Remember that yoga books do not take the place of an experienced teacher. But, they will remind you of the postures you have practised in class and give you some background knowledge about Yoga itself. Do not be tempted to try out the more advanced postures included in some of these books, sometimes with little in the way of health warnings.

1. 101 Essential Tips – Yoga by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre published by Dorling Kindersley (1995) – price £3.99
A small inexpensive book, ideal for those who are dipping a toe in the water but not yet sure about Yoga. Also useful to take on holiday to remind you of the postures. Includes very simple basic instructions for postures but not a lot of detail. A useful reminder book, but don’t be tempted to try some of the more advanced postures such as headstand and shoulderstand that you may not have received instruction on in class.

2. Yoga by Cheryl Isaacson published by Thorsons/Harper Collins (2001) price £5.99
This is a lovely beginners book. Good basic information about yoga itself with a few of the classic and more popular postures. Includes advice about practice as well as guidelines on breathing exercises and meditation, as well as some recommended yoga practices for specific problems. I found this one very easy to read and understand.

3. Secrets of Yoga by Jennie Bittleston published by Dorling Kindersley (2001)
Another small book from DK, but many many more pages. Lots of wonderful information about yoga, its history and practices with some good simple instructions. Excellent analysis of postures. The book is an awkward size and very small for the number of pages. The print is rather small and pale and not easy to read, which is a shame. Also available from Plymouth City Library.

4. Teach Yourself Yoga by Mary Stewart published by Hodder and Stoughton (1998) price £6.99
I paid much less for this book from Here’s Health magazine’s Bookshop. This is not a good title for a yoga book and in fact Mary Stewart does advise going to a qualified and experienced yoga teacher, as most of these books do. This is a good basic book with some sequences for beginners as well as breathing and meditation. It also includes information about the history and philosophy of yoga in a very open minded way. Line drawings rather than photographs.

5. Yoga Step by Step by Cheryl Isaacson published by Thorsons publishing Group (1990) price £6.99
Mine is an old copy (and well used). Available from Plymouth Libraries. You can always tell a good book when it doesn’t look crisp and new anymore. This is an excellent book and is still available in both bookshops and libraries. Each posture covered has step by step photos and a full page photo of the full posture. Plenty of information about the benefits and the points to watch.

6. The New Book of Yoga by The Sivananda Yoga Centre (2000) price £14.99 (currently available from Sainsburys)
A very readable book, beautifully illustrated, with lots of information about yoga practices and some good instructions on many of the postures and other yoga practices. It’s a shame that the beautiful colour pictures show very fit supple people performing postures that most of us can only dream of…. do remember to only work within your own limitations. Small gentle movements can do far more for you than trying to emulate some of these lovely full page photos. If you are serious about yoga this is a good one to put on your Christmas present list and easily available at present.

7. Kundalini Yoga by Shakta Kaur Khalsa published by Dorling Kindersley (2001) price £9.99 (cheaper from Cygnus Books) Also available from Plymouth City Library.
Kundalini is a deeper yoga practice possibly more suitable for those who have had some basic experience. Good clear photographic instructions for these simple but often rather subtle movements. Includes a section on healing foods complete with some recipes.

8. How to Use Yoga by Mira Mehta published by Anness: London (1994)
I managed to buy this for £2 from The Works and have seen it in Trago for the same price, but it may be a little more expensive in other bookshops. There is also a hardback version which I have borrowed from Plymouth City Library. This book looks at Iyengar yoga, a rather different school with subtle variations which can be quite athletic. Iyengar suggests that you jump into postures. My own feelings are that you should ease your way into postures with gentle stretching making use of the breath. However, there are good instructions for many classic postures and excellent advice about the use of various household items to enhance your yoga practice.

9. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Yoga by Howard Kent published by Element Books (1999) The hardback version is £18.99. Evidently Element books are difficult to get hold of at present but there is at least one copy in Plymouth City Library. This really is a wonderful book. Written by Howard Kent from the Yoga for Health Foundation. Once again beautifully illustrated and very well written and informative about all aspects of yoga. It is described as “A practical approach to achieving optimum health for mind, body and spirit” – and I would certainly agree with that.

10. Yoga Mind and Body by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre published by Dorling Kindersley (1996)
Usually fairly easy to get hold of and reasonably priced at £7.99. Another good basic book with plenty of information about all aspects of yoga. Each posture is shown with both English and Sanskrit names as well as physical mental and pranic benefits. Also a note of the common faults which students may find useful. There is also a section which includes vegetarian recipes and dietary advice.

Local Suppliers:

Waterstones, New George Street, Plymouth 01752 256699

It’s Well worth keeping an eye on The County Book Shop, The Works and Trago Mills Book Dept. for bargains from time to time. I would also check out charity shops and of course it’s a good excuse to visit Totnes which is full of lovely books shops, including:
Arcturus Books, 47 Fore Street, Totnes 01803 864363 www.arcturusbooks.co.uk

Cygnus Books, PO Box 15 Landeilo, Carmarthenshire SA19 6YX 01550 777701
www.cygnus-books.co.uk Very friendly company to deal with (leaflet available from Dee) send regular info about books available but never send books you have not ordered. Well worth joining – no pressure to buy.

I would be pleased to hear your comments on any of the above that you buy,read. Happy Hunting!