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.

'Beautiful, useful, tender.' - British Vogue 'Gorgeous' - The Green Parent 'More than just a yoga manual' - Harper's Bazaar A beautiful and nurturing yoga guide for new mothers. Motherhood is the most important job in the world, and it's also the most demanding. It calls upon your every resource - mental, physical, spiritual - and while it is frequently a source of unmatched joy, it is also often depleting like nothing else. Naomi Annand shows you how yoga can help you navigate its emotional highs and lows, how to tap into the creativity of motherhood and also how to nurture yourself so that you might nurture others. Using breath-led sequences and simple two-minute life hacks, this beautiful practical companion teaches you how to soothe rattled nervous systems and uplift tired bodies whatever your age and whatever your experience.

IT'S TIME TO GIVE THOSE SKINNY B!TCHES A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY

'You'll be up and running in no time at all' Grazia

Is there a large arse-shaped dent in your sofa? An eye-wateringly expensive (and rarely used) gym membership burning a hole in your bank account? Does the sight of your wobbly thighs leave you cowering under the duvet?

Then it's time you face the truth: the only option is to lace up your trainers and hit the ground running.

Funny and brutally honest, Ruth Field and her straight-talking alter-ego The Grit Doctor will give you - yes, you - the push you need to start pounding the pavements and shedding pounds in no time.

* Locate your inner grit and long-lost energy with a completely foolproof beginners' programme

* Enjoy carbs without guilt with The Grit Doctor's tasty and nutritious recipes

* Now includes marathon training plan to transform you from casual jogger to elite(ish) athlete

If you want to lose weight, get fit and become and ass-kicking, gets-things-done superwoman, there's only one thing left to do . . . RUN!

'Ruth is an inspiring running buddy' Daily Express

Discover the natural strength of the female body, awaken your inner power and enjoy a happy, healthy, confident pre and postnatal experience with this inspiring, stereotype-shattering book. In The StrongLikeMum Method, pre and postnatal fitness expert and mum of four Shakira Akabusi accompanies you on your pregnancy journey and throughout the first year of motherhood to help you tap into the full power of your body and mind with accessible exercise and wellness advice. The benefits of leading an active lifestyle are so much greater than the aesthetic goals we're bombarded with almost everywhere we turn. This book will unlock secrets that have been hidden in history and show how the female body has adapted and changed to become the powerful force it is today. As well as easy-to-follow exercises, Shakira's empowering StrongLikeMum Method provides advice on nutrition, the power of sleep, language and ways to adopt a positive mindset. Whether you are a first-time mum or a mother to two or more and whether you are hoping to enjoy an active pregnancy or wish to recover effectively postpartum, this book has been written to give you a full understanding of what your body and mind are capable of during and after pregnancy. It will give you the tools to understand your own body and instill the confidence to sustain a fit, healthy and happy lifestyle inside and out.

This is an easily accessible manual to learn meditation and incorporate spiritual principles into todays very busy world. Written in fresh, easily understandable and entertaining style, this personal guide to learn meditation offers a proven way towards becoming a happier, more peaceful, and spiritually practical person. Dr Pradhan Balter, has practiced meditation for 45 years and offered meditation programs in more than forty countries. This book will speak to anyone who is looking for effective tools to de-stress and to re-connect with ones inner source. The book guides the reader in creating an inner environment that will empower him or her to successfully cope with challenges of life. Unlike many learn to meditate titles, the reader will gain tools to incorporate spiritual principles into todays very busy world. The author, who is a chiropractor, restaurant owner, and computer graphics specialist, has taught meditation for 43 years. The book is based on the hundreds of lectures he has offered and reflects his interaction with spiritual seekers from around the world. It is of value to anyone at any level of spiritual seeking -- from the absolute beginner to the experienced meditator.

Bhakti Yoga explores one of the eight 'limbs' of yoga. In the simplest terms, bhakti yoga is the practice of devotion, which is the essential heart of yoga and of Hinduism in general. In recent times, the term has come to be used in a rather simplistic way to refer to the increasingly popular practice of kirtan, or chanting in a group or at large gatherings. But bhakti yoga is far more complex and ancient than today's growing kirtan audiences are aware, and embraces many strands and practices. Edwin F. Bryant focuses on one famous and important school of bhakti and explores it in depth to show what bhakti is and how it is expressed. And he supplies his own renderings of central texts from that tradition in the form of 'tales and teachings' from an important work called the Bhagavata Purana, or 'The Beautiful Legend of God.' This clarifying work establishes a baseline for understanding, and will be welcomed by all serious students of the spiritual heritage of India.

As seen on the Today Show! Dynamic Aging isn't that same old "senior fitness," "senior stretching," "senior strength" book you've seen again and again. This book is about using simple exercises to feel better and get back to living vitally no matter your age. "Don't blame your age if you're feeling creaky. It could just be the way you're using (or not using) your body." Washington Post on Dynamic Aging as a "Book for the Ages" Movement is a powerful tool and changing how you move can change how you feel, no matter your age. Dynamic Aging is an exercise guide geared to an over-50 audience that includes: 30+ illustrated exercises moves for pain-free feet and strong hips moves for better balance and getting over the fear of falling how to improve sitting, standing, and walking posture go from stiff shoulders to arms that can reach, carry, and lift how to stay fit to drive tips for moving more in daily life! Alongside Bowman's exercise and alignment instructions are stories and advice of four women over seventy-five who began this program over a decade ago. Along the way they found recommended surgeries unnecessary, regained strength and mobility, and ended up moving more than they did when they were 10 years younger. From hiking in the mountains to climbing ladders and walking on cobblestones with ease, each of these women embodies the book's message: No matter where you're starting, if you change how you move, you can change how you feel.

Over the last 20 years the professionalization of both codes of rugby (league and union) has led to increasing demands on players. The Science of Sport: Rugby provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the science behind preparing for performance in rugby. Using key scientific research and practical applications, the book offers an insight into how science can inform practice to improve player performance. The authors contributing to this book are world leading in their respective fields, ranging from academics researching rugby performance to practitioners delivering this information within the professional game. This new book covers: movement and physiological demands; fitness testing; fatigue and recovery; nutrition; strength and conditioning; injury rehabilitation; decision-making; skill assessments; young rugby players; talent identification and development; referees and finally, coaching planning and practice. This book bridges the gap between theory and practical application.

The ultimate 'one stop' guide to training with dumbbells. Practical and easily accessible, The Total Dumbbell Workout is perfect for the fitness enthusiast or fitness professional who wants to lightly improve their knowledge and heavily improve the range of exercises they can use in their training. Tried and tested exercises are accompanied by clear photos and illustrations presented in a modern and logical way. The Total Dumbbell Workout is brimming with ideas for using this bestselling piece of fitness equipment not just in the gym but at home too. Packed with clear and easy to use exercises, this how-to reference book also provides adaptations of basic and advanced exercises making it ideal for anyone who wants to get the most out of their fitness gear. - Each exercise idea is organised by fitness level and includes follow-up and extension ideas. - Written in a jargon-free and concise style, this book is light on the science and background, heavy on practicality.

With its promise of personal improvement, physical well-being and spiritual enrichment, yoga is enjoying a resurgence in popularity at the turn of the third millennium. To unravel the mystery of the discipline, its philosophies and relevance in contemporary life, the original text of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali must be explored. This book offers the first accessible translation and commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. An introductory section examines the multidimensional aspects of yoga as philosophy, psychology, science, and religion, as well as exploring popular versions of yoga in the West. The core of the book offers a new translation of the entire text of the Yoga Sutras, in a language that is clear and comprehensible to students. Commentaries are presented to highlight the meaning of various statements (sutras) and key themes are outlined via sectional summaries. A full glossary of key words and names is also provided. Concluding chapters look at yoga in contemporary life, revealing the popularity of yoga in the 21st century through Star Wars, and exploring yoga's connection to health and science, contrasting yoga's holistic view of healing with that of the limited view of present day medical science. Sample physical, breathing and meditation exercises are provided. An Introduction to Yoga Philosophy offers a comprehensive introduction to the Yoga Sutras text of Patanjali to all students and interested readers of Indian philosophy and religion, world religions, east-west psychology, and mysticism.

Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition With Online Video, remains the most trusted resource for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, an effective and easy-to-use method that involves stretching the muscle, contracting it isometrically against resistance, and then stretching it again to increase range of motion. Featuring a full-color interior, streamlined organization, and a new online video package, the fourth edition brings PNF stretching beyond the treatment room with the inclusion of techniques for the gym, workout room, and home. The fourth edition offers a visual demonstration of PNF stretching techniques with more than 320 photos and illustrations. It includes these updates: * A full-color interior provides readers with clear images of the techniques discussed * Graphic elements on selected photos highlight the muscles being stretched as well as the isometric effort for the stretcher and the partner * Reorganization streamlines the content into two parts, first focusing on the basics and then covering stretches * Expanded content demonstrates how to incorporate stretches, including strengthening routines, into nontherapy workouts to optimize functional training * An appendix showcases anatomical planes of motion, anatomical terms, and types of joints * Online high-definition video presents both treatment room techniques and simplified PNF stretches for nontherapy settings Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition, examines techniques and guidelines for PNF stretches in a variety of settings. Stretches are demonstrated on a treatment table, mat on the floor, chair, cable-pulley machine, and weightlifting bench. Stretches are grouped according to each joint, and the majority of the stretches include both a partner stretch version and a self-stretch version. The accompanying online video then demonstrates more than 90 of these stretches to reinforce proper technique for each stretch as well as four sample stretching routines. Visual icons in the book indicate which stretches are shown in the video. As in previous editions, specific routines are included for cycling, golf, running, swimming, throwing and racket sports, and now ice hockey. It also includes general stretches for everyday use, plus stretches for those with "rusty hinges." These ready-made stretching routines make it easy to incorporate facilitated stretching into a workout regimen and take the guesswork out of organizing a stretching routine to match the needs of a specific sport. For accomplished athletes or those just beginning a fitness program, the regular use of facilitated stretching can help improve flexibility and coordination and boost performance and enjoyment of sports. Manual therapists, massage therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, sport physicians, and coaches will find valuable information and techniques for optimizing flexibility, coordination, and performance. Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition, provides access to the latest PNF stretching techniques to help assess current muscle function, improve range of motion, increase strength, address overuse injuries, and enhance performance. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.

This beautifully illustrated volume provides a comprehensive guide to fascia-focused movement in original and contemporary Pilates mat, reformer, and studio applications. Each of the book's 14 chapters illustrates how each principle of fascia-focused movement is expressed in Pilates exercise. In addition to a comprehensive exercise compendium, Fascia in Motion includes chapters on specialized applications of fascia-focused movement in Pilates including: Pilates fascia-focused movement for aging well Pilates fascia-focused movement for computer posture Pilates fascia-focused movement for osteoporosis Pilates fascia-focused movement for hip and knee replacement The text is supplemented with links to video of Elizabeth Larkam demonstrating each of the exercises personally. A truly stunning achievement and the synthesis of a lifetime's dedication to the art and science of Pilates.

'Endlessly fascinating and full of surprises. Easily one of my books of the year' BILL BRYSON The myth-busting science behind our modern attitudes to exercise: what our bodies really need, why it matters, and its effects on health and wellbeing. In industrialized nations, our sedentary lifestyles have contributed to skyrocketing rates of obesity and diseases like diabetes. A key remedy, we are told, is exercise - voluntary physical activity for the sake of health. However, most of us struggle to stay fit, and our attitudes to exercise are plagued by misconceptions, finger-pointing and anxiety. But, as Daniel Lieberman shows in Exercised, the first book of its kind by a leading scientific expert, we never evolved to exercise. We are hardwired for moderate exertion throughout each day, not triathlons or treadmills. Drawing on over a decade of high-level scientific research and eye-opening insights from evolutionary biology and anthropology, Lieberman explains precisely how exercise can promote health; debunks persistent myths about sitting, speed, strength and endurance; and points the way towards more enjoyable and physically active living in the modern world. 'Myth-busting, illuminating, brilliant - Lieberman will completely change the way you think about your body' Professor ALICE ROBERTS, presenter of Our Incredible Human Journey

Over the course of several centuries the Ancient Masters practiced and pondered the mystery and purpose of Tai Chi Chuan, preserving their profound insights in songs and poems. Shrouded in secrecy, these songs and poems were closely guarded jewels and have only been revealed to the public this century. Now, you can reap the benefits of centuries of wisdom and practical experience to deepen and refine your Tai Chi Chuan. Discover ways to reach the essence of your Form and take your Push Hands (and sparring!) to higher levels, for not only has Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming translated these poems from the original Chinese, he has written additional commentaries to make them more accessible to contemporary minds. Insights from the Masters of Tai Chi Chuan is an invaluable resource for students who seek true understanding of their art. *Can be used with any style of Tai Chi Chuan.*Sound, practical advice for any Martial Art.*Includes commentaries, translation, and original Chinese.*Key points for incorporating the teachings into your practice.*Poems from Chang San-Feng and other great Masters!

As water can purify your skin, so breath is capable of cleaning your whole being. That is the philosophy behind this simple yet inspiring volume on the essence of breath technique in yoga practice. "Breath" shows readers that as you reconnect with the breath through effortless observation and increased awareness, the doors within our souls can be opened leading to feelings of renewed energy, greater calmness, and clarity of mind. Whether you are a complete beginner or already practice, these subtle, gentle, and inspiring suggestions will guide you to a deeper, more natural appreciation of the essence of yoga.