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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A great teach-yourself-at-home manual,
By louise_bh@hotmail.com (England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-By-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga (Paperback)
Ashtanga Yoga by John Scott is a great step-by-step book for those wanting to learn more about the latest celebrity craze of dynamic yoga. Although the pictures and text are easy to follow, it's worth noting that the knowledge and help you get from attending an actual class are invaluable. This book would help those most who have practised Hatha yoga before, as many of the positions are shown in this book. The only down side was the last section of the book which focuses on some of the more complicated positions that would definately require a teacher as only the extremely fit and experienced would be able to successfully attempt these at home. It also lists a great directory of where to find classes in the back section, although this is mainly in America and not in the UK. John Scott also warns that certain positions should not be approached by some, ie if you're pregnant or have back preoblems. That said, rock star Sting has endorsed this book and as a follower his approval is valued. I thought this was a great introduction to Ashtanga Yoga.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
DIY yoga,
This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-By-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga (Paperback)
This is a good basic introduction to ashtanga yoga. It's pretty accessible with clear photos and explanations. I would say that it's best used together with classes.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.4 out of 5 stars (26 customer reviews) 57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Respectfully disagree with "reader from LA",
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-By-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga (Paperback)
I disagree very much with the 1-star pan of "reader from Los Angeles". I am a beginner. I have both John Scott's book and David Swenson's. Both are wonderful but different. While doing (or trying to do!) ashtanga, I usually have BOTH books open in front of me. Yes, Swenson's has spiral binding and therefore stays flat easier, but the binding on Scott's book was no match for me and easily cracked, allowing it to lie flat on the floor, too. The main reason I have Scott's book open is because for each asana, he illustrates each step to reach it. E.g., the very first asana has about 8 "steps", each requiring an inhale or exhale. All 8 are shown on the same two facing pages, so I can see each. Swenson's book does not have this. However, Swenson's book shows not only the ultimate pose, but also two or three variations for the "asana-challenged." Scott's book does not illustrate any variations, so this is a big plus for the Swenson book. Both are excellent for differing reasons. Make it a two-fer:) Namaste.
52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book on Ashtanga practice and philosophy,
By James E. White - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-By-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga (Paperback)
I like to think of this book as a cross between David Swenson's Ashtanga Practice Manual and Yoga Mala. Scott's book only cover's the primary series, while Swenson's book covers both the Primary and Intermediate Series. The big difference is the level of detail Scott offers with getting into and out of each pose. Swenson offers three to four variations of every posture displayed, while Scott only displays the "correct" version of each posture. While Swenson gives a great break down of each pose in the Sun Salutation A & B, Standing, Primary, Intermediate, and Finishing series, Scott gives explicit detail of how to get into and out of every pose. Swenson gives pictures (and pictures of modifications) of each pose in the Sun Salutation A & B, Standing, Primary, and Finishing series. Scott offers some philisophy and opening and closing prayers (similar but not as detailed as Yoga Mala). Scott also offers tremendous detail on sychronizing the breath with each movement. It is a more visual representation (but not quite as detailed version) of what a person would get reading Yoga Mala. In addition, Scott gives the Sanskrit count of each movement of the two Sun Salutation series.
Overall, Scott offers a tremendous break down of the Primary Series, each pose is explained in enough detail to allow an advanced practioner to appreciate the subtleties of linking breath and movement, while being easy enough for a beginner (along with attending regular classes with an instrutor) to read and gain a deeper understanding of the Primary Series. The opening and closing prayers are good too (and not found in Swenson's book). I would suggest using Swenson's book to see each pose and find a modified version (if necessary) that suites your skill level, while using Scott's book after you feel confident in your practice to go deeper into the Primary Series. Again, this book is a great way to gain further understanding of the Primary Series and would probably make a great teacher's aid. 34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is the best book on Ashtanga Yoga I have come across.,
By Philippe Alexis - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-By-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga (Paperback)
John Scott goes into great detail to talk about yoga theory, especially the Ahstanga breath, and the internal locks used through the practice. It is the first book I have seen which explains the difficult vinyasa transitions is such a lucid manner, using full color photographs to illustrate each subtlety. Another outstanding feature is that John takes you through how to enter and exit each posture step by step, breath by breath. I have been doing Ashtanga yoga for five years, and this book has helped me greatly in my own practice and as a teacher. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to students of all levels. Thank you for this beautiful work John Scott!
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