Customer Reviews

Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I began doing Yoga with Richard Hittleman when he had a TV show in the early 60's. I bought his little pamphlet to use also. It was a simple little book with drawings. In 1969 I bought his hardbound edition---the 28-day plan, and used it when he went off the air. I've been using it ever since. I may have missed a few sessions now and then, but for the most part I stuck with it over the years, and I'm happy to say that his promise of "flexible for life" has paid off. For a woman of 80, I'm very flexible and have good balance. I practice three times a week without fail, and will keep it up forever. I loved that man, for his gentle philosophy as well as his advice on health. Lately I wanted to let him know how well he's kept me over the years, which is why I decided to look him up on the internet today, only to learn that he's been gone since 1991. I've been missing him, and now I know why. Doris Hirigoyen

I got this book years ago when I was much thinner. In perusing the offerings of yoga books on amazon.com, I noticed this book was re-issued. While I found it useful and was able to do the poses years ago when I was in better shape, I would caution those who are very overweight (like I am now) to use extreme caution doing the shoulder stand and plow postures. These postures put too much strain on neck and shoulders--I feel that's true and have heard it said by yoga practitioners. I am on my way down the scale again and will use the book when I've lost enough fat to make the postures practicable for me. In the meantime, I'll do more standard stretching.

If you are toying with the idea of engaging yourself in Yoga instruction, this is a good read. You will likely be drawn into more and other informative pieces to complete the picture.

Precise description of how to learn the basics and improve stretching capability in 28 days and I enjoyed doing it.

This little book is excellent. Easy to use, easy to follow and only 15-20 min a day plus beautifully written explanations for each day. Good for beginners up to advanced, for those of us who have troubles fitting exercise into our day. I wish I could buy a copy for everyone I know!

I'm currently on day 14 of the plan. I agree with a previous reviewer - I felt like the hair massage exercise was kind of silly. I'm also not really fond of the 'lion'.. I also had that same feeling that Hittleman is writing in a sort of preaching tone (for housewives, I'm not a housewife!), and that deviating from the plan is very bad. I'm also very afraid of doing headstand or similar exercises because I feel like a lot of weight is being put on my spine..I might be doing the exercise wrong, so I will google alternative instructions for the same exercise. Also, I find myself looking forward to the 'review' days on every fourth day, because it doesn't require going through several exercises and then following a 'dance-like' routine which includes (usually) one set of each exercise. I usually read through the days exercises once, perform them, and having an extra exercise plan besides what I've already done causes me to lose rhythm.

Positive points: I do find that all the exercises (except the plough and modified headstand) are very easy to perform. This book is good for people like me who like to exercise alone and on my own time (full time student here). Overall this author does not encourage straining and exercises are low-impact. I do feel more relaxed just due to exercising, and performing the deep breathing exercises feels really good. Flexibility-wise I only notice a little improvement. I have stiff back/shoulders and the stiffness has only lessened a little for me.

Right now I do my best for each exercise. I don't like some of them (headstands/head massage) but I still talk myself into doing them. I don't think I will feel comfortable doing a full-on headstand or similar position so I will only perform to *my* extreme position (which is highly emphasized)

Nutshell: Overall a very easy to follow book, exercises generally easy, be careful when performing exercises involving spine!

I first bought this book in 1975 at the age of 15 and practiced religiously. I loved everything about this book! Easy to follow, great poses. It carried me through many years and 2 pregnancies. I became separated from my book and picked up several others on yoga that were horrible - I never could get back to following yoga again, just practiced what I remembered from this book from time to time. Lo and behold this book fell back into my hand at a used book sale and it was just like finding an old and cherished friend! I bought it and started doing my yoga again. For me this is the only place that yoga exists. I think you'll enjoy it too.

This version is identical to Richard Hittleman's same-title paperback that's smaller is size. When I picked up this book at a used book store, I was jogging/running 4x per week, 3 miles each run. I had experienced a great relief of physical and emotional stress in the running, but I was interested in increasing my flexibility and grace. I did "my yoga" after running, and I was shocked to find, as I faithfully followed the program, how much tension had remained in my joints, muscles, etc., even after running. My mental, physical and emotional states all improved dramatically with this yoga program -- so much so that I thought I had found the fountain of youth, that I had discovered my true being. I did injure my knees with the "bow" -- the book's single inadequacy is its lack of precautionary advice and remedies for injuries. I have looked at other yoga books and this is by far the best in terms of succinct information, very good instruction, and a progressive program.

I'm only 18 and I can see this book being the core health routine for the rest of my life. Easy to follow, and almost impossible to strain oneself with variations from easy to extreme, it's an absolute training must for Rockclimbing or any other sport.

In 1970, I purchased Hittleman's 28 Day Yoga book at a flea market. I was 33 years old and already beginning to feel the effects of arthritis. It was all I could do to exit a car or bend down to lift the toilet seat. I was a rusty gate. Today at 67, thanks to following this simple 3 routine sets of asanas, I am able to curl 65lbs 10x's with one arm, run 3.61 miles daily, bike 34 miles both weekend days, do 100 pushups, and many other feats of strength that many men less than 1/2 my age are unable to do. I have added the Sun Salutation to my daily routine, as demonstrated by Rodney Yee, and Marie Winsors Pilate Teasers. Other than that, the three routines are perfect for what I have accomplished in my personal life. I have bought dozens of copies and given them to others. My 6 sons ages 40, 39, 30, 24, 20, and 17, also have followed this yoga regimen when they began to play sports. All became outstanding athletes in boxing, football, baseball, soccer,etc. and as well as outstanding scholars and US Army Officer Rangers. Does our family think this yoga system is worthwhile? We think it is a Godsend.