Yoga for Dummies

Yoga for Dummies is a popular book in the “For Dummies” series of books. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be a dummy to buy it! In fact, Yoga for Dummies demonstrates that the 5000 year old Indian discipline of yoga is appropriate for just about everyone, from elite athletes, to stressed out parents, to those seeking a more spiritual way of life.

Inside Yoga For Dummies

Yoga for Dummies was written by Georg Feuerstein and Larry Payne, who are both internationally known yoga experts. They explain the basics of yoga, as well as preparation for yoga practice. They also detail how to perform yoga safely, and then start explaining the yoga asanas (postures). The majority of the book is packed full of useful yoga information and all the basics that a yoga novice would want to know.

The great thing about the book is that it’s assumed the reader really IS a novice. Too many yoga books assume that the reader has practiced yoga before, or at least knows something about it. However, many people are curious to learn more about yoga from the comfort of their own home, and don’t wish to attend a group class (which can be a little intimidating if you’re a complete newbie) or who don’t have a nearby yoga class they can attend.

Mind you, the writers do advise that those new to yoga take a couple of introductory classes so they can get the basics down (which is good advice if you are able to attend a class or two). Nevertheless, it’s still possible to learn a lot about yoga and how to perform it just by reading Yoga for Dummies and practicing the various poses.

All instructions are accompanied by black and white illustrations which help to demonstrate the poses (although not all illustrations are on the same page as the instructions! It would have been a little bit easier had the book been laid out more conveniently in this respect). Overall, Yoga for Dummies is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the theory of yoga, as well as the practical aspects.