A fun introductory guide to yoga anatomy for new and experienced yoga teachers, practitioners, and enthusiasts

Knowledge of anatomy is a crucial part of every effective yoga practice, but the subject can be dry and difficult. The Anatomy of Yoga provides a fun solution—it’s a go-to guide to functional yoga anatomy, written for yoga practitioners looking to jump in and start applying key concepts to their work. Here, longtime yoga teacher Stuart Girling pairs his expertise with real-life examples and colorful, jaunty illustrations to create a book that serves as a playful introduction and refresher course for yogis, teachers, and trainers.

The Anatomy of Yoga provides simple explanations of key yoga-anatomy concepts, like patterns, variety, breath, and strength. The illustrations are diverse, body-inclusive, joyful, and fun—and mirror the author’s own accessible, unpretentious approach to practical yoga anatomy. Concepts are demonstrated on different body parts, as well as the following posture groups:

• Forward bends
  
• Hip rotations
  
• Backbends
  
• Twists
  
• Postures involving the shoulders
  
• Inversions
  
• Arm balances
  

Girling ties everything together in a holistic framework with a playful touch on every page—one that embraces each student’s lifestyle, environment, and life history. Yoga teachers will learn to elevate their ability to analyze yoga postures from a physical perspective, sequence more effectively, avoid unnecessary injury, and appreciate the importance of individuality within postural yoga.