A fun introductory guide to yoga anatomy for new and experienced yoga teachers, practitioners, and enthusiasts
Knowledge of anatomy is a crucial part of every effective yoga practice, but the subject can be dry and difficult. Yoga Anatomy Made Simple provides a fun solution—it’s a go-to guide to functional yoga anatomy, written for yoga practitioners looking to jump in and start applying key concepts to their work. Here, longtime yoga teacher Stuart Girling pairs his expertise with real-life examples and colorful, jaunty illustrations to create a book that serves as a playful introduction and refresher course for yogis, teachers, and trainers.
Yoga Anatomy Made Simple provides simple explanations of key yoga-anatomy concepts, like patterns, variety, breath, and strength. The illustrations are diverse, body-inclusive, joyful, and fun—and mirror the author’s own accessible, unpretentious approach to practical yoga anatomy. Concepts are demonstrated on different body parts, as well as the following posture groups
• Forward bends
• Hip rotations
• Backbends
• Twists
• Postures involving the shoulders
• Inversions
• Arm balances
Girling ties everything together in a holistic framework with a playful touch on every page—one that embraces each student’s lifestyle, environment, and life history. Yoga teachers will learn to elevate their ability to analyze yoga postures from a physical perspective, sequence more effectively, avoid unnecessary injury, and appreciate the importance of individuality within postural yoga.
Author(s): Stu Girling
Publisher: Lotus Publishing
Year: 2023
Language: English
Commentary: Yoga Anatomy, Simple:Illustrated Guide to Form, Function, and Posture Groups
Pages: 338
Tags: Yoga Anatomy, Simple:Illustrated Guide to Form, Function, and Posture Groups
Contents
Introduction
List of Abbreviations
PART I—KEY CONCEPTS
1.Fundamentals of Yoga Postures
Making Shapes
Individuality
Gravity
Alignment
Fighting Own Restrictions
Balance
2.Movement Basics
Range of Motion
Flexibility
Stretching
Multi-Segmental Movement
Moving in Patterns
Compression
Fundamental Movements
Relational Movement
3.Muscles and Fascia
Neurophysiology
Open and Closed Kinetic Chains
Polyarticular Muscles
Strength
Variety
Opposing Muscles Restrict
Secondary Action of Muscles
Fascial Considerations
Recommended Reading
4.Breath
Breath
Breath and Posture
Breath and Trauma
References
5.Other Personal Considerations
Environmental Influences
Lifestyle
Personal History
Psychology
Risk Factors
PART II—BODY BITS
6.Foot and Ankle
Construction of the Foot and Ankle
Muscles that Move the Foot and Ankle
Arches of the Foot
Foot Alignment
So How Do We Start Working on This?
Putting Things into Context
7.Knee
Construction of the Knee Joint
Muscles that Move the Knee
Putting Things into Context
8.Hip
Construction of the Hip Joint
Muscles that Move the Hip
Putting Things into Context
9.Spine
Construction of the Spine
Muscles that Move the Spine
Putting Things into Context
10.Sacroiliac Joint
Construction of the Sacroiliac Joint
Muscles that Move the Sacrum
Putting Things into Context
11.Shoulder
Construction of the Shoulder Complex
Muscles that Move the Shoulder Complex
Putting Things into Context
A Bit About Moving the Head
Putting Things into Context
12.Elbow and Wrist
Construction of the Elbow
Muscles that Move the Elbow
Putting Things into Context
Construction of the Wrist
Muscles that Move the Wrist
Putting Things into Context
PART III—POSTURE GROUPS
13.Forward Bends
14.Hip Rotations
15.Backbends
16.Twists
17.Postures Involving the Shoulders
18.Inversions
19.Arm Balances
APPENDICES
1.Anatomical Language and Movement Terminology
2.Stu’s Simple Model of Infinite Complexity
3.Names of Poses/Postures (Asanas)
