Richard Hittleman
This book shows mostly beginner with some intermediate exercises. I picked this up many years ago, with the last printing in December 1980. It did come up at Amazon.com, so it's still out there.
Hatha Yoga (according to Mr. Hittleman) is concerned with the physical aspect of being, comprised of postures (asanas) & breathing exercises.
It starts off with the Deep Relaxation Posture, which is lying on your back, letting your body go limp, then focusing on the feet, then the ankles, etc., to make sure they're not tensed. Stay in this state for about 30 seconds.
You then progress to other exercises, which include the Lotus, the Complete Breath, Back Stretch (ooh is that nice!), Chest Expansion (another really nice one), Cobra, Locust, Bow, Side Bend, Triangle, Backward Bend.
All exercises are shown with pictures & text explaining what areas are being "worked" & how they are done. For instance, the Side Raise is "To firm and strengthen the abdomen, legs and buttocks." Richard includes important info 1st, then tells you how to achieve the posture, with pictures.
It's really easy to pick & choose whichever exercises you want to do.
There's also a separate section called The Five-Posture Routine, which is the Scalp Exercise (to stimulate the scalp), The Lion (firm muscles of the face), Neck Exercise (remove tension), Posture Exercise (loosen shoulders - this 1 is kind of hard to do), Bust Exercise.
Then comes the Intermediate Section, where exercises from the Beginning Section are brought further along. (According to Richard, you *don't* have to do the Beginning 1st before doing these.)
You now do the Full Lotus, Back Stretch (forehead on your knees!), Chest Expansion (1 foot forward as you bend forward, raise clasped hands behind), etc.
He also gives you an idea for daily practice routines.
I like this book because it gives you a clear idea as to what to expect. Also, you don't have to go as far as what's shown in the picture - Richard usually says in the text to not go any further than your body is telling you, that as you do the exercises each day, your body will respond more & more. A very good book.
BTW, you might get a good laugh at the woman in this book - she's right out of the 1960's, with a beehive hairdo & false eyelashes!
NanB
1/6/99
