Yoga at Home for Absolute Beginners!

Yoga at Home: Podcast Interview: Beginners' Yoga Book-How and Why I Wrote It

About 10 days before Christmas 2011, I had a podcast interview with Australian author Ruth Barringham. She interviewed me to learn about what I experienced and how I handled the creation and production of my first book, Yoga at Home:  Gain Energy, Flexibility, and Serenity in 20-30 Minutes a Day. Except for the artwork, cover design, and layout of the book, I did everything myself - writing, editing (I found 3 little typos right before printing - had to let them go!) and photo shooting (no photoshopping-I don't know how to do that).

In the 85-minute interview, Ruth and I talk about the writing process and where to get affordable help for elements I could not do on my own.

You can find and download the interview from Ruth's website by copying and pasting the following link:

http://cheritonhousepublishing.com/podcast/2011/2011podcasts.html#laura.

Yours for gentle yoga at home,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez, The Gentle Home Yoga Coach for Beginners

 

 

 

 

Yoga at Home for Beginners: Get 2012 off to a Healthy Start - Free Kindle Book!

 

Sally Shields' new book, "Is she Naturally Thin or Disciplined:  Insider Secrets of the Sexy and Slim" is available for FREE on Kindle for the next few days!

Sally interviewed 101 slim, healthy women ranging in ages from their 20s through their 60s to uncover their secrets for staying slim and healthy. The book is a most interesting read and you'll find valuable tips from a wide variety of women, some of whom, like myself practice yoga.  You'll find my story on page 184.

Sally is making the Kindle version of her book available for FREE.  Take advantage of this opportunity to get your New Year off to a healthy start with dozens of valuable tips and inspiring photos of real, regular women!  The free offer is good only through January 4, 2012.  Get your free Kindle book now by going to: 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MHO9CA

Yours for a healthy 2012!

Laura Venecia Rodriguez, the Beginners Yoga at Home Coach

 

Yoga at Home for Beginners: More Sage Yoga Advice from the Sixties

First published in 1965 by journalist Jess Stearn, the above book was one of my first two instructional yoga "bibles."  I own two copies, one is quite yellowed, of this comprehensive discussion of the value of yoga by a middle-aged journalist who transforms from being unfit and a bit tired to healthy and energized after delving into and making yoga part of his life.

I STILL turn to this book from time to time to make sure I don't stray from the core yoga principles that I believe enable me to still feel 25 even though I am decades an decades past that.  One key tenet that Jess Stearn learned from his yoga instructor is, in my opinion, central to gaining maximum benefits from yoga while avoiding injury.  From time to time I hear of people who attend yoga classes bemoan how they dislocated a knee or strained a muscle or just plain felt super sore after a class.  Well, I believe if more people followed the sage advice presented below from this 1960s yoga classic, they would not experience these problems.

Here is a core yoga tenet that Jess Stearn shares on pp 170-171:

"Regardless of age-and particularly with age-the student of yoga should never overdo.  Between exercises he should line prone in the Sponge position resting until completely recovered from exertion, no longer able to hear the pulse of his head.  As a rule of thumb, it is generally wise to spend as much time resting between exercises as doing the exercises, giviing the body not only a chance to assimilate its lessons, but to replenish its reserves."

I would only differ with Stearn in that I don't think it's necessary to spend as much time resting between exercises as doing the exercises - I would find this too time consuming to implement.  However, I agree that it's important to rest between each pose - ideally until you intuitively feel your body has recovered from the particular stretch before moving into the next stretch.  This is sage yoga advice that I believe not enough yogis are following!

Yours for pausing between yoga poses (see a photo of the "Sponge" pose below),

Also, I do the child pose, as shown below between poses - it's most relaxing - and you need to ease into it as well!

Laura Venecia Rodriguez, The Beginners Yoga at Home Coach for 'Real' People

 

Yoga at Home for Beginners: Doctor Touts Value of a Home Practice!

I have small collection of yoga books at home that I refer to from time to time to review certain poses or to remind myself of the myriad benefits of yoga.  One of the most comprehensive and useful yoga tomes on my yoga bookshelf is Yoga as Medicine:  The Yogic Presciption for Health and Healing by Dr. Timothy McCall.  

The other day I thumbed through this book again for food for thought for this blog and came across the following statements in Chapter 7 which include guidelines for "establishing a personal practice."  Dr. McCall asserts the following and I agree wholeheartedly (I am generally very cautious about the "wisdom" doled out by conventional authorities and the mainstream media - my motto is to "question conventional wisdom):

"...I believe that a home yoga practice is generally the most efficient way to build your yoga groove...As useful and healing as a reslationship with a great yoga teacher can be, ultimately what you do in your own practice is the most important determinant of success in yoga therapy."

McCall goes on to explain that yoga classes are beneficial but if you fail to also practice at home, you won't reap the maximum therapeutic benefits that yoga can bring.  McCall acknowledges that some people can't find the discipline to practice without a class and many enjoy the community that a class provides.  However, he also makes the same point that I have uttered so often, that it can be much easier to carve out the time for a daily 20 minute practice at home attending an hour or longer class a few times a week which involves packing up your yoga mat and other gear, driving to the yoga class, changing clothes at the gym or studio, and then schlepping back home.  My schedule simply won't permit all these steps and all the time involved to take a class. It's SO much easier waking up in the morning and taking the 15 second commute down to my recreation room.

No, you will never convince me, unless a yoga studio is literally next door, that attending a yoga class is superior to a home practice.  The ideal scenario would be to both attend classes and do home practice. For now, though, I will keep on doing yoga in my home yoga "studio" space that you see above!

Yours for gaining tremendous benefits from a home yoga practice!

Laura Venecia Rodriguez, the Beginners Yoga at Home Coach 

Yoga at Home for Beginners: Kindle Version of my Book is Now Available!

I am not the most tech savvy person.  My 22-year old daughter and 15-year old son would say this is a HUGE understatement!  I really had no excuse for not publishing the Kindle version of my  book, Yoga at Home:  Gain Energy, Flexibility, and Serenity in 20-30 Minutes a Day months ago - at the same time the print version became available.  BUT, I couldn't view the Kindle version on my Mac because of software incompatibility and so I allowed things to lag.

But, I finally got cracking on things and over a week ago I submitted the Kindle version of my book to Amazon.com.  Although I own and read many books on my own Kindle, I must admit that if I am not traveling and concerned with weighing down suitcases with books, I still prefer a print version of a book.  I find it easier to thumb through the Table of Contents and to underline and jot notes.  I also still like the tactile aspect of handling a print book and underlining key phrases with my yellow highlighter. Yes, I know all those features are on the Kindle, but I haven't figured out how to manuever them quickly and easily. 

But, for those of you who are light years ahead of me in using the latest technologies, you can now buy the Kindle version of my book so you can start your home practice.  Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005XRPIAC.

Yours for reading and learning about yoga in multiple formats,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez, Beginners Yoga at Home Coach

 

 

Yoga at Home for Beginners: Start Yoga Now! September is Yoga Month

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Did you know that September is Yoga Month?  I didn't - until a few days ago and the month is almost over!  Nevertheless, it's never too early or too late to begin a home yoga practice and really, virtually anyone can do it as long as they have their medical advisor's go-ahead if they have any physical limitations or health challenges of any kind.  And, in my opinion, yoga is a most helpful antidote to many health problems.  If you have not begun a yoga practice, the two Amazon.com reviews of my book below demonstrate that you don't even have to go to a yoga class to benefit from yoga.

Mariann Mohos - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yoga at Home: Gain Energy, Flexibility, and Serenity in 20-30 Minutes a Day (Paperback)

Excellent book! I often heard about the benefits of yoga and I've purchased a few books. I gave it a try a few times but my efforts have never led anywhere. Laura's book broke the ice! It is very easy to follow her instructions and it is an excellent stretch after sitting 8 hours on one spot! I'm still working on focusing my mind on the moves and it's easier and easier. Her book is a must for people who need and want to release their all day's stress in just 20 minutes a day! ... oh, and Laura has a great sense of humor, you'll catch yourself laughing on her funny comments.

 

Moxie (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yoga at Home: Gain Energy, Flexibility, and Serenity in 20-30 Minutes a Day (Paperback)

It was refreshing to see an average person writing and serving as a model in a yoga book. That in itself is an inspiration. The instructions were quite clear and the photos quite helpful. References throughout the text and in the appendix to other yoga books permit readers with a deeper interest to read further. This book itself is enough for someone interested in beginning a home practice. It is practical, recommending appropriate clothing, music, props, and what to do when you are less then motivated or pressed for time. I especially valued the author's special hints. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in beginning a yoga practice at home.

Yours for learning yoga now,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

 

Yoga at Home for Beginners: My Book is Featured in Local Gazette Book Column

 

What an honor!  My book and I are featured in today's Montgomery County, Maryland Gazette book column! Staff writer, Mia Cortez, interviewed me 10 days ago and said she receives many books for her review.  As we began our talk about my book and my yoga practice at home.  She told me she had tried a yoga class once only to have the instructor mention with a somewhat derogatory tone that Mia was "double-jointed" (as I am) and implied that this was a limitation for doing yoga!  Shame on that instructor!  If I, Laura, born double-joined and klutz can do yoga, so can virtually anyone.

Of course, the definition of "doing yoga" can vary widely.  Yoga has become so trendy and even competitive in some circles that unless you can contort your body and limbs in supernatural ways, you're just not going to make it in yoga!  So untrue.  That's why I wrote my book!  To prove that you can benefit tremendously and gain the wonderful essence of yoga by practicing selected, simpley oga poses in the comfort and privacy of your home.  By doing so, you WILL gain energy, flexibility, and serenity in 20-30 minutes a day.

You can check out the Gazette article at:

http://www.gazette.net/article/20110803/ENTERTAINMENT/708039898/1152/1152/silver-spring-author-touts-benefits-of-at-home-yoga&template=gazette.  I apologize that the link is not clickable!

Yours for enjoying the benefits of yoga at home!

 

Laura Venecia Rodriguez 

 

Yoga at Home: Sally Shields Releases New Book Tuesday July 19, 2011!

Hi fellow yogis and healthy lifestyle students!

 

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of the Sexy and Slim!  (My profile is in the book also!)

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Today, TUESDAY July 19th, we have a personal goal

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Today, Sally is being joined by over 50 

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Discover the secret advice and tips from real

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Check out the book and the bonus offers, available only on Tuesday, July 19, 2011!

Healthfully yours,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

 

Yoga Basics: Yoga Anatomy -Book Recommendation

 

 

I recommend Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff if you want to almost "see" inside the human body as it does a number of classic yoga poses.  The book offers fascinating, detailed anatomical illustrations that show the specific muscle groups targeted by each pose. Pretty cool! It also offers some pointers on doing the poses such as precautions to take to ease into the poses and how to synchronize your breathing with the poses.

Although the explanations in the book are fairly technical and may be difficult for the layperson to follow at times, I find it to be an informative, intriguing reference book. I invested it in 2 years ago for my yoga bookshelf.  Check it out on amazon.com.

Yours for seeing inside the essence of yoga,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

Awaken the Wisdom Within Communications, LLC

 

 

Yoga for the Non-Athlete: Rodney Yee Book Recommendation

Rodney Yee, author of Moving Toward Balance is a renowned yoga instructor with at least 20 years of experience. Once a ballet dancer, Yee attended his first yoga class back in 1980 and fell in love with this ancient practice.  He eventually moved from full-time ballet to full-time yoga teaching. You can find his DVDs everywhere and now he and his wife, Colleen Saidman, teach online yoga classes. You can check them out at:  http://www.gaiamyogaclub.com/.

I took out Yee's book, Moving Toward Balance from the library a couple of years ago and found it most valuable for keeping me motivated to do a daily yoga practice at home.  Even though Yee teaches classes, he says in his book that true power and knowledge of yoga's potential comes from a consistent home practice.  This book gives you many pointers on how to create a home practice that will give you maximum benefits.  I especially liked the ones about how to create an inviting space in your home to do your yoga practice.  He also explains in detail the many benefits - physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional that you gain from a consistent home yoga practice.  The book definitely motivates you to make yoga an every day part of your life.  Check it out.  And, right now, go roll our your mat and stretch into bliss! 

Flexibly yours,

Laura Venecia Rodriguez