Yoga In Bed: 20 Asanas to Do in Pajamas

by Edward Vilga

Yoga has been shown to promote flexibility, deep relaxation, strength, balance, coordination, and a general sense of well being. But for many busy people, joining a yoga class may be an unrealistic goal. Illustrated with lively color photographs, YOGA IN BED—a concept developed by an overworked yoga instructor who had no time to practice on his own—offers gentle stretches and guided meditations that can fit into anyone’s schedule. Author and teacher Edward Vilga’s goal is to make the practice of yoga accessible and fun, and he’s chosen and named poses, from “Breakfast Bend” to “Winding Down Twist,” that are within the range of most healthy individuals, and easy to do in the comfort and privacy of home.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference

112 pages, Spiral-bound

First published April 12, 2005

About the author

I have a formal, fancy "designed to impress" bio on my website –– www.EdwardVilga.com ... But here's the real story:

In many ways, I’m an altar boy gone wrong. (Sometimes VERY wrong.)

Fresh out of college, while working for an acclaimed documentary filmmaker and the Oscar, Emmy, and Peabody-winning American Masters series, I actually co-wrote (and published under a pseudonym) an unauthorized celebrity biography. It was subsequently excerpted in the Star. The Associated Press said of it “Journalism has hit an all time low.”

Nonetheless, my career’s comic low point was my first event for Bloomingdales, months before my YOGA IN BED DVD was released.

As I sat on the bed about to begin my yoga demo, the floor manager refused to believe this was an authorized promotion and went in search of security to explore having me thrown out of the store. (Sorry Kathy Griffin, but it doesn’t get more D-list than being threatened with eviction
from one of your own events.)

Ironically, one year later, at the exact same location, once the DVD hit #1 for all of wellness on Amazon.com after my appearance on REGIS & KELLY, I experienced my career’s comic high point: Bloomingdales took out not one, but two 1/2 page ads in the New York Times describing me as a “legendary yoga master.”

(Lesson: believe none of what you read.)

By the way, I believe I am the only person to have been in bed with both Pat Sajak and Kelly Ripa (certainly at the same time, and definitely on national television.)

I also believe I am the only writer/director to have cast Sandy Duncan and drag artist Lypsinka in the same West Village reading of one of my scripts.

My favorite review of my work is from ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY for an internet feature I wrote and directed they selected for their “Best of the Web” and praised as “a cross between DAWSON’S CREEK and SCOOBY DOO.” (Frankly, entertainment couldn’t possibly get any better than that.)

Or maybe I’m proudest of winning first place in this state-wide Catholic Daughters of America poetry contest in Junior High (and no, I don’t still own those pants.)

Some other interesting facts:

I definitely believe wine is fine on any cleanse.

My favorite Christmas tradition is my sister’s best friend’s annual cookie bake-off in Connecticut where I’m famous for being the most impartial, impeccably honest, and rigorous cookie judge.

I promptly return all my emails.

I love watching lots and lots television (and not the stuff on PBS or CNN).

Coffee has no effect on me whatsoever, yet I may very well be addicted to Words With Friends on my iphone.

Although I like to think of myself as very “go with the flow” I seem to have an outrageous number of strong opinions on countless unimportant topics.

I actively avoid the news.

I got a letter of commendation for Literary Theory yet nearly flunked Latin.

Although I’ve taught hundreds and hundreds of yoga classes, by far the most talked about is the one where I played three Britney Spears songs in a row.

I don’t “get” twitter at all but I’m quite passionate about massage.

And since I really love all personality assessment systems, I believe it’s the best way to get to know me fast. Thus, I’m proud to reveal myself as …

A Cancer Sun with a Scorpio Moon and Scorpio Ascendent;
In Vedic Astrology I’m a Gemini with a Scorpio Moon and a Libra Ascendent;
In Mayan astrology I’m a White Dog;
In Chinese, I’m a Rabbit;
In Cherokee, I’m a Wolf.
In Myers-Briggs, apparently I’m an ENFJ,
In Human Design, I’m an Emotional Projector (a minority type that includes Barack Obama, George Clooney, and Charlie Sheen).
And numerologically, I’m a number 1.

(Pick the system you like best and we’ll get along just fine.)

Netflix, by the way, believes that my three favorite qualities in a movie are “quirky, witty, and heart-warming” and I think that says a lot. (I also love any action movie provided someone says at least one semi-‘mystical’ thing.)

A

Reviews

[NTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if this was the author's intention, but having a book I can use for stretching, in more comfortable positions has been a lifesaver for me. I've had this book about three years now, and it's my go-to, when I'm capable of moving around a little bit. Chronic illnesses and pain don't exactly allow me to practice as much as I'd like, but it's nice to have a gentler option for those days when it is possible. Love this book - and, since LilGirl is old enough to do it with me, she loves it to. The fact that there are pictures of each pose really make it easy to follow, and the explanations aren't all new-agey (which would be a big turn off for me).

[Katie J Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of neat ideas in here...although I have doubts as to whether or not I can do some of them without a bed as big as the one pictured.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Doesn't seem like 'exercise'.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It has excercises I can actualy do (and do in bed!) and that do some good for me. Even on bad pain days. I love it!

[Kristine]

read this once before early in my diagnosis, now that I am more healthy in my body and mind,I wanted to try again and have solutions for days I can't precise in large form.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute.

[Virginia Pulver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep this by my bed and find myself doing the exercises each morning. <3 - Ginn