In Yogabody, author Judith Hanson Lasater writes, "You can't fully understand the dynamic movement of asana without first understanding the basic structure of the human body." Drawing on almost 40 years' experience as a yoga teacher and physical therapist, she focuses here on macroanatomy and kinesiology in relationship to asana practice and teaching. Organized into five parts — the locomotor system, the vertebral column, the lower extremity, the trunk, and the upper extremity, Yogabody covers the body's bones, joints, connective tissue, nerves, and muscles. This valuable guide builds on what yoga teachers already know and enables them to quickly decide what might help their students move with more enjoyment and less difficulty. It helps yoga students understand how their own body functions. Packed with color anatomical drawings, black-and-white diagrammatic asana illustrations, and helpful charts, Yogabody is the Gray's Anatomy for yoga teachers and students.
The Yoga anatomy book I have always longed for!April 15, 2009 Bethany Peabody(St. Petersburg, FL) 43 out of 45 found this review helpful
I received a gorgeous hardcover copy of this book in the mail yesterday. It is the yoga anatomy/physiology book I have always longed for. I like the way she applies the anatomy to the asana. I also found the teaching applications amazing, and I thank her for including those segments. I am a new teacher, and this book is really going to help me. I injured both my knees last week, and I was thrilled to see an entire chapter devoted to the knee joint and leg. Excellent. I forgot to mention how much I love the "Links" section at the end of each chapter. I saw Judith at a seminar last year, and she is such a wellspring of info regarding other books and teachers. The "Links" section is that part of her brain put down in a book. A neat little reference at the end of each chapter. I know I am gushing, but the book truly is amazing. I am going to recommend it to my teacher to have as the anatomy text at her yoga school.
Should be required for all new and old yoga teachers!May 14, 2009 Shoosh Lettick Crotzer(Morro Bay, CA) 17 out of 17 found this review helpful
Judith's books are always outstanding, but this one in particular will become the standard for all yoga teachers and teachers-in-training. Her background as a physical therapist is especially evident by the inclusion of kinesiology, which takes this book to a much higher level than other yoga anatomy books. The clarity of description for each section makes it easy to read and incorporate into practice. The drawings are terrific and the way the book is arranged makes it useful for quick reference. I have been teaching yoga for 35 years and will recommend this book not only to other yoga teachers, but to all students who want to grow deeper into their own practices. It may have taken 20 years for this book to finally be completed, but it was sure worth the wait!
Beautiful and PreciseMay 26, 2009 Amy Greenblatt(South Florida) 13 out of 13 found this review helpful
I can't wait to try the suggestions and ideas in this book. I love the quotes before each chapter and the links after. Along with the stories and anecdotes from the author's experience, these give levity and perspective to the subject and and help to make the book friendly and direct - just like Judith Lasater.
Judith presents the technical material in a way that gets you to try things out by doing the asanas and exploring what happens. You are not just reading about the body, you are feeling it in movement. That brings the lessons home. I also like how she steers you away from harmful practices by sharing the benefit of a lifetime of experience teaching yoga, studying the body and assisting people with physical problems.
I'm so glad to have such a sound reference and guide for asana. I recommend this to any yoga practitioner who wants to learn precise information about the body, anatomy and how we move.
PS If you can afford it, I recommend the hardcover version. It is sturdy and durable like a good textbook, and it opens and lies flat very well.
A MUST FOR ANYONE IN A YOGA TEACHER'S TRAIINING!!April 14, 2009 Wino(Minnesota) 25 out of 30 found this review helpful
A MUST for anyone in a Yoga Teacher's Training. I would highly recommend this book for A study guide for training! It's laid out fantastic and an easy reference for any anatomy question relating to asanas. I highly recommend this book!
Yogabody: Anatomy, Kinesiology, and AsanaMay 24, 2009 Dr. Robert Fagan 9 out of 9 found this review helpful
If you are interested in anatomy and the benefits of yoga, this is the book for you. Judith Lasater is an expert on the working of the body. The illustrations and descriptions in this book are excellent. Although the book is primarily aimed at yoga teachers to help them with diagnosing and correcting problems with their students, it is also very informative for the dedicated yoga student. Your yoga library should include this book.
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