30 Essential Yoga Poses: For Beginning Students and Their Teachers Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD

Practicing yoga is not a new journey for me. I first started exploring it back in the 1980s. 

I learned about asanas and breathing exercises through  Raquel Welch's Total Beauty and Fitness Video.

From the very beginning, it became clear to me that yoga is not just about physical postures—it's an all-encompassing practice. 

It has allowed me to refine my approach to life by helping me improve my flexibility, focus, and strength.

One of the aspects I appreciate about yoga is its focus on body alignment, which is why I love this book from 1990. It provides full-page photos of the 30 basic yoga poses, accompanied by detailed explanations. I also enjoy that the author offers various sequences that target specific body parts and needs.

Over the years, yoga has significantly improved my balance, joint health, flexibility, and muscle strength. I always feel more relaxed and centered after completing a session, and I continue to discover new benefits with every practice.

Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD, physical therapist, and yoga teacher, has taught since 1971. She offers a wide range of live workshops and online courses, reaching yoga practitioners of all levels. 

Judith has authored eleven books, with her most recent, Teaching Yoga with Intention, guiding teachers in effective, respectful communication through words and touch to foster student confidence, autonomy, and safety in their practice.