring a more advanced yoga manual. The book is very well constructed, with a very heavy cover and spiral binding. Highly recommended....more info
• Interesting and amazing.
  It is great to have a book like this. Great form, great poses, and it does help in understanding the practise of Yoga. Ommmmm!
  
  Somehow, either real men cant bend or our muscles are to fat. Still the streches does improve health....more info
• As if David Swanson became my personal teacher
  This wonderful practice manual has helped me to upgrade my yoga practice significantly.
  It's organized so "user friendly" that it's as if David Swanson is right there next to me when I'm practicing....more info
• BEST ASHTANGA YOGA BOOK OUT THERE
  David was very conscious of making this book user friendly and he certaintly accomplished that goal. First of all there is the spiral bound spine, which is beautifully covered on the outside with stardard book cover, yet perfect for putting it flat on the floor during practice. The book has both the primary and intermediate series. Each pose comes jammed packed with modifications to meet varing degrees of flexiblity.
  
  There are explanations about Ashtanga Yoga and practice as well as some of the philosphy beyond this traditional. This book is primary for the practice of asana so much more than getting into mediation or chakra or chanting, for that I suggest you pick up Power Yoga by Berly Bender Birch. The photographs are in black & white obviously to keep production costs down, but no matter its beautifully done and truly inspiring.
  
  Hats off to Swenson and his team for putting much thought into the creation and execution of this book,...more info
• Effective approach to Ashtanga Yoga
  I have been looking at quite a few books and videos on Ashtanga/Power Yoga and find Mr. Swenson's book and DVD's/CD's by far the best product out there. I prefer self study and have not always much time for long workouts due to travel, etc. David's approach allows me to squeeze in some Yoga every day of my life and the many variations he provides make my practice develop over time. Most useful is David's attempt to make your practice independent of all media. By now I can practice on my own with no aids wherever I want. I might have 15 min (likely) or 2h (unlikely). All I need is a bit of space and a mat or towel. In fact just the other week I was for business travel in Singapore. I got up early due to jet lag and went outdoor pool side in my hotel. The following 90 min practice gave me a great workout and equanimity. The following day with meetings etc. was much easier to endure.
  
  
  I have been intrigued by body weight exercises since a long time. Why would you use all sort of equipment if your body provides you with a universe of opportunities to build strength, flexibility and stamina/endurance?
  
  Another gtreat book I recommend is Daniel Lyon's "Pilates for Men"....more info
• my ashtanga bible
  after all of the ashtanga books and videos i have purchased and enjoyed, this book along with david swenson's videos are the best yet.

  not only is the information organized in an easy-to-follow manner, but the design of the book itself is perfect....lays flat for me, etc. and unlike some ashtanga teachers, david swenson comes through as a real person with a consequent understanding of real life...the short forms are practical and useful for a person like myself who needs a bit of forgiveness for lack of time once in a while. my whole family uses david's book and videos....more info

• Covers Primary and Intermediate Series - simply excellent
  This is the only book one ever needs for Ashtanga Vinyasa Hatha Yoga. Loads of pictures and comments of specific points of each asana. Covers 1¡ã and 2¡ã series. Spiral bound so can be refered to during practice. David uses the original Sanskrit names for each posture which I sppreciate (being Indian) and also explains the meaning of the Sanskrit.

  Above all however, the photos are superb and David's body is so finely tuned that it is very clear to see precisely how the back should be curved etc etc. In fact considering his age and the great shape he is in, the photos are a constant encouragement to keep at it. If you buy one yoga book this year, this is the one to get.

  WARNING: Despite the quality of the book, Ashtanga Vinyasa Hatha Yoga should only be practiced with a qualified teacher. It is critical that certain internal locks, flow and strength is developed before attempting some of the postures in this book. This is NOT a book for beginners of Hatha Yoga or Do It Yourselfers....more info

• More Than A Guide -- A Mat-Side Companion
  David Swenson offers an excellent book to support building a personal Ashtanga practice. I have been doing Ashtanga yoga for 3 years now and have been inspired by David's Primary Series DVD and this book since I first began my practice.
  
  For anyone who does not have Ashtanga experience, cannot find a teacher in their area or want to practice outside of a yoga class, David's DVDs are incredible and instructive. This book is an excellent companion to learn the finer points of the practice at your own pace.
  
  This book is also phenomenal for those experienced in Ashtanga who want to create a Mysore practice. A Mysore practice is a quiet practice. The only sound is your breath, while you go through the sequence at your own pace. It's a profound opportunity to "hear your own voice" and in my experience, builds a deep inner trust. Swenson's book not only lets you look at one asana at a time, but it also provides an "at-a-glance" sequence for a kind of "cliff notes" effect. This was excellent to have by my mat as a reminder of the sequence while creating my at-home Mysore practice.
  
  I have had the great fortune to take a class and teacher training with David Swenson. He has a down-to-earth style, humor and an incredible knowledge of Ashtanga that shines through in his book and DVDs. I highly recommend his work to anyone interested in Ashtanga yoga.
  
  ...more info
• Perfect
  It is exactly what I was looking for. They sent it out on time and I got it on time. It came just as described and the binding is great, laying it out flat during yoga practice is great, easy to look at....more info
• Great Book!
  This book is very well thought-out. I don't know how many times I've tried to do poses from other books, but can't keep the book open, and this ingenuous spiral binding inside a hard cover allows you to leave it flat open on the floor while you work. I have the video, and wasn't sure I'd need this too, but it's a great companion. It is very detailed, has two photo sections--one with detailed descriptions and one with just pictures, and best of all, it contains, the primary, advanced and short forms. I like the lighthearted writing style, but the typos bugged me a little. Great book that you could take with you anywhere....more info
• The Finest Ashtanga Manual Available
  This Practice Manual is The definitive guide to the Primary and Secondary Series of Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore. Clear illustrations of each pose accompany the text as well as pictures of two or three levels of modifications for new practitioners. The descriptions of the postures and the transitions are clear and concise and the book includes a wonderfully detailed description of perhaps the most difficult and frustrating part of ashtanga yoga: the vinyasa.

  The hardcover and the excellent binding make it a true practice aid as it lies flat and is extremely durable.

  A problem with any book that tries to describe and illustrate a flowing sequence is that it is limited to a static format. Swenson's video "Ashtanga Yoga, The Practice" is the perfect companion to the book as it provides 'life' to the descriptions and pictures of the book.

  Should you take a class? Absolutely, if you live in an area where one is available to you. Otherwise this book is the next best option to attending one of Swenson's workshops where his side-splitting humor, dedication, and his teachings as one of the worlds top Ashtanga Yogis are on display.

  Beryl Bender Birch's Power Yoga makes for an interesting read (if you can get past everything about her dogs and her personal life) as it contains some detail of the breath and the bandhas for beginners. However it is not Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Jois and omits several key postures....more info

• If you haven't already bought this, you need to get it!
  First published in 1999, and its still going selling strong! This manual has a lot going for it.
  It is a practical step-by-step manual with clear pictures illustrating every posture, with a descriptive teaching of the postures.
  David covers the basics, intermediate, right through to the full flow with 263 pages of Davids yoga and teachings.
  I reccomend this book to anyone starting out in yoga, (in particular) because it does give visual learners good pictures to grasp and learn from. ...more info
• Great Yoga Book
  I bought this book to be used in conjunction with David Swenson's Short Forms DVD and the Primary Series DVD (which I haven't advanced to yet). It's a great handy book to have--it shows lots of alternative postures and gives details about where to look (the "drishti") during postures, and some interesting background information about Ashtanga yoga. I also really like that he has a section in the back of the book where he shows all the routines (15-min, 30-min, 45-min, primary series, etc.) in a condensed, handy picture format (on 1-2 pages) so you can eventually learn to practice on your own, without relying on the DVD. Overall, David Swenson's products are the best!...more info
• Must-buy for Ashtanga yogis & yoginis
  As an Ashtanga enthusiast, I am always on the look out for new things to add to my collection. My first Ashtanga teacher made copies of this book for me years ago, and I loved those few pages. Now that I have bought the entire book, I see just how wonderful it really is! It explains each posture in both the Primary and Intermediate Series in simple to understand language. Plus, David Swenson includes various modifications for difficult poses, which is always helpful.
  Also included in this book are a few short practices sequenced togethery by Swenson, lasting 15, 30 & 45 minutes. These are excellent as well!
  This is a wonderful Ashtanga book that any yogi or yogini who practices Ashtanga needs to own! Good for all levels - beginner through expert. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!...more info