With irreverence, humor, and soul-touching candor, the former editor of Bicycling magazine explores the CrossFit phenomenon, the fitness revolution sweeping America, chronicling his experience "inside the box" and how he got into the best shape of his life. Lifelong amateur athlete Stephen Madden decided to put himself to the test, physically and mentally, by immersing himself in the culture, diet, and psyche of CrossFit-the fast-growing but controversial fitness regime that's a stripped-down combination of high intensity aerobic activity, weightlifting, calisthenics, and gymnastics practiced by more than two million athletes worldwide. But what's crazier? The fact that such a grueling regimen-in which puking and muscle breakdowns during workouts are common-is so popular, or that people pay good money to do it? In Embrace the Suck, Madden chronicles the year he devoted to mastering all of the basic Crossfit exercises like double unders, muscle ups and kipping pullups, and immersing himself in the Paleo diet that strips weight from its followers but leaves them fantasizing about loaves of bread. Throughout, he explores the culture of the sport, visiting gyms (boxes) around the country, becoming a CrossFit coach, and confronting some basic questions about himself, his past and athletic limitations-and why something so difficult and punishing can be at once beautiful, funny, and rewarding.

Our abdominal muscles are rarely "broken"; rather their weakness is a reflection of how little we use our entire body. Whether you have diastasis recti, a hernia, are postnatal, or simply have a very weak midsection-this is the definitive "whole-body" guide to restoring your core! Abdominal muscles have many important jobs twisting the spine safely, accommodating pregnancy, protecting your abdominal organs, and even breathing are just some of the jobs we want them to do well. Many will try to fix their middle though crunches and other abdominal exercises without realizing that things like tight shoulder muscles, poor posture habits, and even our breathing patterns can be affecting what's going on in our abs. In Diastasis Recti, biomechanist Katy Bowman: Gives 30+ exercises, organized into Small, Medium, and Big Moves Expands the core to include essential parts, like the shoulders and pelvis (and how movement patterns here can worsen abdominal separations) Explains why it's better to think of a diastasis (abdominal hernias, or even weakness) as a symptom rather than as "the problem" Teaches 5 simple postural adjustments to change the forces on the front of the abdomen Notes that in addition to exercises, you can sit, stand, and walk for a stronger core By making the material understandable, approachable, and achievable, Bowman offers an outstanding and necessary guide to diastasis recti and many other abdomen-related issues. Everyone can benefit from these insights and improve their health in an empowered and proactive way. -Foreword Reviews Diastasis Recti is for anybody wanting to improve both the function and the appearance of their abdomen!

When Was The Last Time You Felt Really Healthy?

Now's the time to create the healthy, balanced life you want -- and become the truly vibrant, happy person you were meant to be. Combining good humor with solid science, Marilu Henner provides essential information on every aspect of health and fitness, including:

• Detoxing your body
• Preventing or alleviating health conditions from obesity to cancer
• The secrets of stress reduction
• Real food and the organic way to fuel your body

Free yourself forever from diets and disease-causing toxins, boost your energy, lower and maintain your weight -- and change your life.

Yogini's Dilemma provides a roadmap for aspiring yoga teachers to help them answer the question: "Do I want to be a yoga teacher?" In Yogini's Dilemma, certified yoga therapist and founder of the Yoga Mandala School, Nicole Grant, lays out the classical eight-faceted path and wisdom of yoga so that aspiring yoga teachers can better decide whether teaching yoga is for them. By mapping the relationship between body, mind, spirit, and culture, they will discover the tools needed to take the next steps with confidence and curiosity. Nicole draws from over two decades of dedicated yoga practice in the lineage of Sri T. Krishnamacharya to teach aspiring yoga teachers how to: Truly embody their practice Turn motivation and inspiration into action Navigate the yogic path and decide whether teaching is for them Identify and address the physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual barriers that get in the way of knowing what comes next for them with yoga Implement yoga practice in everyday life no matter their decision

'Exquisite... for anyone interested in building a sustainable life that is imbued with vibrant healthy, mental and emotional clarity, and the most basic human need of all: happiness' - Donna Farhi, author of Yoga Mind, Body, Spirit 'A treasure chest for the heart and mind, a potent tonic for body and breath, and a vibrant life essence for the spirit' - Simon Low, Principal of the Yoga Academy 'A beautiful and timely gift' - Sifu Matthew Cohen, Sacred Energy Arts Founder 'Profound and powerful' - Noman Blair, author of Brightening Our Inner Skies For centuries, Chinese sages, rulers and spiritual seekers have embraced a simple yet powerful principle to enable them to live in harmony with the Source of nature and all life; the art of 'self-cultivation' or, xiu yang. Xiu yang works with the idea that we can steadily nurture our capacity to being fully human and fully awake. Like a field that is patiently cultivated to optimally grow the nourishing and healthy crops, we can undertake practices aimed at smoothing out the roughness and irregularities in our bodies, minds and spirits in order to produce a deep, lasting spiritual happiness. Xiu yang promotes the idea that inner balance leads to outer radiance: in order to be in harmony with the world, we must first be in harmony with ourselves. By tending to the field of our own bodies, hearts, minds and relationships, we can start making positive changes within our lives and in the lives of others. In this nurturing lifestyle guide, Mimi Kuo-Deemer champions the contemporary value of adopting this ancient approach. Through a combination of practices from meditation and mindfulness to yoga and qigong, Xiu Yangoffers a fresh approach to finding balance and bringing peace into your life, home and community. Part I: The Art of Xiu Yang Part II: Xiu Yang for a Healthy and Harmonious Body Part III: Xiu Yang for a Balanced Mental and Emotional Life Part IV: Xiu Yang for a Happier Place in the World

How much is not exercising costing your bottom line? Do you have the energy and drive it takes to achieve your daily wants, needs and desires? Learn how to adopt the secrets of mental, physical, and financial fitness within the pages of Hip to Be Fit. The Hip To Be Fit! Program makes life smoother, and it becomes easier to implement life's goals. Clients laugh when I tell them to ""use your butt to train your brain for better fitness,"" but then they see the results of the routines. *Brand new ways to improve energy levels *Exercises that can be done anywhere and with little to no equipment! *Inside information on cardio routines *The secrets of pain-free exercise... finally revealed *The perfect little ""tweak"" that ""fit"" people know *How to never again feel sluggish when you work *How exercise can make you wealthy *Burst out of an energy lull immediately *The one thing you must do when you want to lose your internet butt.

'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.

Leading yoga teacher trainer Melanie Cooper brings you the essential guide to teaching yoga and adjusting asana (yoga poses). The first part of the book explores the fundamentals of teaching in a simple, clear, accessible way. The author covers how to teach crucial concepts such as breath, muscle lock and gaze, as well as more general topics including injuries, ethics and the spiritual aspects of yoga. Part 1 also includes a quick-look guide to counting the Primary Series, and teaching points for each Primary Series posture. In the second part of the book the author demonstrates helpful techniques for deepening common yoga postures, and provides a complete guide to hands-on adjustment for the Ashtanga Primary Series. With a wealth of information, clear writing, and fresh, detailed photography, this is an invaluable resource for qualified yoga teachers, student teachers, and yoga students who want to take their practice to the next level.

Yoga and Ayurveda together form a complete approach for optimal health, vitality and higher awareness. YOGA AND AYURVEDA reveals to us the secret powers of the body, breath, senses, mind and chakras. More importantly, it unfolds transformational methods to work on them through diet, herbs, asana, pranayama and meditation. This is the first book published in the West on these two extraordinary subjects and their interface. It has the power to change the lives of those who read and apply it.

Take the Warrior Challenge - let top trainer Martin Rooney get you into the best shape of your life. Packed with hundreds of little-known training secrets of the top international fighters in every discipline, this book is indispensable for athletes or coaches of any sport looking for a winning advantage. Rooney offers hundreds of exercises, covering everything from warming up, weights, kettleballs, isometrics, and gauntlet circuits, to bone tempering techniques, and other never-before-seen exercises, as well as priceless advice on mental training, flexibility, and nutrition. This title includes hundreds of never-before-seen exercises from the four corners of the earth, demonstrated in nearly 1,000 full-colour training photo. It features: explanations of the history, training, diet, and philosophy behind each martial art; 3 Eight-Week Warrior Workouts which can be combined for 6 complete months of training; 12 Warrior Challenges to assess fitness levels (1-10) as warriors progress in the program; and, cutting-edge nutrition information for athletes, from Sports Dietetics Specialist (CSSD) Glen Tobias. And these aren't just training techniques from the local gym. Rooney traveled to the top fight destinations in the world, from Russia to Thailand, to train with the experts in the core traditions that comprise Mixed Martial Arts: Judo, Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Sambo, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai. In each country, Rooney studied with the last living masters to discover their training secrets. The stunning full-colour training photos in this book were all taken at the locations these fighters have trained at for centuries, from the slopes of Mount Fuji to the beaches of Brazil.

A practical introduction to hatha yoga. Clear, illustrated step-by-step instructions to over 40 key postures. Benefits and cautions are highlighted for each posture.

Published in paperback with a stylish new cover design, Gem Yoga will strengthen the bestselling Mind, Body & Spirit Gem.

Collins Gem Yoga provides a good introduction to yoga, particularly for those thinking of taking up a class. It is also an invaluable reference book for those attending classes and who wish to practise the postures at home.

Includes over 40 postures

Describes breathing techniques

Gives a history of yoga

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.

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.

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.

A longtime yoga teacher and Buddhist meditation practitioner, Charlotte Bell describes in passionate detail how she applied the eightfold path of the Yoga Sutras and the Buddha's heed for mindfulness to her hectic Western life. The path is often rough; she writes of self-doubt and struggles, of trying too hard and discouragement, of learning to accept the life she has, imperfections and all. But with grace and guts, she navigates the eight limbs of yoga, using the Yoga Sutras and insight meditation as her compass. She shows each limb at work in her relationships, music, asana, meditation, and even in writing this book. Her discussion of each limb includes practical ways that readers can bring mindfulness into asana itself, and in a section called "Reflections," Bell encourages readers to experience even the most ordinary activity as extraordinary, whether it's washing dishes, making tea, or rolling out their yoga mat.

Carolyn Barnes has received attention and praise for her cLEAN Momma approach to fitness. With so many tasks getting in the way of her clients' ability to find time to work out, she decided to create the ultimate multi-tasking solution. In what she refers to as taskercizing, Barnes invented a program where her clients could get a burn while doing the household chores they needed to accomplish anyway. The benefits of the cLEAN Momma program are endless. Through the routine she lays out in her book, readers will be able to: maximize their time; strengthen, tone and sculpt their bodies; and, have sparkling, clean, and organized homes! In the cLEAN momma workout Carolyn not only shares with readers her workout routine through step-by-step photos, she also delves deeper into her cLEAN Momma lifestyle philosophies. From creating a Clean Mind, a Clean Diet, and a Clean Home, Barnes explains how living a healthy life is possible even for those with the busiest schedules.

Hand and finger yoga positions are claimed to enhance health, relieve stress, prevent illness and support the healing of a variety of physical and emotional problems. This guide explains how they can be practised anytime and anywhere, encouraging readers to relieve that stress and boredom.