Help me get bent

November 12, 2009 7:24 AM

I've started taking yoga classes through work, and am really enjoying it. What books and resources are recommended to help me continue after the sessions end? There seems to be so many out there...

If it helps, the type of yoga I'm learning is sivananda (I think). I'm obviously a beginner and not enormously fit, but it would be great to have something I can do at home as well as in a class. Oh, I'm in the UK so I must be able to get hold of the books over here!

posted by mippy to health & fitness (9 comments total)

You might want to start with books in the Sivananda style. The Sivananda Home Companion is exceptional. My other suggestions are all works by BKS Iyengar. Anything he has written is worth reading. I would suggest starting with Light on Life, which is his most accessible work and covers integrating the philosophy of Yoga with life. Light on Yoga is another amazing book, and considered by many to be the bible of classical asanas. Light on Pranayama is exceptional for learning Pranayama(Breathing "exercises"), and Light on the Yoga sutras of Patanjali is a fantastic book for learning about the "bible" of Yoga. Both of these latter two works are probably a little advanced, but if you are dedicated then anything written by BKS Iyengar should be understandable.
posted by satori_movement at 7:40 AM on November 12, 2009

I should point out that I'm seeing yoga primarily as exercise with a bit of relaxation thrown in, so something that concentrates on movement rather than philosophy would be best to kick off with.
posted by mippy at 9:30 AM on November 12, 2009

The website yogatoday is excellent. Originally it began with offering a new yoga class daily for free to viewers. I guess that wasn't sustainable because now they offer only one free class a week. If you try some of their free classes, however, and find that you like them, then it is only $10/month to join the website. At that point you will gain access to hundreds of classes of various skill levels taught my excellent instructors.

I really love this website - you should check it out.
posted by sickinthehead at 9:36 AM on November 12, 2009

Sorry about the linking issue above. here is the correct link.
posted by sickinthehead at 9:37 AM on November 12, 2009

I find the yoga journal magazine and website both very helpful. Yes they throw in some of the philosophical stuff but it's easy to negotiate both to focus solely on movement, both individual asanas and sequences. The web site even has a nifty "build a sequence" section and they break down the poses as well as one can without being one-on-one.
posted by kaybdc at 10:59 AM on November 12, 2009

mippy, Yoga is first and foremost a philosophical system, which utilizes, as one component of a large and developed framework, a series of exercises to prepare the mind and body for union with the soul. Perhaps understanding the origins of the exercise and WHY they bring about relaxation will deepen your practice significantly.
posted by satori_movement at 2:26 PM on November 12, 2009

If you have cable tv, check your listings for "FitTV" or other exercise channel. They should have on demand shows with good basic yoga work outs.

Also, there are "games" for the Nintendo DS on doing yoga and pilates.

Also check collage.com for exercise videos.

Check your gym of you have one, or even a community college or center, they may offer classes as well!
posted by Jinx of the 2nd Law at 8:01 PM on November 12, 2009

satori, I realise that yoga is more than stretching, but for me I want to use it primarily as my form of exercise to assist my balance and muscles rather than being interested in it for the philosophical component - I'm somewhat wary of spirituality, and the practise I have done so far concentrates on poses and relaxation, which I enjoy and want to know more on. If this sounds like blasphemy to you, I apologise!
posted by mippy at 3:51 AM on November 13, 2009

Hah, it does not sound like blasphemy, I'm glad you are enjoying your practice because at the end of the day that is the only thing that matters.

Might I suggest an affordable alternative to books and tapes, simply practice the postures outside of class on your own. The danger of books and tapes is that you can develop bad habits, or worse start to work on postures your body is not yet open enough to perform. Your instructor has likely given a lot of thought to your level and ability, and following the sequences she has given in class on your own will greatly expand and open your body without putting you in danger of hurting yourself.
posted by satori_movement at 8:29 AM on November 13, 2009