The Concise Book of Yoga Anatomy: An Illustrated Guide to the Science of Motion

by Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones

The Concise Book of Yoga Anatomy is the definitive guide to the study of yoga anatomy--a perfect companion book for any yoga teacher or practitioner seeking to understand the biomechanics of the body as it applies to yoga practice. The book is visually designed in quick reference format to offer useful information about the main skeletal muscles that are central to yoga, with asanas to demonstrate the particular muscles and muscle groups. Over 230 full color illustrations detail each muscle's origin, insertion, and action in order to clearly reveal how the muscles come into play in the movements and postures of yoga. 

Knowledge of yoga anatomy is paramount to the ability to teach or practice with no injury to oneself or others. With this foundation in place, it is possible to focus on the spiritual element of yoga as well as the physical. Yoga is a union of the two, so where appropriate, the more profound side of the practice is mentioned as it relates to the body.

The Concise Book of Yoga Anatomy illustrates the form and function of the muscles first, then interlays the muscles into the yoga posture for full understanding in a clear and integrated way, explaining the technique of the asanas, as well as other important aspects of yoga: pranayamas, the bandhas, and chakras.

Table of Contents
About This Book
1 Anatomical Orientation
2 Muscles of Respiration
3 Muscles of the Face and Neck
4 Muscles of the Spine
5 The Deep Core and Pelvic Floor
6 Muscles of the Shoulder and Upper Arm 7 Muscles of the Forearm and Hand
8 Muscles of the Hip
9 Muscles of the Knee
10 Muscles of the Ankle/Foot
Resources
General Index
Index of Muscles


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an informative book. I have a teacher who often refers to certain muscles or groups so when I saw this at the library, I thought I’d check it out. I can’t say that I remember everything in the book but when I was in class and our teacher was focusing on a muscle, I knew what she was referring to. The sections are laid out well and I found it best to take it in small sections at a time. I rechecked it out and often look at it so I can pinpoint muscles if I’m having a certain issue. Useful tool.

[Heidi Kuchta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good overview of the major muscle groups involved in yoga, using some popular poses to illustrate this. There are also good pointers for beginners who want to improve their alignment. However, this book is indeed concise - spending a few pages on each area of the body before moving on to the next area. I am glad I got this book at the library though, as what I really want is to find a good encyclopedia of poses that gives pointers for modification.

[Kevin Ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed this book from my local library and browsed through the content and found it very interesting with all the diagrams showing the various muscles anatomy of the human body. Very good reference book for yoga and understanding of the muscles used.

I found it useful as I am having this pain from the hip down to the legs and discovered what could be the main cause to it.

[Abhilasha Purwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Lays great emphasis on all aspects of musculo-skeletal system like ligaments, tendons, aponeurosis, nerves, etc.

Have great great things about Ray Long's book but yet to read that one, maybe that can up this one.

[Tameeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a novice teacher as myself, this is a very helpful resource of popular yoga poses. I will be referring to this often as I create classes and support students in their development.

[Dna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great resource! I need to re-borrow this. It is helping me work through much-needed modifications. Without them, I wouldn't be able to practice at all.