Yoga Adjustments: Philosophy, Principles, and Techniques

by Mark Stephens, Shiva Rea (Foreword)

The quintessential guide to yoga assisting and hands-on teaching, Yoga Adjustments introduces the art and practice of providing yoga assists to yoga students. Addressing one of the most important topics in the yoga field, expert yoga instructor and best-selling author Mark Stephens covers the philosophy of yoga practice, the sensibilities of touch in teaching yoga and improving alignment, the seven principles of hands-on yoga teaching, and the twenty-five most effective methods of tactile cueing. An invaluable resource for all yoga teachers, teacher trainers, and serious yoga students, this book includes a foreword by yoga star Shiva Rea as well as over 850 unique instructional photos and explanatory captions demonstrating precise ways of guiding a variety of flowing sequences.

Opening with an in-depth discussion of the philosophy of yoga assisting, Part I-- Foundations describes the methods and techniques of giving yoga assistance, with detailed discussions of all of the elements of yoga assisting including communicating with students, qualities of touch, the five basic steps of providing hands-on cues, hands-on positioning and stance.

Part II-- Applications demonstrates how to assist students in each of over 100 postures in the seven families of asanas (poses). Each chapter begins with background on an asana family and close consideration of its foundation asana. Each asana is presented in a two-page spread with photos that show how to give students effective guidance and support. Part III-- Evolution offers thoughts on the further development of yoga in the twenty-first century.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

After dabbling in yoga in my teens (1970s!), I've been passionately devoted practicing yoga since January 1, 1991, and since January 1, 1996 I've been equally passionate in sharing yoga as a personal practice for making every moment of one’s life better – healthier, clearer, and altogether more joyful. While Yoga Journal referred to me as "the teacher's teacher," I steadfastly believe that the best teach you will ever have is inside of you. At the same time, with practice and study, we can offer meaningful guidance to others, and this is precisely the intention in my textbooks for yoga teachers: Teaching Yoga (2010/2024), Yoga Sequencing (2012), Yoga Adjustments (2014) Yoga Therapy (2017), and Yoga for Better Sleep (2019.) I now writing a book on Yoga Histories and Philosophies from Ancient to Modern Times. All odf this taps into my background in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar, Vinyasa Flow, Tantra, and Yoga Therapy, plus fairly deep academic study of things like anatomy, philosophy, research methods and more. I try to bring an eclectic perspective to the practice that's all about making yoga more accessible, sustainable, and deeply transformational.

Reviews

[Melina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first part is theory. The second part is an illustrated section with hands-on assists detailed. The theory section is great and should be taught in all YTTs- it outlines principles of doing assists, qualities of touch (and how not to touch), the different reasons or intentions behind offering assists (such as stabilizing and easing, refining the asana, etc.), and the general principles of the techniques for offering hands-on assists. The practical section has illustrations and written details about how to perform various assists for a large number of poses. I like that the assists are not very invasive (compared to those from certain lineages and books). I don't do very many assists, but I find this book to be grounded in a solid understanding of body mechanics and respect for individuals.

[Carla Chernencoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many books on how to perform hands-on yoga adjustments, and many of them encourage unsafe methods. Mark Stephens has created a biomechanically safe set of adjustments that should be mandatory reading for every yoga teacher.

[Carlotta Micale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very useful for teachers, very interesting topic, but a bit "Boring", and I believe is useful just for who teaches, because for self-adjustments there are just few tips. In this period I'm giving mostly online classes, it would have been interesting if there were some tips on how to cue in this way and verbally adjust the students.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful and accessible guide for yoga teachers.

[Stefan Jernberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The definite guide to help you as a teacher to help your students.

[Joselyn Parada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for any yoga teacher. I found the explanations of each yoga pose to be helpful as well as the many pictures of the hand on adjustments.

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference.

[Victoria Ann Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of mark Stephen's books they are informative and they are just amazing. Love to take one of his classes

[Tiffany Zwinge Barger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always refer!

[Claudio Yáñez Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Tan bueno como los otros volúmenes del autor! Excelente <3

[Barbara Salera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference guide for yogis of all levels. Beginners can use as a guide, for those that have been teaching for a while this is a great review or reference to go back to as we all fall into some bad habits.

[Keely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Manual for teachers describing what to watch for in student postures and how to coach & adjust. Doesn't go any deeper than the purely physical.

[Dominick Koss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reference book

[SarahYogaH20 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

[jocelyn]

Excellent reference for teaching yoga.

[Melissa Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great photos and instructions for getting in and out of Hatha yoga postures. A go-to book and reference.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must for any yoga teacher. Chock full of great advice on adjustments. Love this one!