Anatomy of Yoga: An Instructor's Inside Guide to Improving Your Poses - Softcover

Ellsworth, Dr. Abigail

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1554077664 ISBN 13: 9781554077663

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2010

Synopsis

Remarkable computer-generated illustrations of the muscles used during the most popular yoga poses.

Yoga teachers and students can use this book as a visual reference to the muscles that are engaged by specific yoga poses. Each pose is shown in a full-color photograph opposite a detailed and annotated anatomical drawing that identifies the active and stabilizing muscles being used. By identifying affected muscles, practitioners can maximize the benefits of each pose and even design a personalized yoga routine that focuses on their specific problem areas.

Anatomy of Yoga explains the basics of yoga, breathing and the spine, concentrating on the body's core musculature. It covers:

• Yoga warm-up
  
• Standing poses
  
• Forward bends
  
• Back bends
  
• Seated and twisted poses
  
• Poses that balance arms
  
• Inversions
  
• Restorative poses
  
• Sequences, such as sun salutation

There are numerous asides, including "best for" information boxes that describe the muscles that work the most during each pose. Tip boxes give hints on safety and form and outline the target muscles for and benefits of each pose. The author also suggests creative ways to modify the intensity of an exercise.

Anatomy of Yoga is an expert guide that is extremely useful for anyone interested in enhancing a personal yoga fitness routine. It will also interest yoga instructors who want a visual aid that clearly illustrates the benefits of each exercise.

(20101025)

About this title

About the Author:

Dr. Abigail Ellsworth is a certified trainer and Pilates specialist. She is the owner of the Pilates, Therapy and Wellness Center of Westchester, New York, and is the author of Pilates Anatomy and Massage Anatomy.

(20110120)

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

INTRODUCTION

The practice of yoga, developed in India thousands of years ago, aims to educate the body, mind and spirit. Today, this ancient system has become one of the most popular ways of both getting fit and finding some serenity in today's hectic world. Through breathing techniques and perfecting a series of poses--known as asanas--students of yoga refresh body and spirit.

ANATOMY OF YOGA focuses on the physical aspect of yoga and features more than fifty asanas common to many yoga disciplines. Step-by-step photos and anatomical illustrations guide you through attaining the asanas, with the muscles strengthened in each pose highlighted. There are also handy tips that guide you as you learn to achieve and hold each asana and note each asana's focus to better allow you to target certain areas of your body. The asanas are grouped into five sections--Standing, Forward Bends, Backbends, Seated Poses and Twists, and Arm Supports and Inversions--along with a selection that helps you pull them all together in flowing sequences.

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1554077664
• ISBN 13: 9781554077663
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160