An innovative yoga manual for teachers, trainers, and advanced students—craft a safer, more effective yoga practice informed by anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
Supplemented with more than 100 illustrations and photos, The Yoga Engineer’s Manual makes yoga anatomy simple, clear, and accessible. With tips, tools, and practical advice for on-the-mat applications, this essential resource is written for yoga teachers and practitioners of all traditions. It offers a step-by-step, layer-by-layer examination of the connection between our physical and energetic bodies, their activation through finding one’s best personal alignment, and methods for utilizing asana practice to explore the deeper nature of the Self.
To experience the full benefits of yoga, author and yoga teacher trainer Richelle Ricard explains that we need to start with understanding the body: its mechanics, physiology, and our own individual strengths and limitations. Too often, outdated yoga modalities and rote memorization fail trainers and students with a one-size-fits-all approach. The Yoga Engineer’s Manual introduces the functional anatomy, postures, asanas, and yoga-classroom skills that teachers need to confidently lead safe and effective classes that work for all students. Ricard also includes exercises, study guides, and supplemental materials for an interactive and continuous learning experience.
Author(s): Richelle Ricard, LMT
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Year: 2021
Language: English
Commentary: manual yoga practice informed by anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, 100+ ilustrations and photos
Pages: 368
Tags: manual yoga practice informed by anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics
Title Page
Praise for The Yoga Engineer’s Manual
Copyright
Dedication
Preface
1: Perspectives on Practice and Teaching
Why Study Anatomy as Part of Your Yoga Practice?
Teaching Yoga: Science or Art?
What Sets the Yoga Engineer Functional Anatomy Apart from Other Muscle-Focused Programs?
A Note on Individual Differences
Unifying the Practice
2: How to Use This Book
For the Curious Yoga Student
For the Teacher in Training
For the Current Yoga Teacher
For Every Yogi
A Note on Language
Additional Resources
Asana Journal
3: Terminology and Reference Points
Basic Terminology
Principles of Physiology
4: Relevant Human Systems
The Nervous System
The Endocrine System
The Respiratory System
The Skeletal System
The Integumentary System
The Muscular System
Regions of the Musculoskeletal System
5: Fundamentals of Physiology and Kinesiology
Bones
Joints: Structure and Function
Risk Factors
6: Integrating Anatomy into Practice and Teaching
Principles of Observation and Practice
Vocabulary
Cueing Principles
The “Dirty Dozen” Cues
7: The Spine and Core: Structure and Nature
Bones
Range of Motion
Muscles
Experiential Learning
Limitations
8: The Spine and Core: Principles of Teaching and Practice Mechanics
Principles of Teaching
Vocabulary
Practice Mechanics
Practice Teaching
9: The Lower Extremity: Structure and Nature
Bones
Joints and Connective Tissue
Range of Motion
Muscles
Bandhas
Experiential Learning
Limitations
Common Conditions
Risks to the Lower Extremity
Relationship to the Spine
Experiential Learning
10: The Lower Extremity: Principles of Teaching and Practice Mechanics
Principles of Teaching
Experiential Learning
Vocabulary
Practice Mechanics
Practice Teaching
11: The Upper Extremity: Structure and Nature
Bones
Soft Tissues
Joints
Range of Motion
Muscles
Experiential Learning
Limitations
12: The Upper Extremity: Principles of Teaching and Practice Mechanics
Principles of Teaching
Experiential Learning
Vocabulary
Practice Mechanics
Practice Teaching
Experiential Learning
13: Unifying the Practice
Artwork Attributions
Contributors
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Author
About North Atlantic Books
