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Yoga books for beginners
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| Joey Goldstein 2005-07-24, 12:59 am |
|
What do you folks think about these two books:
1. Richard Hittleman's Yoga - 28 Day Exercise Plan
2. Essential Yoga by Olivia H. Miller
I've been doing many of the exercises in these books for a while now.
They both seem to benefit my over-all well being (less back pain, etc.)
but in slightly different ways.
I'd like to have a single routine that I adhere to, for the most part.
Both books have suggested routines but neither book seems to be as
complete as I would like.
#2 Seems more in line with other novice yoga books I've seen but the
Hittleman book seems to have some uncommon variations to well known
exercises, like the Cobra and Triangle, which makes me wonder a bit. He
doesn't even have Downward Dog included. The Hittleman book also appears
to be written for women and I wonder if some of the exercises are even
supposed to be possible for men. Still, I generally feel more energized
after doing his routines than with the other book's.
Do any of you have any other suggestions for a great beginner yoga book?
About me...
I'm a 51 year old male, in embarassingly bad shape.
5'8", 210 lbs.
Body pains (persistent lower back pain, rotator cuff injury type pain,
miscellaneous muscle pains, etc.) that lead me to think I'm in the early
stages of arthritis (my Mom has it pretty bad). Many of even the
simplest yoga exercises are beyond my physical capabilities. Still they
seem to help, as long as I don't overdo it. General health is OK though.
I know that yoga classes are probably a better way to go. I've only ever
been to one class and the teacher pushed me quite a bit harder than I
had been lead to believe that a yoga teacher should. This hasn't totally
turned me off of classes but I'd still rather keep going with books for
a while longer.
I am not looking for a spiritual awakening, although it would not be
unwelcome. <g>
I'm in it basically to try to stave off the pain of arthritis and to
just generally get in shape more, regain elasticity, etc. Any yoga books
geared towards weight loss would be of interest to me too. It seems that
my stomach gets in the way of some exercises like Child Pose and some of
the seated Spinal Twist variations. I guess a book of yoga poses for
people with fat stomachs might be in order for me! <g>
Also, any good web sites to suggest?
Any info appreciated.
--
Joey Goldstein
http://www.joeygoldstein.com
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
| |
| omjaroo 2005-07-24, 12:59 am |
| Joey,
Welcome to alt.yoga.
I have used (still do) Hittlemen's books and find they are the best of
the bunch for (me) a western reader. I recommend any of them (I think I
own them all) highly. He has written many books for all levels/types of
yoga. Do an Amazon.com search and you will find many at very reasonable
(cheap) prices, especially for used. I suggest Yoga, the eight paths
and meditation, and yoga diet.
I suggest you stick with Hittlemen. Especially since you feel it works
for you. Hittlemen teaches a solid, traditional Hatha approach with an
emphasis on gentleness/patience and self-direction/wisdom. It's the
safest, wisest, most thorough treatment of the yoga science I have
seen, without all the eastern mumbo jumbo. Do what he says, the way he
says to do it and you will get the results he says you will get. After
you are comfortable with Hittlemen's material you will have gained
the incite, experience and knowledge required to continue on to the
highest levels of the science of yoga.
Jared
Namaste
| |
| Pan @ Olympus 2005-07-24, 12:59 am |
| On Fri, 22 Jul 2005 21:21:53 -0400, Joey Goldstein
<nospam@nowhere.net> wrote:
>
>What do you folks think about these two books:
>1. Richard Hittleman's Yoga - 28 Day Exercise Plan
>2. Essential Yoga by Olivia H. Miller
>
>I've been doing many of the exercises in these books for a while now.
>They both seem to benefit my over-all well being (less back pain, etc.)
>but in slightly different ways.
>I'd like to have a single routine that I adhere to, for the most part.
>Both books have suggested routines but neither book seems to be as
>complete as I would like.
>
>#2 Seems more in line with other novice yoga books I've seen but the
>Hittleman book seems to have some uncommon variations to well known
>exercises, like the Cobra and Triangle, which makes me wonder a bit. He
>doesn't even have Downward Dog included. The Hittleman book also appears
>to be written for women and I wonder if some of the exercises are even
>supposed to be possible for men. Still, I generally feel more energized
>after doing his routines than with the other book's.
>
>Do any of you have any other suggestions for a great beginner yoga book?
>
>About me...
>I'm a 51 year old male, in embarassingly bad shape.
>5'8", 210 lbs.
>Body pains (persistent lower back pain, rotator cuff injury type pain,
>miscellaneous muscle pains, etc.) that lead me to think I'm in the early
>stages of arthritis (my Mom has it pretty bad). Many of even the
>simplest yoga exercises are beyond my physical capabilities. Still they
>seem to help, as long as I don't overdo it. General health is OK though.
>
>I know that yoga classes are probably a better way to go. I've only ever
>been to one class and the teacher pushed me quite a bit harder than I
>had been lead to believe that a yoga teacher should. This hasn't totally
>turned me off of classes but I'd still rather keep going with books for
>a while longer.
>
>I am not looking for a spiritual awakening, although it would not be
>unwelcome. <g>
>I'm in it basically to try to stave off the pain of arthritis and to
>just generally get in shape more, regain elasticity, etc. Any yoga books
>geared towards weight loss would be of interest to me too. It seems that
>my stomach gets in the way of some exercises like Child Pose and some of
>the seated Spinal Twist variations. I guess a book of yoga poses for
>people with fat stomachs might be in order for me! <g>
>
>Also, any good web sites to suggest?
>
>Any info appreciated.
Howdy Joey!
My one objection would be that newcomers to yoga might get the false
impression that Hatha is their only option.
Dave
| |
| omjaroo 2005-07-24, 12:59 am |
| Is this Howdy Dave with a new nic?
Jared
Namaste
| |
|
| On 2005-07-22 18:21:53 -0700, Joey Goldstein <nospam@nowhere.net> said:
> Do any of you have any other suggestions for a great beginner yoga book?
The very best book for you, but its on the expensive side is Yoga: The
Path To Holistic Health (Hardcover)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...=glance&s=books
This
book is comprehensive. It has very detailed instructions. Most
importantly it has modifications of the asanas for us stiff overweight
spinal condition guys who don't look like candidates for the Yoga
Journal Calendar.
--
~Stu
| |
| Joey Goldstein 2005-07-24, 12:53 pm |
| Thanks.
Can you recommend any single one of Hittleman's other titles, besides
the one I've got, please?
omjaroo wrote:
>
> Joey,
>
> Welcome to alt.yoga.
>
> I have used (still do) Hittlemen's books and find they are the best of
> the bunch for (me) a western reader. I recommend any of them (I think I
> own them all) highly. He has written many books for all levels/types of
> yoga. Do an Amazon.com search and you will find many at very reasonable
> (cheap) prices, especially for used. I suggest Yoga, the eight paths
> and meditation, and yoga diet.
>
> I suggest you stick with Hittlemen. Especially since you feel it works
> for you. Hittlemen teaches a solid, traditional Hatha approach with an
> emphasis on gentleness/patience and self-direction/wisdom. It's the
> safest, wisest, most thorough treatment of the yoga science I have
> seen, without all the eastern mumbo jumbo. Do what he says, the way he
> says to do it and you will get the results he says you will get. After
> you are comfortable with Hittlemen's material you will have gained
> the incite, experience and knowledge required to continue on to the
> highest levels of the science of yoga.
>
> Jared
>
> Namaste
--
Joey Goldstein
http://www.joeygoldstein.com
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
| |
| Joey Goldstein 2005-07-24, 12:53 pm |
| Thanks. I'll consider that book.
Stu wrote:
>
> On 2005-07-22 18:21:53 -0700, Joey Goldstein <nospam@nowhere.net> said:
>
>
> The very best book for you, but its on the expensive side is Yoga: The
> Path To Holistic Health (Hardcover)
> http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...=glance&s=books
>
> This
>
> book is comprehensive. It has very detailed instructions. Most
> importantly it has modifications of the asanas for us stiff overweight
> spinal condition guys who don't look like candidates for the Yoga
> Journal Calendar.
> --
> ~Stu
--
Joey Goldstein
http://www.joeygoldstein.com
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
| |
|
| Joey Goldstein wrote:
>
> Thanks.
> Can you recommend any single one of Hittleman's other titles, besides
> the one I've got, please?
>
Hope I'm not butting in here. I agree with Omjaroo's assessment of
Hittleman's books. I like the 28-day one that you have. He also has a
book on yoga meditation which is quite good. For office workers, his
Office Yoga is handy, though not on the same level as the other two
books mentioned.
--Don
| |
| Dave ©¿©¬ 2005-07-24, 12:53 pm |
| "omjaroo" <omjaroo@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1122090076.803066.269030@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Is this Howdy Dave with a new nic?
>
> Jared
>
> Namaste
>
Howdy!
Who, me??? :D
--
Dave ©¿©¬
http://www.howdydave.com
| |
|
|
| omjaroo 2005-07-24, 12:54 pm |
| Gee I hope I didn't "over sell" anything here :-)
The 8 step book does contain a routine list. However this is not soley
a exercise book. It covers the totality of what yoga can be. I think
the 28 day book is very good and should last you a long, long time. The
routine in this book is similar but explainations are more terse and it
almost supposes some experiece with Hatha practice. So don't ditch the
28 day book! Rather strive to perform the 28 day routine easily and
flawlessly. By the time you can do that and after you have read the 8
steps book you will really understand what yoga is, what it means and
what it can be. In the mean time you can read and incorporate the 8
step book.
The idea is to start and follow through diligently and consistently.
Jumping around, looking for the "perfect" whatever will only slow down
and retard your progress. If something isn't right by all mean's let it
go, but give whatever you try a good solid try before you dismiss it.
Then you will be in a much better position to judge for yourself the
usefullness or worth of a book, teacher, style or practice.
Jared
Namaste
| |
|
| Hi Joey:
Personally I like Hittleman`s book very much for only
beginners.Because this book may the only one trying to symbolize a
SATSANG at every week..I mean (THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY)...
By its suggestions I quit the smoking easily when I was at the
beginning of the HATHA YOGA...
YOGA does not make any distinction for men or women. So all the posters
in this book can easily be applied to men also.
Go with it, and some times later you may check the book of B.K.S.
IYENGAR, LIGHT ON YOGA...
With compassion,
Puma
| |
| Joey Goldstein 2005-07-25, 12:19 am |
|
puma wrote:
>
> Hi Joey:
>
> Personally I like Hittleman`s book very much
It's interesting to me that both of you think so highly of Hittleman's books.
Many of his postures seem non-standard compared to the other beginner
yoga books I've looked through which do seem to be standardized
somewhat. And he places no emphasis on how to breathe during the
exercises. He has some very good breathing exercises but no mention is
made of how to breate during the other postures. The Essential Yoga book
is explicit about when and how to breathe.
Still, as I said, there is something about Hittleman's 3 routines that
makes me feel more energized afterwards compared to the other book's
routines. It might be that Hittleman has more emphasis on basic spinal
stretches. It might be the way the routines are linked from day to day,
so that one day's routine prepares the body for what will be happening
the next day. I like to add some of the better feeling postures from
Essential Yoga and incorporate them in with Hittleman's routines.
A few hours after the routine I start stiffening up again. I may be
overdoing it a bit. But I hope that I can get the well-being thing to
last a bit longer with practice.
--
Joey Goldstein
http://www.joeygoldstein.com
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
| |
|
| Hi Joey,
Hittleman puts enphasis how to breath on page 48 COMPLETE BREATH
STANDING but during the exercises how to breath depends on the
beginners feeling,in such a short time a real yoga teacher can not say
anything on it.As there are many different aspects for a student to
notice...
And hittleman`s emphasis is not for spinal acts, it ison page 42
definitely stated as"Throughtout the yogapractice session we attempt
to fix the consciousness fully on the movements of the exercises and
not allow it to wander. We become totally involved in what we are
doing"
So everything for a beginner is takeninto account. What makes you so un
happy about this book it is hard to understand.
In the books for beginners one cannot find SATSANG which is the most
important issue for a beginner, but in Hittleman`s book at every
weekend one SATSANG takes place....So even this can show how valuable
this book is.
You have asked us our ideas and we satate as it is...
With compassion,
Puma
| |
| Joey Goldstein 2005-07-28, 6:00 pm |
|
puma wrote:
>
> Hi Joey,
>
> Hittleman puts enphasis how to breath on page 48 COMPLETE BREATH
> STANDING
That is just one of several "breathing" exercises.
I'm talking about how one should breath while doing the other postures.
My other book gives details for breathing in and/or out at certain
points during a pose.
Breathing out usually involves letting go of tension as you stretch more
deeply into a pose.
Many poses are held for a particular number of breaths while Hittleman
always gives a number of seconds to count.
Other beginner books I've glanced through have had similar details for breathing.
Hittleman seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
> but during the exercises how to breath depends on the
> beginners feeling,in such a short time a real yoga teacher can not say
> anything on it.As there are many different aspects for a student to
> notice...
>
> And hittleman`s emphasis is not for spinal acts,
????
> it ison page 42
> definitely stated as"Throughtout the yogapractice session we attempt
> to fix the consciousness fully on the movements of the exercises and
> not allow it to wander. We become totally involved in what we are
> doing"
Sure, but I don't see what that has to do with the above statement about
"spinal acts".
I made a comment earlier about how I felt more energized after
Hittleman's routines than I typically do from the other book's routines
and that I thought that this might have something to do with the
emphasis that Hittleman has on certain types of spinal stretches that
the other book does not have. There's just more bending at the waist and
grabbing your toes in Hittleman than in the other book. That's all.
Maybe that's what you're referring to.
Now, the other book's routines generally leave me feeling more relaxed
while Hittleman's leave me feeling more energized. I'm not sure which is
a better thing to feel. They're both good. I'm concentrating on
Hittleman for now.
> So everything for a beginner is takeninto account. What makes you so un
> happy about this book it is hard to understand.
I never said I was unhappy with it. Sheesh.
I said I questioned the traditional aspects of it.
I said I wondered about it.
That's all.
> In the books for beginners one cannot find SATSANG which is the most
> important issue for a beginner, but in Hittleman`s book at every
> weekend one SATSANG takes place....So even this can show how valuable
> this book is.
>
> You have asked us our ideas and we satate as it is...
>
> With compassion,
>
> Puma
--
Joey Goldstein
http://www.joeygoldstein.com
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
| |
|
| Dear Joey:
A beginner can not concentrate on several aspects at once! The most
important one is being aware of what you are doing.And when Hittlemen
says relax,that means student by himself/herself will give the breath
out. it is natural and student will do it as he/she however feels...So
there is no need to mention in which asana student will take a breath
in or give it out. These can only be made after getting a sort of
mastery on the asanas. For insatnce if student is trying to stay on
his/her head HEAD STAND,he/she can only try to get his/her balance..To
do that he/she will do the right inhaling or exhaling...No need to keep
him/her buzzy with this unnecessasry action.
If you feel energetic after Hittleman`s book actions. It is your
feeling,it has nothing to do with his book at all. As some other people
might feel relaxed too.
So as BUDDHa said... MANI PADMA= the one you are looking is within
yourself. Do not look for it at some other places.
With compassion,
Puma
| |
| Joey Goldstein 2005-07-29, 5:56 pm |
|
puma wrote:
>
> Dear Joey:
>
> A beginner can not concentrate on several aspects at once! The most
> important one is being aware of what you are doing.And when Hittlemen
> says relax,that means student by himself/herself will give the breath
> out.
Well I just wish that *he* had told me that, years ago when I first
started using the book, instead of *you* telling it to me on the Internet.
Actually, by going through my other book I've learned some better ways
to approach Hittleman's stuff, especially from the breathing aspect.
It's all good.
> it is natural and student will do it as he/she however feels...So
> there is no need to mention in which asana student will take a breath
> in or give it out. These can only be made after getting a sort of
> mastery on the asanas. For insatnce if student is trying to stay on
> his/her head HEAD STAND,he/she can only try to get his/her balance..To
> do that he/she will do the right inhaling or exhaling...No need to keep
> him/her buzzy with this unnecessasry action.
>
> If you feel energetic after Hittleman`s book actions. It is your
> feeling,it has nothing to do with his book at all. As some other people
> might feel relaxed too.
You seem to be significantly more in favor of Hittleman's book than the
other book I mentioned. Why is this?
Are you familiar with the other book too? Essential Yoga by Olivia Miller.
Is there something to be wary of in its pages?
Is there something I have said about this book that you find off-putting?
> So as BUDDHa said... MANI PADMA= the one you are looking is within
> yourself. Do not look for it at some other places.
Well if I looked for it within myself I wouldn't find many beginner yoga
books in there, I don't think. <g>
> With compassion,
Thanks for sharing your experience and POV.
>
> Puma
--
Joey Goldstein
http://www.joeygoldstein.com
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
| |
| omjaroo 2005-07-29, 5:56 pm |
| In article <42EA92FD.6F0EB212@nowhere.net>,
Joey Goldstein <nospam@nowhere.net> wrote:
> puma wrote:
>
> Well I just wish that *he* had told me that, years ago when I first
> started using the book, instead of *you* telling it to me on the Internet.
Thank goodness for the Internet because it is here and Hittleman isn't
:-) But I know what you mean. There are still a number of instances
where Hittleman details a move but he doesn't mention the other possible
move which would be in correspondence to the idea of "balance" in Hatha.
He is so very clear and careful in his explanations. It makes me wonder
if he didn't want the other move made of if he just "forgot" to mention
it. Makes me crazy. However I do clearly remember him mentioning not to
be concerned with the breath, just let it come. Concentration on the
point or "stretch" and the count was most important.
With regards to "traditional" Hatha, I would say that Hittleman was very
much grounded in the traditional indian style. He was just really good
at making it palatable (understandable) and doable for westerners.
But I would say Puma and Hittleman are both correct. The practice of
pranayama with asana is very, very advanced Hatha. I suppose there are
those trying to combine the two for beginners, but not out of deep
knowledge. There is no "quick" way to get "hatha". One might easily
practice asana and pranayama separately for years before being advised
by an adept to start to combine them in any meaningful way. Remember
Hatha is not a exercise or physical culture. It is a tool which uses the
physical body to ready the aspirant for transcendence. Authentic Hatha
is not a game or a casual hobby. It's purpose is nothing less then
reuniting the self with God. Heavy duty stuff, really :-)
trim
Namaste
| |
| Joey Goldstein 2005-07-29, 10:52 pm |
|
omjaroo wrote:
>
> In article <42EA92FD.6F0EB212@nowhere.net>,
> Joey Goldstein <nospam@nowhere.net> wrote:
>
>
> Thank goodness for the Internet because it is here and Hittleman isn't
> :-) But I know what you mean. There are still a number of instances
> where Hittleman details a move but he doesn't mention the other possible
> move which would be in correspondence to the idea of "balance" in Hatha.
> He is so very clear and careful in his explanations. It makes me wonder
> if he didn't want the other move made of if he just "forgot" to mention
> it. Makes me crazy. However I do clearly remember him mentioning not to
> be concerned with the breath, just let it come. Concentration on the
> point or "stretch" and the count was most important.
>
> With regards to "traditional" Hatha, I would say that Hittleman was very
> much grounded in the traditional indian style. He was just really good
> at making it palatable (understandable) and doable for westerners.
>
> But I would say Puma and Hittleman are both correct. The practice of
> pranayama with asana is very, very advanced Hatha. I suppose there are
> those trying to combine the two for beginners, but not out of deep
> knowledge. There is no "quick" way to get "hatha".
OK. Well this is all good to know. Thanks.
I still find that breathing out into a stretch is helpful. But i won't
pay it so much attention in the future.
> One might easily
> practice asana and pranayama separately for years before being advised
> by an adept to start to combine them in any meaningful way. Remember
> Hatha is not a exercise or physical culture. It is a tool which uses the
> physical body to ready the aspirant for transcendence. Authentic Hatha
> is not a game or a casual hobby. It's purpose is nothing less then
> reuniting the self with God. Heavy duty stuff, really :-)
Yes, to a devotee it is a very deep tradition.
But I'm not intending at this point to go anywhere near that far with it.
As I said in my very 1st post here, I'm not after the spiritual side of
all of this. All I want is to to have my body feel a little better so
that I can do the things in life that I want and need to do day by day.
If I get a spiritual awakening of any kind from my yoga practice it will
be a welcome side effect, it will not be because it was my goal.
Thanks again.
--
Joey Goldstein
http://www.joeygoldstein.com
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
| |
| omjaroo 2005-07-29, 10:52 pm |
| >I still find that breathing out into a stretch is helpful. But i won't
>pay it so much attention in the future.
Of course it is. If this is the level of breathing you are talking
about then I think you should learn and practice the "sun salute".
These 12 moves, done in succession have a specific breath sequence
depending on whether one if compressing or expanding the stretch. It's
fun and exhilarating to. If it's done quickly for a timed period (say
2-5 minutes) it provides an aerobic workout second to none.
As far as the breathing issue, it sounds like both Puma and I read a
little too much into what you were commenting on. Sorry :-(
Jared
Namaste
| |
| Joey Goldstein 2005-07-30, 8:54 am |
|
omjaroo wrote:
>
>
> Of course it is. If this is the level of breathing you are talking
> about then I think you should learn and practice the "sun salute".
> These 12 moves, done in succession have a specific breath sequence
> depending on whether one if compressing or expanding the stretch. It's
> fun and exhilarating to. If it's done quickly for a timed period (say
> 2-5 minutes) it provides an aerobic workout second to none.
But that's not in my Hittleman book! <g>
--
Joey Goldstein
http://www.joeygoldstein.com
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
| |
|
|
Joey Goldstein wrote:
> omjaroo wrote:
> ===================================================================
> But that's not in my Hittleman book! <g>
===========================================================
Dear Joey:
One can not find everything in one YOGA book! I am crazy about yoga
books,
but all I have learned that from each book we can only get one aspect
for ourselves.
Forinsatnce all I have learned from Hittleman`s book was only to quit
smoking. This is not a small issue. When he Hittleman had satated that
"I never say to my students STOP SMOKING " this gave me the necessary
power to myself and easily i had quited sgaret smoking...
For you may be other aspects were useful, for somebody else some other
points were useful. Who knows...We are all different characters.
>From each yoga book I have received and learned little and simple
points that I have not seen somewhere else!
So this is like we have many friends but non of them resembles the
other!
All different, for instance B.K.S Iyengar does not give any importance
to MANTRAS,his point is mostly ASANAS,PRANAYAMAS and DHARANA...
But some other yogi mightbe very keen on KRIYAS!!!!
So from each of these we collect whatever we need.
Thanks very much for bringing this issue and causing to mention GREAT
YOGA TEACHER RICHARD HITTLEMAN`S name here...
With compassion,
Puma
>
>
> --
> Joey Goldstein
> http://www.joeygoldstein.com
> joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
| |
| Joey Goldstein 2005-07-30, 5:54 pm |
|
puma wrote:
>
> Joey Goldstein wrote:
[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> ===========================================================
>
> Dear Joey:
>
> One can not find everything in one YOGA book!
You state the obvious.
I was just making a joke.
"<g>" means "grin".
Thanks to all participants.
I'm assuming that since nobody here has anything bad to say about the
Hittleman book, or any recommendations for some other better book, I'll
be OK, for now, just continuing with the 3 routines found at the back of
his 28 Day Plan.
Thanks again.
--
Joey Goldstein
http://www.joeygoldstein.com
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca
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