Orthopaedic surgeon Ray Long blends modern science and the ancient art of hatha yoga to create an indispensable resource for every yoga practitioner -- from beginners to experts. A scientific approach to understanding the practice of hatha yoga: through full-colour, three-dimensional illustrations of major muscles, tendons, and ligaments, Ray Long describes the correct positioning of hatha yoga poses (asanas) and their benefits. Specific anatomical descriptions highlight which muscles to activate in each pose, bringing the experience of the pose to new sensory heights. A novel approach to learning yoga poses: each of the four mat companions focuses on one type of yoga pose: standing poses, forward bends and hip openers, back bends and twists, and arm balances and inversions. The illustrations and descriptions describe the major movements that enable the poses, how to deepen the posture, and sequences of muscle activation. The concealed wire-bound pages make the books perfect mat resources during practice.

Increase your strength, improve your health, and develop explosive martial power with Qigong - the cultivation of your body's internal energy. Renown Qigong and martial arts master Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming explains how and why Qigong can improve your martial training, and presents ten complete sets of proven Qigong exercises for martial artists and health seekers. You'll gain muscular strength and vitality, increase your fighting power, and learn meditation training for improved concentration and longevity. This book also includes healing Qigong exercises and soothing massage techniques to help you recover more quickly from injury. In addition, Dr. Yang discusses Qigong and health, and charts the major cavities used in the martial arts. * Develop explosive martial power. * Recover quickly from injury. * Choose from ten Qigong training sets. * Easily integrated with any martial style. * Over 200 photographs and illustrations.

This book offers a scientific approach to understanding the practice of hatha yoga. Through four-color, three-dimensional illustrations of major muscles, tendons, and ligaments, Ray Long describes the practice and benefits of hatha yoga. Specific anatomical and physiological descriptions highlight the agonist, antagonist, and synergist muscles that come into play with each pose.

Volume I of the series describes the key muscles of hatha yoga and how they are utilized. From beginners to experts, this book will become a constant companion.

If you're ready to transform your body and perfect your athletic skills, then this is the book for you. Based on solid exercise science principles and tested with thousands of clients, JC's Total Body Transformation gives you over 110 workouts that can be plugged into any training plan right now to transform your body, improve your athletic performance, build strength and endurance, and produce the results you want. This text also addresses recovery technique and nutritional interventions that will support your transformation journey. Author JC Santana has spent over 30 years working with professional and collegiate athletes, weekend warriors, and serious strength and fitness clients, and he's developed hundreds of workouts that are proven to work. You won't get a lot of fluff here: You'll get an introduction on how to use these workouts, an explanation of why JC's training philosophy works, instructions on how to coach the workouts, and his simple philosophy on assessment and progressions-and then the rest is all workouts. Check out what's packed inside these pages: * More than 110 ready-to-use workouts for body transformation, strength, and endurance * Nutrition tips to help torch fat and build muscle * Suggestions for faster recovery * Bonus workouts from industry giants in athletic performance, bodybuilding, and physique competition * Tips on using multiple pieces of equipment-including barbells, dumbbells, and medicine balls-to target different muscles and add variety * Equipment suggestions and reviews The best part is that you can use these workouts with any current training plans, so you have plenty of options to customize your training. These workouts take into account the unique needs of men and women, and there is even guidance on how to sequence workouts sequentially or successively to create daily, monthly, and yearly programs. Make every exercise count and avoid boredom with the same old routine. JC's Total Body Transformation is your instant guide to transforming your body, optimizing performance, and maximizing function.

Jack wants to put on an acrobatics show in time for the holidays. Every week he practices doing somersaults and building pyramids with Mum and Dad. Do you want to join in the fun too? Jack's Acrobatics is a collection of 24 acrobatic exercises for the whole family. From simple practice games to acrobatic tricks, Jack's Acrobatics brings pure pleasure to young and old and helps with the development of motor skills along the way. 'Wonderful!' Peter Duncan in his foreword.

The massive growth in the popularity of yoga as a form of exercise and as a method of maintaining whole-body wellness has led to thousands of published research studies confirming what yoga practitioners already know: Yoga relieves stress, improves mental and emotional health, enhances sleep, relieves low back pain and neck pain, promotes weight loss, and even enables smoking cessation. Further study has proven that yoga helps individuals with disabilities improve their functional activities of daily living, recover from injuries, gain mobility, experience less pain, and manage anxiety and depressive symptoms. Adaptive Yoga takes these studies out of the research labs and onto the yoga mat to empower individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions to create an effective and safe yoga practice. If you work with these special populations as a yoga teacher or rehabilitative therapist, you will find guidance and recommended poses for some of the most common conditions and disabilities, including these: Low back pain Hip, knee, and rheumatoid arthritis Spinal cord injury Stroke Cerebral palsy Lower limb amputation Parkinson's disease Multiple sclerosis Each pose is presented in detail so you fully understand how it helps the student improve functionality. The text instructs the reader on how to enter, hold, and exit the pose safely, as well as why the pose is beneficial for that condition. When appropriate, contraindications are presented so the yoga practice can be tailored to address any additional conditions or limitations. Challenge variations and restorative modifications for many poses make further individualization possible. In Adaptive Yoga, authors Ingrid Yang, MD, and Kyle Fahey, DPT, have combined their extensive backgrounds in yoga, medicine, and physical therapy with their unique insights and passion for movement and rehabilitation to present an essential guide for helping those with chronic conditions experience the countless physical and mental benefits of yoga practice. CE exam available! For certified professionals, a companion continuing education exam can be completed after reading this book. The Adaptive Yoga Online CE Exam may be purchased separately or as part of the Adaptive Yoga With CE Exam package that includes both the book and the exam.

If you can sit in a chair, you can enjoy the benefits of yoga! Chair Yoga For Dummies is a guide to developing a yoga practice that you can do while seated in a chair. Traditional yoga poses can be replicated as sitting yoga poses and stretches, enjoyable and accessible for people at all levels of experience and mobility. There's a reason yoga has been around for thousands of years. Practicing chair yoga regularly can decrease your blood pressure, anxiety, inflammation, and chronic pain. It also increases flexibility, balance, and strength. And it helps you sleep better, too. All you need to get started is yourself, a chair, and this book--couldn't be simpler. With this book on your desk, you can infuse a little namaste into your office routine or build a personalized home practice that fits your lifestyle and abilities. You'll learn specific poses to target problem areas, and guidance on creating your own chair yoga workout plan. Practitioners can achieve meditation, flexibility goals, and more. Get guidance on creating your own custom chair yoga workout plan Reduce stress, get stronger, and feel healthier--without leaving your seat Enjoy the benefits of yoga adapted to office workers and those with decreased mobility Learn proper technique and alignment from clear illustrations and descriptions Stay active while seated!

Developed for Navy SEAL trainees to help them meet the rigorous demands of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, this comprehensive, illustrated guide covers all the basics of physical well being as well as advice for the specific challenges encountered in extreme conditions and mission-related activities. The special operations experts in the Navy SEALs rely on their physical ability to overcome obstacles and avoid injury or even death. So their training methods are proven and thorough. This full-illustrated book covers: Calculating energy expenditure Definitions, functions, and daily allowances of carbohydrates, fats, and protein Nutritional considerations for endurance and strength training activities Active recovery from injury Cardio-respiratory conditioning Appropriate gear for running and swimming for fitness Exercising in extreme and adverse weather And more. Compiled by physicians and physiologists chosen for their knowledge of the NSW and SEAL community, this manual is a unique resource for anyone wanting to improve his or her health, strength, and endurance.

The HIIT Bible is the ultimate guide to High-Intensity Interval Training - the fastest and most effective means of getting fit and improving body composition. A complete reference guide, The HIIT Bible explains everything you need to know about the exercise method that delivers big results - fast. Read about its many benefits and gain expert advice on how to use HIIT to get fit, look toned and feel fantastic. Accessible, practical and written by a globally recognised fitness authority, it features masses of tried and tested high intensity exercises and moves, each accompanied by easy-to- follow photos and instructions. The HIIT Bible is the only book on High-Intensity Interval Training you'll ever need.

FINALIST - Sports, 2016 Best Books Award This 3rd edition includes a new and easy-to-follow layout. Each technique is presented in four to six large photographs with detailed instructions on how to perform the movements. Motion arrows are used on the photographs to help you execute the movements correctly. DISCOVER THE MARTIAL ESSENCE OF TAICHI CHUAN Here's your chance to take the next step in your tai chi journey Martial applications found within tai chi chuan are a direct link to your tai chi as a form of self-defense. When you study the martial side of tai chi, you can become proficient in a variety of high-level skills, including sensing, neutralizing, yielding, striking, chin na, and even throwing. If you know a tai chi form, you are going to discover the essence of your movements by becoming aware of their martial applications. If you are practicing tai chi pushing hands, you will greatly improve your skills with this understanding of martial applications. If you are ready, you are going to love the amazing tai chi fighting set. This fully choreographed set (requires a partner) will combine all your tai chi skills into one 5-minute routine. This book includes *Martial applications for the Yang-style long form*Martial applications for Yang-style tai chi pushing hands*The complete Yang-style tai chi fighting set For any style of tai chi chuan, this book will be important for practitioners who wish to develop a deeper understanding and advanced skills. *Learn how to analyze the forms and defense applications in your tai chi, gaining higher-level knowledge of your style.*Discover the martial applications of Yang-style. These insights will give you greater understanding of your own art.*Find inspiration. Dr. Yang's writing will inspire you to investigate the martial applications of your tai chi style.

You have an owner's manual for your car, your stereo, and even your blender, so why not your body? The Fighter's Body is exactly that-an owner's manual for your most complex piece of equipment. As a martial artist, you make special demands of your body. Have you ever wondered how that latest fad diet might affect your performance on the mat? Ever wanted to take off a few extra pounds? How about putting on muscle without slowing down? Making weight for a tournament? Losing five pounds fast? Eating better? Changing weight classes? Are you confused about supplements, vitamins, and protein shakes? Don't know where to start? Start here. This book will answer your questions about important topics including *Why some diets are harmful for martial artists* How to calculate your protein needs for training*When and how to use supplements*How to eat at fast food places and not ruin your diet*Why it's OK to splurge on "dirt day"*How to safely make weight for a tournament*Why HIIT training is essential to weight loss*What to eat on competition days*How to create a plan that works and stick to it Loren W. Christensen and personal trainer Wim Demeere combine their knowledge of martial arts, weight training, nutrition, diet, and exercise to answer your questions and put you on the road to becoming the best martial arts athlete you can be.

Gold Winner - 2011 IP's Living Now AwardsGold Winner - 2011 eLit AwardFinalist - 2011 Eric Hoffer AwardFinalist - 2011 USA Best Book Award Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is a slow and relaxed moving meditation. It is also a sophisticated martial arts system. Through practicing Taijiquan, you are able to calm down the mind, locate your spiritual center, and consequently find your entire being. From the relaxed moving exercise, you can bring your physical body into an ultimate level of relaxation and natural ease, resulting in smooth Qi (inner energy) and blood circulation. This is a key to maintaining health and recovering from sickness. This book is an in-depth guide for beginners to learn Taijiquan properly. It offers a general plan for practicing Taijiquan, and then goes into great depth to present enough content for proper learning. You will learn: * What Taijiquan is * How to practice* The history of Taijiquan* Taijiquan postures* About Qi and Qigong* Main Fundamental stances* Categories of Qigong* Taiji qigong* Qigong training theory* Qigong and Taijiquan* Taijiquan thirteen postures (eight doors and five stepping)* The traditional Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form This REVISED EDITION has a new easy-to-follow layout, each movement presented in a series of large photographs with clear same-page instructions for each Taiji posture. This book is sure to advance your practice and save you much time and energy.

'Laughter yoga is a perfect way to laugh and get exercise at the same time...I've tried it, and it works.' - Oprah Winfrey With Laughter Yoga, join the worldwide movement and discover how laughter really is the best medicine! This book will show you how to bring laughter into your life at any time of the day - no special equipment needed, no new wardrobe, no expensive classes, not even a sense of humour! Laughter Yoga is all about voluntary laughter - how you can learn to laugh even in the absence of humorous stimuli, and reap the extraordinary, scientifically proven benefits, which include stress reduction, pain relief, weight loss and enhanced mood. If you act happy, you'll become happy - your body can't tell the difference. The exercises in Laughter Yoga combine voluntary laughter with yogic breathing to give you a full mind-body workout. And it turns out that laughter is the fastest way to reduce stress and the best kind of cardio: 30 minutes of hearty laughter is equal to thirty minutes on the rowing machine. 'Laughter connects you with people. It's almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you're just howling with laughter. Laughter is a force for democracy.' - John Cleese, after visiting a laughter club in Mumbai during the filming of BBC's TV series The Human Face 'Laughter yoga exemplifies a form of 'right-brain thinking' that managers should promote.' - Daniel H. Pink

While speed is often viewed as the defining characteristic of elite athletic performance, there remains plenty of misinformation and confusion about what speed truly is and how it can be developed. Speed is far more than seconds on a stopwatch-it is the result of multiple anatomical systems working together in highly coordinated unison, from the cross-body co-contractions of deep myofascial tissues to the pulsing contract-and-release cycle of the nervous system. The Anatomy of Speed is a resource like no other. Bill Parisi, the internationally recognized expert and founder of Parisi Speed School, delves deep into the physiological mechanisms of speed through in-depth interviews with top experts and researchers in the field. The text provides scientifically proven exercises and drills for developing speed that will help performance coaches and athletes more effectively maximize development of this precious attribute. Using detailed photo sequences, enhanced with anatomical overlays, you will understand the different manifestations of speed, the biomotor systems that drive them, and scientifically proven drills and exercises for developing these abilities: Acceleration Maximum velocity Deceleration Change of direction Agility Maneuverability Speed-specific strength The Anatomy of Speed converts the science into practical application, allowing you to select the most effective drills and exercises, and tailor a training program unique to your athlete's needs. The exercises-which are each designated as basic, moderate, or advanced-are organized by complexity and speed-related categories. Exercises aimed at improving range of motion and priming the nervous system set the stage for optimal results. Speed-specific strength exercises use equipment like free weights, medicine balls, and sleds to target important speed and change-of-direction qualities. A practical programming chapter helps you assemble it all into individualized training based on sport, position, body type, skill level, movement preference, and training history. Speed comes in many forms. It is a physical skill that can be developed and improved with targeted training and a solid understanding of mechanics. The Anatomy of Speed offers equal parts science, art, and practical application to do just that. CE exam available! For certified professionals, a companion continuing education exam can be completed after reading this book. The Anatomy of Speed Online CE Exam may be purchased separately or as part of The Anatomy of Speed With CE Exam package that includes both the book and the exam.

Let this calm and serene yoga frog be your desktop guru as you take him through a simple and relaxing yoga routine!

The perfect gift for any yogi in your life, this little box includes:

* An adorable, bendy, and poseable frog figurine

* A 32-page mini book with basic yoga poses (demonstrated by the yoga frog but perfect for humans, too!) illustrated by charming watercolor illustrations

Travis Macy summited glacial peaks in the French Alps, rappelled into vast limestone caves in China, and ran through parched deserts in Utah. Most famously, he won one of the country's marquee ultra-distance events: Leadman, a high-altitude series of super-long-distance races, culminating with a 100-mile mountain biking race and a 100-mile trail run. Macy accomplished it without exceptional strength, speed, or flexibility, and without high-tech performance labs or performance-enhancing drugs.His secret? A precise and particular outlook he calls the "Ultra Mindset," principles for daily life that are neither mysterious nor the sole province of ascetics or elite athletes: embrace fear, rewrite stories we tell ourselves, and master the art of seeking help, among others. By applying the principles such as "It's All Good Mental Training," "When you have no choice, anything is possible," and "Never quit...except when you should quit" to other areas of life, anyone can find success that otherwise would have seemed impossible.Coauthored with award-winning running writer and journalist John Hanc, The Ultra Mindset blends exciting personal memoir with actionable, research-based advice. Dramatic stories of Macy's far-flung experiences in the professional endurance-racing world lead into relevant mindset principles, reflective self-assessments, mind- and body-enhancing workouts and activities, and compelling case studies. Macy's stories keep the pages turning as you forge your own winning outlook for success in business, sports, and life.

5K training plans tailored just for busy moms! Whether you're looking for a convenient way to lose lingering baby weight or just want to get in shape to keep up with your kids, See Mom Run will help you achieve all of your fitness goals. Running strengthens your physical body and empowers the mind, a one-two punch to get you through the overloaded days of motherhood. Run Like a Mother 5K founder (and busy mother of three) Megan Searfoss shows you how to take those first steps toward the healthy habit of running, with the goal of completing a 5K race. She teaches you running basics, plus how to eat healthy, strength train, and choose your gear-all in a time-saving, cost-effective way. She will help you assess your fitness level and choose a realistic, week-by-week training plan that you can squeeze in before daycare or school, during lunch dates, or after dinner when the rest of the family is settled in for the night. As your fitness progresses, her programs safely challenge you to move from walking to intervals of walking and running to running continuously. At any speed, See Mom Run will help you cross the finish line and continue running for life!

Lyon's book is designed specifically with men in mind, at a time when the number of male Pilates practitioners has rocketed to about three million and will likely continue to grow at an exponential rate. "The Complete Book of Pilates for Men" offers an inspiring self-guided program that adapts to all experience levels and requires nothing more than floor space, an exercise mat, and the desire to look and feel your best. Lyon walks you through forty "traditional mat" and sixty-plus "reformer on the mat" exercises, each one brilliantly illustrated and accompanied by inspiring, easy-to-follow instructions. While the Pilates philosophy applies to both men and women, Lyon has tailored his program to target trouble spots for men and help them achieve a strong, lean, masculine aesthetic. Men tend to have more body strength, but less integrated strength or flexibility than women; they tend to be tighter in the shoulders, back, legs, and throughout the hips. Following the six principles of Pilates - control, center, concentration, precision, flow, and breath - Lyon offers a straightforward, time-efficient program that has proven to make men fitter, healthier, sexier, and altogether more confident. "The Complete Book of Pilates for Men" will appeal to any man who believes in self-empowerment and seeks a competitive edge in all aspects of his life.