Yoga class : 8 essential yoga lessons for beginners

In these eight lessons, you will learn 30 of the most commonly used poses that are safe and accessible for the beginning student. You will also learn the basic yoga breathing techniques and simple meditation practices with which to begin and end your yoga sessions. Each lesson will start with the basic practice philosophy and focus on specific principles of alignment. You will practice the yoga poses within a sequence that will grow and change as you progress through the lessons. By the end of lesson eight, you will have the skill and confidence to begin modifying and creating your own yoga sequences, or you can continue to follow the sequences that you learned in the practice sessions. In Yoga Class you will learn the following: • History and philosophy of yoga • General practice guidelines • Pranayama: breath control • Meditation and mental focus • Asanas: 30 fundamental yoga postures • Anatomical alignment principles • Eight yoga posture sequences • Options to go further and deepen your practice Contents Title Page Preface Introduction What Is Yoga? History Of Yoga Hatha Yoga: The Physical Path How to Use This Book How to Begin Practicing Yoga General Practice Guidelines What You Will Need To Start Exploring the Spine and Breath The Yogic Breath Pranayama The Spine Practice Session Creating the Foundation Ahimsa, Non-Harming or Non-Violence Karuna, the Practice of Compassion The Spine and the Pelvis Practice Session: A Foundational Sequence Foundational Sequence Overview Standing Strong Abhyasa: Right Effort, Willful Action The Feet and the Knees Practice Session: Standing Sequence Standing Sequence Overview Drawing Inwards & Twisting Upwards Pratyahara: Inward focus Spiraling Upwards Practice Session: Twisting Poses Twisting Sequence Overview The Yoga Scientist Swadyaya: self-observation & self-inquiry Forward Bending Practice Session: Forward Bends Forward Bending Sequence Overview Finding Contentment in Backbends Santosha: Contentment Backbends and Counterposes Practice Session: Backbending Backbending Sequence Overview Concentration and Balance Dharana - Concentration Balancing and Strengthening Poses Practice Session: Balancing Balancing and Strengthening Sequence Overview Using Dynamic Movements Dhyana - Absorbed State of Mind Vinyasa Ujjayi Pranayama Practice Session Where To Go From Here Afterword Glossary Resources Websites Books Videos About the Author