Yoga Anatomy

About the Product

See inside every yoga pose! With clear, expert instruction and full-color, detailed anatomical drawings, Yoga Anatomy depicts the most common asanas to provide a deeper understanding of the structures and principles underlying each movement and of yoga itself.

From breathing to standing poses, see how each muscle is used, how slight alterations of a pose can enhance or reduce effectiveness, and how the spine, breathing, and body position are all fundamentally linked.

Whether you are just beginning your journey or have been practicing yoga for years, Yoga Anatomy will be an invaluable resource—one that allows you to see each movement in an entirely new light.

Author Leslie Kaminoff is a recognized expert and teacher in anatomy, breathing, and bodywork. He is the founder of The Breathing Project, New York City’s premiere yoga studio dedicated to the teaching of individualized, breath-centered yoga practice and therapy.

About the Author

Leslie Kaminoff has more than 20 years of experience and is an internationally recognized specialist in the fields of yoga and breath anatomy. He is cofounder and head instructor of the Breathing Project, a New York City-based yoga studio dedicated to the teaching of individualized, breath-centered yoga practice and therapy. He currently practices yoga therapy and teaches anatomy in New York City and Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and advises various yoga schools on the anatomy content of their national certification program. He has led workshops for many of the leading yoga associations, schools, and training programs in the United States, and he has helped organize international yoga conferences and symposia. Kaminoff is the founder of the highly respected international yoga list
e-Sutra, and he has been a featured yoga expert in Yoga Journal and the New York Times, as well as online at WebMD, FOXNews Online, and Health.com. Kaminoff resides in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, with his wife, Uma, and their three sons.

About the Illustrator

Sharon Ellis has worked as a medical illustrator in New York for more than 25 years. Her award-winning illustrations have been exhibited at the New York Academy of Medicine, the Society of Illustrators, the Association of Medical Illustrators, the Rx Club, and the Spring Street Gallery in Soho. Ellis is a member of the Association of Medical Illustrators and has received the organization’s Best Illustrated Surgical Book award. She was also awarded a grant from the New York Foundation of the Arts, and her work has appeared in many medical books and magazines. Ellis holds a master’s degree in medical art from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and a master of fine art from the State University of New York. She resides in New York City.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1. The Dynamics of Breathing
Chapter 2. Yoga and the Spine
Chapter 3. Understanding the Asanas
Chapter 4. Standing Poses
Chapter 5. Sitting Poses
Chapter 6. Kneeling Poses
Chapter 7. Supine Poses
Chapter 8. Prone Poses
Chapter 9. Arm Support Poses

Asana Indexes in Sanskrit and English
About the Author
About the Consultant
About the Illustrator

Words of Praise

„This is an essential book for any serious student of yoga who delights in the details of asana.“

Yoga Journal – October 2007

„For a long time it was difficult to get anatomy books that were specifically designed for Yoga teachers. Anatomical textbooks were useful but did not help with questions directly related to Yoga. After 2003, however, a row of books were published that addressed Yoga anatomy….Then, in the spring of this year, L. Kaminoff’s Yoga Anatomy was published. Like other books it is very helpful because it shows the use of specific muscles in certain poses. Unlike other books it also addresses questions of joint action, muscles working and lengthening, obstacles, breathing and variations. For a slim (and not very expensive) book the author has been able to compress a lot of information into a concise, clear and instructive format. I have found Yoga Anatomy to be a very helpful resource book, and I rarely prepare a class without consulting it.“

Oda Lindner — a YAA certified Yoga teacher
November 2007 edition of Bridge, (the publication of the Yoga Association of Alberta, Canada)

Plenty of books outline the fundamentals of yoga, but how many provide an illustrated anatomical guide to postures, movements and breathing techniques which blends anatomy with yoga moves? Yoga Anatomy offers a visual approach that allows learners to see how all the muscles interact during various poses. Chapters survey joint actions, poses, and how yoga helps various conditions. Any library strong in yoga or new age will find this anatomical approach specific and invaluable.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

5-Star Review on Amazon.com
Interesting Reading on a Difficult Subject, January 3, 2008
Yoga Anatomy (is the best book I have purchased on the subject. I have been practicing Yoga for about 33 years and teaching some classes during the 33 years. The illustrations are clear, concise and to the point for the asanas demonstrated. The book is well written and interesting. I recommend it to all Yoga Teachers and serious Yogis. I am registered to teach certification, if I pursue this, Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff will be one of the text books used in my class. Thank you for such a wonderful book on Yoga Anatomy.