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. Yoga Anatomy Made Simple 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. Author Stuart Girling pairs his yoga teaching 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.

Yoga Anatomy Made Simple begins by providing simple explanations of key yoga concepts such as patterns, variety, breath, and strength. Part II is an anatomical exploration, with chapters representing different body parts. The part III chapters cover the postures, which are grouped as follows:

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

The poses are paired with illustrations that are diverse, body inclusive, joyful, and fun—and mirror the author’s own accessible, unpretentious approach to yoga anatomy.

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