Legendarily 2,200 years old and 4,300 miles long, the Great Wall of China seems to make an overwhelmingly confident physical statement about the country it spans: about China's age-old sense of itself being an advanced civilization anxious to draw a clear line between itself and the "barbarians" at its borders. But behind the wall's intimidating exterior and the myths that have built up around it is a complex history that has both defined and undermined China. Author Julia Lovell has written a new and important history of the Great Wall that guides the reader through the conquests and cataclysms of the Chinese empire, from the second millennium BC to the present day. In recent years, the Wall has become an ever more potent symbol of Chinese nationalism, of a determination to resist foreign domination. But how successful was the Wall in reality, and what was its real purpose? Was it a precursor, albeit on a huge scale, of the Berlin Wall a barrier designed to keep its population in as much as undesirables out? Lovell looks behind the modern mythology of the Great Wall, uncovering a three-thousand-year history far more fragmented and less illustrious than its crowds of visitors imagine today. The story of the Wall winds through that of the Chinese state and the frontier policy that defined it, through the lives of the millions of individuals who supported, criticized, built, and attacked it.

Delve into this inspiring introduction to the ancient practice of yoga and learn all you need to know to energize your body, mind and spirit every day There are plenty of reasons to try yoga - it can strengthen your body, soothe your soul, reduce stress and much more! This easy-to-digest guide has plenty of simple tips and helpful advice to get you started on your yoga journey. Whether you're a total beginner or an experienced yogi, the teachings in these pages are suited to a range of abilities and offer the benefits of yoga to everyone. Packed with a variety of poses broken down into step-by-step instructions, this little book contains all the information you need to live with more peace, balance and freedom. This book includes: Simple breathing exercises to increase energy, focus and mindfulness Step-by-step guidance on a variety of yoga sequences including sun salutations, standing and seated poses Uplifting quotations to inspire positive thinking Be inspired to enjoy all that's best about an AWESOME YOGA LIFESTYLE.

Stretch the mindful way with this all-encompassing guide to Yin Yoga. In today's fast-paced world it's easy to lose the balance in our lives and the connection with our bodies. DK believes it's time to change that! Yin Yoga offers a remedy to the stress and hustle of everyday life. Heard of the term but don't know where to begin? No worries, we've got you covered! The same way that Yin balances Yang in ancient philosophies, the slower yin-style yoga featured in this yoga book offers an alternative to the faster more active forms of yoga. Instead, Yin yoga concentrates on holding and breathing through floor-based poses, awarding you with the time and space to clear both your mind and body. Dive straight in to discover: -Over 50 poses focusing on specific areas of the body -Each yoga pose is demonstrated with photographic step-by-step detail -20 sequences linking the poses, tailored to your physical and emotional targets -Introductory spreads covering the basic techniques behind Yin Yoga The first full-coloured step-by-step Yin yoga book on the market, this all-encompassing yoga guide is a must-have volume for individuals seeking a mindful and meditative approach to their yoga practice, as well as beginners and older yoga practitioners who are looking to adopt a slower-paced approach to yoga. You can explore gentle variations to much-loved yoga poses, from the comfort of your own home. Every exercise utilises the essential elements of Yin yoga to ensure you can gain all the physical and mental benefits, and will also allow you to perform all 20 sequences, which combine over 50 different poses into one singular experience and focus on specific health benefits each pose has on your body. For years, books on yoga have asked readers to bend over backwards (literally!) to conform to their physical demands. At DK, we believe it's time to change that! Why not allow for readers to demand that yoga conform to their individual needs instead? This is gentle yoga for the mind, body and soul. A must-have volume for those who want to take up Yoga but don't know where to begin, or simply those seeking to start a gentle low-impact exercise whilst encouraging mindfulness, Yin Yoga can be tailored to your individual fitness needs, so you make the most out of your poses! Why not stretch yourself, literally, this New Year and try something new? Perhaps your mind, body and soul will thank you!

Boxing is well-known for its training regime, which produces some of the strongest, fittest athletes in the world. 'Boxing fitness', a recent development in personal fitness, has adapted elements of this training into a safe, enjoyable and effective workout. A non-contact discipline, it's fun and suitable for everyone.
In essence, it's a great cardiovascular workout that also helps develop strength, speed, coordination, balance and flexibility. In this book, two experts describe the techniques involved - a circuit that includes shadow boxing, skipping, punch bag and focus-pad work - and explain how a regime can be tailored to address each individual's fitness goals, whether it be weight loss, general toning, increased stamina or improved strength.
The unique structure of a boxing fitness session evokes the traditional boxing experience, adding an authentic touch to a modern exercise regime that's suitable for men and women, young and old. Whether you're a cross-training athlete or simply want to enjoy a great workout, this clear and well-illustrated guide will help you reach the top of your game.

If you'd like to radiate energy and vitality, if you'd like to know that you are in total control of your health, then the renowned authors of America's # 1 diet book have a new and exciting program for you. In "Fit For Life II" you will learn that yes--you can live without drugs! And yes--you can minimize stress! "Fit For Life II" will show you how easy it is to put your old habits behind you and turn your life-style into a rejuvenating and invigorating health-style.

"Peter has brilliantly put into words what I have felt my whole dancing life: that the power of dance can liberate and change all our lives." Darcey Bussell Humans are born to dance. And in today's sedentary world, we would all benefit from doing more of it. Science shows that just ten minutes of dancing provides a thorough work out for the body and brain, raising the heartbeat to cause a release of feel-good endorphins, connecting us to our emotions and reducing our stress levels. Dancing quite simply makes us feel more alive. Dr Peter Lovatt, a former professional dancer turned dance psychologist, has spent the past two decades studying why we dance and what it does for us, and is on a personal mission to make dancing as natural an activity in our daily lives as walking or drinking coffee. Filled with fascinating case studies from his research as well as great stories from dance history, The Dance Cure will inspire even those who think they "can't dance" to turn the music on, get up on the floor and dance themselves happy.

Walking surpasses jogging as most people’s favourite form of exercise by five-to-one. The Spirited Walker introduces the idea of expanding one’s walking regimen from simply a physical workout to a spiritual one – a fitness routine for the body and soul. Drawing upon the Buddhist concept of the ‘walking meditation’ – spiritual practice on the move – Kortge offers instruction and encouragement for:• Developing a walking routine• Learning and using proper walking techniques• Developing awareness and focus while walking• Practicing techniques for increased attentiveness, peacefulness and tranquility.Using breathing exercises, visualizations, and active affirmations.A unique approach to spiritual development, Kortge’s methods are simple, eminently practical, and rewarding for men and women of all ages and physical conditions. Beautifully written and gently inspiring, the Spirited Walker is one of the first books to explore the hidden and profound benefits of this enormously popular sport, offering a spirited new lesson in the pursuit of good health.

Exercise and nutrition programs designed to achieve weight loss and improve health and fitness have received considerable attention in recent decades. Though a large number of books have been published on the subject, the vast majority of these books focus on the latest fad diet, usually alone or sometimes in combination with the latest fad exercise regimen, but they rarely provide scientific, evidence-based reasons for their use. Eat, Move, Sleep Repeat is very different. It provides a scientific evidence-based rationale for selecting certain diets and forms of physical activity that can help to achieve effective body fat and body weight loss; explains how to develop a personalized weight loss plan; gives guidelines for a healthy balanced diet; provides advice on how to improve sleep quality, avoid common illnesses, keep senses, and organs healthy and how much exercise is needed to get health benefits. Meant for every fitness goal, fitness level, and occupation, The Healthy Lifestyle Guidebook aims to provide a set of evidence-based guidelines on how to establish a healthy lifestyle that will promote better quality of life with reduced risk of chronic disease and extend longevity.

Elite players, coaches, and trainers rely on plyometrics to develop power, agility, speed, strength, body control, balance, and overall athletic performance. With this authoritative guide on plyometrics, you can too! In Plyometric Anatomy, authors Derek Hansen, coach and consultant to elite athletes and professional and collegiate sports teams, and Steve Kennelly, assistant head athletic trainer for the New York Football Giants, share the training they've used to propel athletes at all levels to success. They present 94 plyometric exercises, with 78 variations that increase in difficulty for continued development over time. Each exercise is fully illustrated with detailed anatomical art to showcase the muscles that are activated during the drill, so you can clearly see how the exercise contributes to improved performance. You'll also find unique plyometric exercises and variations that combine upper- and lower-body muscles in a single drill to better simulate complex sport-specific movements. Plus, considerations such as the impact of performing the drills on various surfaces, commonly used equipment, and use of external loads are included to make sure you get the most from your training. With comprehensive coverage and expert insights, Plyometric Anatomy takes the guesswork out of training and provides the best tool to help you achieve dynamic strength and explosive power. It is the ultimate illustrative resource for maximizing athletic power production.

From acclaimed yoga teacher Guru Jagat comes a wildly cool, practical, and beautifully illustrated guide to applying the simple and super-effective technology of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation to everyday life, upgrading your "operating system" inside and out. With Invincible Living, Guru Jagat shares a radical way of understanding yoga-not just as something to do in practice, but as a broader principle for living. Candid, encouraging, and irreverent, Guru Jagat shows how Kundalini Yoga-which forgoes complex poses for energy-boosting, breath-driven exercises, quick meditations, and simple poses most of which you can do at your desk-can reset your life and well-being, regardless of your age or background. Designed explicitly for everyday people, not ashram-going or gym-bodied yogis, fast, effective Kundalini techniques can be done anywhere, from the car to the conference room. There's no need to have a bendy back or toned arms. You don't even need a mat: just a quiet space to clear your head, and as little as a minute out of your day. From beauty and self-care to work and relationships, Invincible Living tackles both the mind-from mood elevation and stress reduction to renewed mental clarity-and the body-from anti-aging, and increased metabolism to amped up energy. Packed with tips, exercises, and step-by-step instructions and fully photographed and illustrated in Guru Jagat's fresh, handmade-meets-hipster style, Invincible Living is fresh take on ancient wisdom: a must-have guide for anyone who wants simple, effective, tools for a supercharged life as taught by a uniquely compelling teacher who upends all preconceptions about yoga. Invincible Living includes 100 color photographs and illustrations.

Jennifer Aniston. Kate Beckinsale. Helen Hunt. Brooke Shields. In addition to their fame, these actresses share something else in common: they owe their enviable silhouettes to fitness expert and celebrity yoga instructor Mandy Ingber.In Yogalosophy (R) , Ingber,one of the most sought-after fitness and wellness advisors in Los Angeles,offers up a unique 28-day plan to help readers achieve healthier bodies and happier minds. Building on the concepts offered in Ingber's popular Yogalosophy (R) DVD, this handbook provides an accessible program of proven workouts and eating guidelines designed to tone and strengthen the entire body, inside and out. In addition to recipes and detailed body-sculpting workouts (which combine yoga postures with a wide range of other effective exercises), Ingber also offers up wise insights and thought-provoking anecdotes in each chapter, encouraging readers to establish a healthier, more life-embracing mindset. Full of girlfriend-y wisdom, Yogalosophy (R) is a realistic, flexible, daily plan that will help readers transform their minds, their bodies, and their lives.

The Alexander Technique is a proven process of mind and body reeducation that reduces stress and muscle tension, and revitalization those who practice it. Used by many actors, athletes, and dancers, the technique can help anyone increase his or her energy and achieve a more dynamic presence.
Written by a veteran instructor of the Alexander Technique, this authentic and easy-to-follow guide allows everyone to learn the increasingly popular program, with clear instructions for each exercise, and dozens of helpful photographs that show correct and incorrect positions to use for the exercises and throughout the day.

This is a comprehensive guide to 'could hands', a foundational exercise found in all styles of the popular martial art t'ai chi ch'uan. The book exphasizes the healing aspects of t'ai chi, making it equally useful for practitioners of qi gong and other healing modalities.

The abdominal region is one of the toughest areas of the body to keep in shape--especially as we age. "Knack Absolute Abs" is the most comprehensive yet user-friendly guide ever to kicking belly fat once and for all. Arming women with the tools and mindset to get real results fast, it is based on the most up-to-date methods and techniques--from the right diet to step-by-step exercises to a sound cardio plan. It covers not only the exercises but common issues around digestion and healing your gut to lose belly fat and much more. It also includes seven-day routines for beginning, intermediate, and advanced exercisers.

A comprehensive and remarkable account of teachings inspired by BKS Iyengar (who wrote the preface) and Kashmir Saivism. "The unknown, invisible hero of the ordinary goes through life like a whisper, pouring out his heart in every moment. At each instant he contemplates the eternally quivering, vibrant wheel of energies. By resting at their source, he remains at the centre of all things, of the Whole, savouring the caress of the Absolute. His contemplation is the reverse flight of the Yogi, the motionless race towards and within the primary wave of energy, the supreme Spanda, source of all activity. A hero stripped of qualities who, at the end of desire and doing, devours all limitations so he may be immersed in the ultimate place of rest, the vibrant Heart of Bhairava. Christian Pisano narrates the intuitive longing that pulsates behind our own personal story. A book, inspired by the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar and Kashmir Saivism, that at last places postural practice into the broader subject that is Yoga! It is a comprehensive and remarkable account of teachings, often unknown legends and hidden symbolisms behind the names of asana, accompanied by insightful quotations and wonderful illustrations and pictures. Like a finger that points towards the moon, these precious ingredients point towards the Absolute."

Celebrated yoga teacher and activist Seane Corn shares pivotal accounts of her life with raw honesty--enriched with in-depth spiritual teachings--to help us heal, evolve, and change the world. "My first lessons in spirituality and yoga had nothing to do with a mat, but everything to do with waking up. They included angels, seeing God, and being in Heaven. But, believe me, not the way you might think." So begins Revolution of the Soul. What comes next reads like a riveting memoir filled with uncensored moments of joy, pain, wonder, and humor. Except this book is so much more than that. Seane's real purpose is to guide us into a deep, gut-level understanding of our highest Self through yoga philosophy and other tools for emotional healing--not just as abstract ideas but as embodied, fully felt wisdom. Why? To spark a "revolution of the soul" in each of us, so that we can awaken to our purpose and become true agents of change. To take us there, she shares "the highlights, lowlights, and what-the-Fs" of her own evolution, including: - How, in the gritty clubs and cafes of New York's 1980s East Village, Seane meets the first everyday "angels" that will change her path forever - Her first yoga classes (with dirty sweats, Marlboros, and the mother of all monkey minds in tow) - How a variety of unconventional therapists masterfully helped Seane embrace her shadow and resolve her childhood trauma, OCD, unhealthy behaviors, and relationship wounding - A pilgrimage to India where Seane receives stinging truths about false gurus and our need to trust the teacher within - How she comes to understand the connection between the inner work of transformation and the outer work of social change - And many other stories, each illuminated by immersive teachings "When we heal the fractured parts of ourselves and learn to love who we are and the journey we've embarked upon," writes Seane, "we will see that same tender humanity in all souls. This is the revolution of the soul." With this book, you're invited to be a part of it.

As yoga continues to grow in popularity as a modern exercise and fitness movement, it is important to take notice of the greater spiritual tradition that forms its core. This book sheds light on the greater tradition and teachings of yoga, providing readers with an important approach to the practice that can harmonize their existence both individually and collectively. Yoga provides all students with a new appreciation of their dicipline's universe.

The publication in 1934 of Yang Chengfu's book, Essence and Applications of Taijiquan (Taijiquan Tiyong Quanshu) marked a milestone in the modern evolution of the art of taijiquan. Using what is best-termed demonstration narrative, the author presents form postures and suggested applications from his own perspective, as he performed them. This methodology renders Yang Chengfu's direct, hands-on teaching of the art with such immediacy and liveliness that the reader experiences the master's teaching much as his students did.
This English translation finally makes Yang Chengfu's classic work available to taijiquan enthusiasts in the West. It includes notes and commentary that clarify the author's frequent classical and literary turns of phrase and elucidate the philosophical and political underpinnings that shape the text. The translator investigates and compares several early taijiquan books in order to help explain the roles played by two of Yang Chengfu's students, Dong Yingjie and Zheng Manqing, in bringing Yang Chengfu's words and teachings into print.
Serious students of taijiquan, and those wishing to deepen their knowledge of taijiquan history and theory, will find this seminal work indispensable to their study and practice.

This handbook provides a practical and systematic approach to the acquisition, interpretation, and reporting of physiologic responses to exercise. Pulmonologists, cardiologists, and sports physicians, as well as respiratory therapists and other allied health professionals will find this book an indispensable resource when learning to select proper instruments, identify the most appropriate test protocols, and integrate and interpret physiologic response variables. The final chapter presents clinical cases to illuminate useful strategies for exercise testing and interpretation. Useful appendices offer laboratory forms, algorithms and calculations, as well as answers to FAQs. A glossary of terms, symbols, and definitions is also included. Handbook of Exercise Testing and Interpretation: A Practical Approach offers clearly defined responses (both normal and abnormal) to over thirty performance variables including aerobic, cardiovascular, ventilatory, and gas-exchange variables. Practical, portable, and easy-to-read, this essential guidebook can be used on its own or together with a more detailed book on the subject.