With this yoga guide, you can delve into a sport as good for your mind as it is for your body--and become a part of the vast (and continually growing) yoga community in the US and beyond. Dating back to the 11th century Vedic Indian tradition, the practice of yoga didn't gain prominence in the Western world until the 20th century. Fast forward to the present day, and yoga communities are huge--and still showing steady growth. Yoga is as good for the mind as it is for the body, and its benefits include flexibility, weight loss, stress reduction, pain relief, and spiritual growth. This yoga book for beginners covers the origins of yoga including its philosophy, history, and the various styles of yoga schools as they apply to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Simpkins, neuroscience professionals with over 40 years teaching experience, address the curiosities and concerns of the beginning student, such as: Where do I begin? How do I find a teacher? How do I prepare for my first class? What do the unfamiliar terms mean? And much, much more Yoga Basics focuses on the yoga essentials of breathing, balance, and the yoga poses themselves. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also discussed to complement your yoga exercises or yoga workouts. This accessible and comprehensive introduction is everything you need to learn yoga with confidence and success.

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER "Melissa pushed me...Once I started to work out with her I realized, this is way harder than I thought it would be."-KIM KARDASHIAN WEST A FITNESS PROGRAM WITH SERIOUS RESULTS DESIGNED BY KIM KARDASHIAN WEST'S MOST CELEBRATED PERSONAL TRAINER, MELISSA ALCANTARA, AKA @FITGURLMEL What do you want? To have biceps, a butt, and defined abs? To wear anything? To feel resilient and capable?These things are about one thing: work. If you're ready to put in the time, commitment, and dedication, Fit Gurl will change your body and your life. Fit Gurl features: Melissa's day-by-day 'Turnaround' program that worked for her and will work for you Melissa's unbelievable story of transformation, going from post-pregnancy, fitness newbie to shredded athlete and full-time personal trainer Over 40 recipes for healthy meals, smoothies, and sides including poke bowls, pancakes, and more This isn't just about your body. Fit Gurl is a path to self-discovery through fitness and a plan for going from one way of life to another with purpose and intention. Melissa did it and so can you.

Join author Gregor Maehle, a seasoned yogi and compassionate teacher, as he guides you through: the history and lineage of yoga; the fundamentals of breath, bandhas (energy locks within the body), drishti (the focal point of the gaze), and vinyasa (sequential movement); a detailed breakdown of the asanas of the "Ashtanga Primary Series", following the traditional vinyasa count; a lively and authentic rendering of the complete "Yoga Sutra of Patanjali", yoga's ancient sacred text; and a glossary of yoga terminology.In the asana section, Maehle describes each posture with clear, meticulous instructions, photographs, anatomical illustrations, and practical tips. Information on the mythological background and yogic context of specific postures brings further insight to the practice. In the philosophy section, Maehle illuminates the Yoga Sutra using the major ancient commentaries as well as his own insights. This volume makes the entire path of "Ashtanga Yoga" accessible to modern practitioners. Both practical guide and spiritual treatise, "Ashtanga Yoga" is an excellent introduction to the eight limbs of yoga and an invaluable resource for any yoga teacher or practitioner.

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.

Restorative yoga poses for healing your mind and body! Written by instructor Gail Boorstein Grossman, E-RYT 500, CYKT, and published in partnership with Yoga Journal, Restorative Yoga for Life teaches you how to practice restorative yoga--a form of yoga that focuses on physical and mental relaxation through poses aided by props. It's a gentle yet empowering style that helps you de-stress and re-energize. While restorative yoga is beneficial for your entire body, Gail also shows you how to treat more than twenty ailments, such as headaches, digestive issues, and anxiety, through specific yoga poses and sequences. Guided by step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs, you will gently ease your way into inner calm and better health with powerful yoga sequences. Whether you're having trouble sleeping, suffering from backaches, or just want to unwind after a busy day, you will find balance throughout your body, soul, and mind with Restorative Yoga for Life.

Trauma-Informed Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault provides a comprehensive overview of how to offer yoga to survivors of sexual assault in a safe, effective, evidence-based and healing way. Zahabiyah A. Yamasaki, programme director of Trauma Informed Programs at UCLA and founder of Transcending Sexual Trauma through Yoga, draws on the framework of trauma-informed care and trauma-informed yoga programme development and curriculum, while also weaving in personal narrative and inspiring survivor stories. This book explores practical considerations for survivors, as well as for yoga teachers, mental health professionals, educators, and other healing professionals who are interested in integrating trauma-informed yoga into the scope of their work and/or healing. This book expands the scope and framework for healing and fills a much-needed gap in service delivery for survivors. Yamasaki provides holistic, trauma-informed, body-based, compassionate and culturally affirming options for survivors as they navigate what is oftentimes a lifelong and nonlinear process of healing.

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.

Clients often find the camaraderie of group training to be engaging and fun, motivating them to commit to regular activity. But participants also appreciate a more personalized experience, with focused attention from the instructor. That's where small-group training comes in. A Professional's Guide to Small-Group Personal Training is a much-needed resource designed to help you successfully lead training sessions for small groups-incorporating group dynamics and your knowledge of training principles to develop business offerings that will create a new stream of revenue. Learn how to apply group dynamics and social interaction to create a comfortable environment for clients who enjoy personal training in a group setting. Develop the skills necessary to quickly modify work for each participant to keep your entire group engaged and progressing toward their fitness goals. Increase client performance, adherence, and enjoyment while growing relationships between yourself and your clients-and your clients' relationships with one another-with proven strategies for success. You'll find 12 sample programs with dynamic warm-ups and cool-downs, all suitable for a variety of needs and fitness goals, that will keep groups moving from beginning to end. Also included are over 70 exercises, complete with descriptions and variations that will enable you to quickly modify exercises for group members who are more advanced or less advanced than the rest of the group. With A Professional's Guide to Small-Group Personal Training, you'll maximize your training hours and increase your revenue potential while creating a fun, safe, and motivating environment for your clients. CE exam available! For certified professionals, a companion continuing education exam can be completed after reading this book. A Professional's Guide to Small-Group Personal Training Online CE Exam may be purchased separately or as part of the A Professional's Guide to Small-Group Personal Training With CE Exam package that includes both the book and the exam.

"A strong, stable core is the foundation of virtually all physical efforts."

Pilates and yoga practitioners as well as dedicated athletes are familiar with the concept of "core stability." They understand its importance in achieving and maintaining superior fitness. A strong and stable core improves athletic performance, increases power and endurance, reduces stress on the body and minimizes the chances of injury. It helps to improve balance and posture, alleviates back pain and minimizes fatigue. Even everyday actions are easier, whether climbing stairs or lifting a box or holding a baby.

The muscles most responsible for core stability run the length of the trunk and torso. They include the famous "six pack" abdominal muscles, the muscles that underlie the spinal column and neck and which help to rotate the back, the oblique muscles, and the muscles of the hips and thighs. Exercises designed specifically to address these muscles are the only way to build a stable core.

"Anatomy of Core Stability" features such exercises. They are designed to work the entire core musculature, from the major muscles in the abdomen, spine, lower back, torso, hips and thighs, which endure the greater effort, to the smaller assisting muscles, which support the larger. Many exercises use inexpensive equipment such as a stability ball, medicine ball, free weights and wobble board.

"American Reference Books Annual" praised this series' first book, "Anatomy of Exercise," as "fascinating" and recommended it to "medium-sized and large public libraries as well as high school and undergraduate collections." This latest addition to the series will prove equally commendable and is an important purchase.

The "Anatomy of..." series has revolutionized how people can approach their fitness needs. The books are ideal references for beginning exercisers and amateur athletes, elite competitors, trainers, physiotherapists, coaches, sport injury clinics, yoga, pilates and fitness instructors, team doctors and specialist professionals.

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.

Many of us are guilty of choosing to binge-watch TV after a stressful day at work rather than hitting the gym to exercise - but what if you could do both at the same time? Self-help expert and stretching guru Susan Clark has devised over 40 simple exercises you can sneakily squeeze in while in bed, at your desk, commuting, watching TV, in the bath and more. Stretching is the ultimate low-intensity exercise, with science-backed benefits including improved flexibility, toned muscles and a stronger core - and it might even increase your life expectancy. You don't need any special equipment, and just 10 minutes of 'flexercise' each day will benefit your health. Featuring charming illustrations of each stretch, as well as a bonus chapter on how to meditate to stretch your mind, this book is the perfect way to get back into fitness without even leaving your house.

Praise for Move Yourself "Move Yourself is a timely and user-friendly guide to better health. I could go on, but it's time for me to get up and get moving " --Tom Brokaw "The science is clear: staying healthy means moving our bodies more, choosing more of the right foods in the proper portions, and avoiding unsafe behaviors like smoking. In Move Yourself, you'll find the kind of sound advice and strong motivation you'd expect from an expert personal coach." --Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S., 17th Surgeon General of the United States and Vice Chairman of Canyon Ranch "Being fit has always been important in my career, both as a martial artist and as an actor. But what I learned long ago is that a physically active lifestyle also improves every aspect of living. The good news is that you don't have to train like an athlete to receive these tremendous benefits; you just have to make it a priority. In Move Yourself, Drs. Mitchell and Church explain just how easy it can be. With just a little commitment and a little know-how, you too can make yourself feel like a champ " --Chuck Norris "Move Yourself shows that you don't have to become a gym rat--here's everything you need to get moving at your own reasonable pace." --Jack Challem, author of Stop Prediabetes Now and The Food-Mood Solution Think you don't have the time--or the energy--to do what it takes to look and feel better? Now you can take control of your health and be happier and stronger--and you don't need to join a gym to do it Move Yourself is the breakthrough program you've been waiting for. Based on cutting-edge research from the medical director of the world-renowned Cooper Clinic, this practical, easy-to-follow guide gives you the strategies and advice you need to improve your strength, flexibility, mood, weight, and overall health. All it takes is a few minutes of low-dose physical activity each day to start seeing results.

The exercise programming guidelines provided in this book focus on functional fitness training and safety and demonstrate how physical activities supervised by activities personnel can strongly benefit participants'quality of life. Exercise Programming for Older Adults guarantees that exercise programming attains a balance between the three major physical components--aerobic, strength, and flexibility training--and that each component is properly administered. The techniques and applications described are geared toward those with prevalent conditions of aging such as arthritis, osteoporosis, joint replacement, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.This essential handbook arms the reader with a multidisciplinary approach to exercise management for elderly populations. The chapter authors are experts from the fields of fitness instruction, nursing, physical therapy, medicine, research, and exercise physiology. As they address the theory and practice of providing sound exercise programming, specific exercises are described and illustrated, with emphasis on functional fitness outcomes, safety precautions, fall prevention, and practical adaptations for low-fit and physically limited participants. Chapter discussions include: aerobic exercise strength training flexibility training the administration of mild posture and breathing exercises for debilitated individuals with poor prognoses positioning and transfer techniques essential for optimal activities management of neurologically impaired patients warm water exercise programs designed for persons with low tolerance of conventional training methodsExercise Programming for Older Adults serves as a vital resource for activity coordinators in long-term care settings and for group fitness instructors and personal trainers who serve older adult and frail elderly clientele. Readers will discover alternative techniques and applications for maximizing the physical and mental therapeutic benefits of exercise and developing the functional fitness of even the most physically challenged participants.

The Way to Vibrant Health represents over 20 years of Bioenergetic body-psychotherapy techniques. These unique exercises are designed to reduce muscular tension and promote well-being, allowing your to feel more joy and vibrancy.

This title features classic yoga postures for mind, body and spirit. Calm the mind, increase concentration and relieve stress with the beneficial powers of yoga. This is a practical, easy-to-follow yoga course, with step-by-step guidance and postures especially chosen for beginners and intermediates. You can learn how to tone the muscles, acquire suppleness, stimulate the circulation, improve posture and benefit your overall health. It includes Iyengar basics, standing asanas, seated asanas, twists, inverted asanas, supine and prone asanas, routine practice and yoga therapy. Iyengar yoga is a practical philosophy and system of asanas, or postures, promoting physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. This book explains the origins and philosophy of Iyengar yoga. The classic asanas are grouped into type for easy reference, and graded by difficulty, with variations to suit all levels of fitness and flexibility. There are sequences to follow for certain times and conditions of your life that will benefit illnesses and common problems, such as headaches, backache and arthritis.The book combines expert guidance with over 400 inspirational photographs to create the perfect yoga manual for all ages and abilities.

'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.