The Vital Psoas Muscle presents an in-depth look at the most important yet abused skeletal muscle in the human body. Located deep within the front hip joint and lower spine, the psoas is critical for optimal postural alignment, movement, and overall well being. Its function and importance extend beyond anatomical mechanics to the nerve complex and energy systems. Taking a uniquely holistic approach, this book explores how the psoas affects the health of the body, mind, and spirit: Physically, as the only muscle that connects the upper and lower body Emotionally, as a messenger to and from the brain and a vessel of deeply rooted feelings Spiritually, as an integrator within the root of the lower chakras, subtly affecting the flow of life energy throughout the body Understanding and working with the psoas can help: Alleviate lower back pain Strengthen the core Correct posture Reduce trauma Open energy channels No matter our level of fitness or flexibility, how we use the psoas and take care of it is crucial to our life experience. With detailed illustrations and key stretching and strengthening exercises, including complete chapters on the role of the psoas in Pilates and yoga, The Vital Psoas shows readers how to release this muscle to create balance, harmony, and freedom of movement.

THE OFFICIAL YOGA PROGRAM OF THE NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS CLUB

Power Yoga is a unique combination of dynamic breathing and strong, flowing movement, which creates a high-heat, high-energy workout. Unlike any other yoga program, Power Yoga is a choreographed sequence of postures that flow into one another, building strength, unwinding tight joints, and loosening muscles. Beautiful photographs and clear instructions guide you through this effective and popular routine.

Based on the classical and original yoga system called astanga, Power Yoga is a complete mind and body workout that develops concentration and reduces stress. With its focus on mindful breathing and body heat, Power Yoga goes beyond the relaxation benefits of traditional yoga to offer a route to health and fitness that athletes of all levels will embrace.

"Finally. A book with the complexity and courage to move beyond our cultural obsession with the physical dimensions of training. McNamara redefines strength and provides a practical roadmap that both inspires and instructs on how to liberate our true greatness." - Rand Stagen, founder & managing director Stagen Leadership Academy Inner Engagement for Multifaceted Results Strength to Awaken is unlike any other book on strength training. Change the purpose of your training and life. Gain never-before-seen instruction on the inner dimensions of training. Learn Whole Hearted Engagement to perform at new levels. Enjoy rare clarity as you go beyond the conventions and limitations holding you back. - End Boring Repetitive Exercise and Create Next-Level Performance. - Go Beyond Frustrating Limitations to Whole-Hearted Engagement. - Train yourself to Enjoy more Genuine Pleasure. - Transform Not Just your Body, but your Whole Self. - Get More Benefits, Faster. Rob McNamara is the authority on Integral strength training. He has been one of the world's leading voices in the field of integral practice for nearly a decade. Rob's rigorous approach, open heart, and pioneering method to training provide you with new ways to solve age-old problems that can limit the results in your training.

Give this book 15 minutes of your day and let Pilates improve your posture and give you a stronger, more flexible body. Do you wish you could practise Pilates more often but can't find the time? This book is the answer: these four 15-minute programmes offer the flexibility and ease of use that busy lifestyles demand. At home, with just a mat and some weights, build these 15-minute routines into your week to become stronger and more toned. Clear step-by-step photographs paired with easy-to-follow instructions explain exactly what to do in each move, targeted "feel it here" graphics help you to understand which part of your body to focus on, and at-a-glance reminders at the end of each 15-minute programme show all the poses in sequence. 15 Minute Pilates will inspire you to make Pilates part of your weekly routine, so you soon reap the benefits of enhanced health and wellness.

This excellent book represents one of the first and best presentations of Eastern wisdom in the English language. It concerns ancient Hindu traditions and the Yogic practice of observing and regulating the breath. We begin with an admission that Western students are often confused by what exactly Yoga is, and what it is meant to accomplish. Stereotypes of the yogi as spindly, dirty and disheveled men commonly seen sitting in fixed posture at a roadside or marketplace abound. Yet these dismissive images serve only to neglect the spiritual substance and ancient wisdom of yogi science. Seeking to dispel the negative stereotypes and present the vivid truth, Atkinson discusses the multiple schools of yoga and their general purpose. Some emphasize control over the body's motions, while others favor inner development of the spirit. Several however emphasize the control of the breath; and it a practical explanation of this that Atkinson relays in the remaining fifteen chapters of this book.