Product Description

Astanga yoga is an ancient system of moving, breath-connected postures which can be choreographed into dance-like sequences. It is also the most talked-about and fastest-growing form of yoga today, endorsed by celebrities such as Madonna, Willem Dafoe, Demi Moore, Sting, Ralph Fiennes and Mariel Hemingway. Mainstream healthclubs are increasingly holding astanga yoga classes, reflecting the growing interest in this form of exercise. Astanga yoga produces a remarkable combination of strength, flexibility and stamina, as well as mental well-being. Postures are linked by 'vinyasas', breath-connected movements which create a purifying heat, detoxifying the body and nourishing the internal organs. Deep relaxation follows the practice, accompanied by a sense of rejuvenation and vitality. Liz Lark is an experienced yoga teacher, fully qualified to take you step by step through the stages of an astanga yoga session. Performing the primary series will allow you to 'connect to the core' and 'raise the bindu' (vital energy).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #527639 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

About the Author
Liz Lark is an experienced yoga teacher who is passionate about bringing yoga into people's lives. She teaches in London and on special-interest holidays around the world. She has also travelled extensively to India and Crete to deepen her practice and teaching of yoga. With a Masters degree in Performing Arts, she incorporates elements of complementary body disciplines into her work, including the Alexander Technique and release work. She has a wide variety of pupils, from beginners to experienced practitioners, and her famous clients include Ralph Fiennes and Mariel Hemingway. Liz is recognised as a leading astanga yoga teacher and has been featured in the Daily Telegraph and the Express. She is also the co-author (with Mark Ansari) of Yoga for Beginners (Gill and Macmillan) and Yoga for Life (Carlton, February 2001).

Customer Reviews

Nicely illustrated guide for the intermediate yogi.
This is a beautifully photographed book, with lots of explainations and detail of interest to people who have been practising astanga for some time. It includes sections on the philosophy behind the practise as well as sections on breath control, bandhas, gaze points and relaxation.

The text is clear, well written and concise and describes the primary series in an easy-to-follow format. However, as with all Yoga books, it is not a substitute to the experience of a class environment. Beginners would most definately require the assistance of a qualified teacher before being able pracise alone.

Liz Lark demonstrates the postures well - indeed, perhaps a little too well! A few photographs of 'normal people' might make the book rather less daunting. But, if the book intends to be an inspirational guide, appealing to the 'Vogue' reader, then it works well - the outfits are fabulous!