Written by an author who has practiced Iyengar-style yoga since 1971, and who studied it with B. K. S. Iyengar himself, Awakening the Inner Body is a thorough, up-to-date resource for students and teachers. Using questions such as "Do you have sloping shoulders or square-set shoulders?" and "Are the muscles at the back of your upper arms weak?" the book allows readers to tailor the instruction to fit their needs. Eight chapters cover everything from balancing the sternum to aligning the shoulder blades to exploring the relationship among the collarbone, kidneys, and groin. The book also features an introduction in which the author defines the inner body and the various stages of awakening and gives suggestions for using the book.
Donald Moyer, the author, is my yoga teacher. I hear his voice when I reference this book. His detailed attention to anatomy, and interplay of how the body moves - or not - both seen and/or possibly just sensed, is conveyed in the text and photos. It is unlike any other yoga book I have...and I have plenty! An excellent reference book to add to ones collection.
A must read for any yoga teachers. This book helps deepen and refine a teacher's self-practice and ability to teach asana practice. You will learn how to observe, feel, and play with movements in order to direct students to ease, comfort, and the correct challenge for each student... in each pose.
The author of this book is my teacher's teacher. It's great for anatomy nerds, but it is also a fairly high-level read and not the best choice for beginning yogis/yoginis.