In those instances, a hatha yoga illustrated guide to asanas can be especially useful to keep with you as a memory jogger.  I have worked out with Asana flash cards to help me remember which position comes next.  You can also get a big hatha yoga illustrated poster that takes you through an entire routine.  I have an illustrated yoga book that reminds me of yoga positions I want to try, and has great photos of different people (with different body shapes) practicing yoga and demonstrating the different steps of getting into position.

Why a Hatha Yoga Illustration Might Not Be Enough

If you're new to yoga, you may be tempted to start your practice with a little list of positions printed out from the internet.  Don't sell yourself short!  Yoga is so much more than sitting in the shape of a pretzel or being able to do a back bridge.

There is a lot of breathing work, mental concentration, and relaxation (even spirituality) that is an important part of the process, so while you can look at Hatha yoga illustrated guides to get an idea of what yoga is like, I recommend that you actually don't begin until you've gone to a yoga class or gotten a good hatha yoga video, so you can make sure you're getting off on the right foot.

Choosing a Hatha Yoga Video

There are many different Hatha yoga videos that are on the market today, and choosing the best one can be difficult for consumers.  These Hatha yoga videos are sometimes produced by individuals that do not have the proper training to be instructing such a class.  In other cases, the Hatha yoga videos are posted online, either by individuals or by instructors that are trying to promote their yoga gym.  In any case, the Hatha yoga videos should be thoroughly checked to see what the qualifications of the instructors are and what types of asanas will be done in the Hatha yoga video.

Illustration: Hatha Yoga Video Training Puts Pictures In Motion

Since Hatha yoga - meaning Powerful Yoga - is a dynamic activity, with a lot of different variations (from beginner to advanced), you'll learn a lot more and advance more quickly if you can see someone else do it, and have them explain the yoga positions to you on tape.

A quality Hatha yoga video will train the individuals on all the different poses and techniques that are done in a typical Hatha yoga class.  In a traditional Hatha yoga studio, the individual is trained in the techniques for each of the poses, any modifications that might be needed to help the individual if there are back and knee problems, as well as breathing and relaxation techniques for the poses.  Breathing properly is essential in Hatha yoga videos that are of good quality.  Deep breathing allows individuals to focus and relax during the yoga class so that the other muscles that are not being used in the pose can also be relaxed.

Hatha yoga videos will take the individuals through a series of poses so that an entire workout is done during the course of the video.  These poses will usually transition from one to the other very smoothly so that the state of working and relaxation can be maintained throughout the workout.  The breathing should be calm and deep, inhaling and exhaling through the nose rather than the mouth.  The mouth should remain relaxed rather than having the teeth clenched or the tongue pressed up in the top of the mouth.  Also, the Hatha yoga videos will show individuals what muscles should be working during a pose and which ones should be relaxed during the pose.  This is important and is a life skill that can be carried into everyday life.  Often, individuals will begin the class with tense shoulders from keeping those muscles tense even when they are not being used.  After taking a Hatha yoga video class, the individuals become more aware of their bodies and are able to keep those muscles relaxed when they are not being used.  These yoga classes are vital to a relaxed way of life in the real world as well as being a great workout for a toned body.

Hatha Yoga Illustrated: Sun Salutation Hatha Yoga Video

If you still want or need an illustrated guide of hatha yoga poses, many hatha yoga videos come with a printed insert that will act as a crib sheet to help you remember the parts of your workout for when you want to try them without popping in the video.

There's something very peaceful about an independent, self-paced hatha yoga routine, with nothing more than an illustrated hatha yoga guide to tell you what to do.  However, that's an end result to strive for, not a good starting place.

Consider finding a Hatha yoga video or DVD you enjoy to get you started on the right foot.