Yoga. Mandatory in an athlete’s life. If you have never done it, there is no better time than the present. My running buddy and I have found yoga to be the cohesive gel that holds our bodies together. Pretty much like peanut butter (running) and the jelly (yoga). We have come to realize that our bodies can not perform at it’s best by being inflexible. Hips, knees and ankles are supported by the joint directly above it and without yoga, we become imbalanced which can lead to injury.
If I had all the time in the world, I would be book nerd. Reading about many things- yoga, meditation, fiction, running, athletes, baseball…So, when I do get the opportunity to do a book review, I always say yes. Reading grows the mind. Beginning Yoga: A Practice Manual for Beginners is exactly that -offering basic instructions all aspects of yoga.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Pranayama which offers detailed descriptions of “The four purifications” and “the bandas”. New to me, but bandhas are part of pranayama which direct energy in your body. Strange thought to actually contract and release the perineum (men) or the top of the cervix (women) in an effort to send energy up the body. Meditation 101 was also helpful in offering basic instructions on how to meditate. The Asanas are the actual yoga poses. There is a lot more to yoga than just the physical poses. Warrior 1, for example, works on a variety of aspects all at the same time. Concentration, balance, strengthens the feet, ankles, knees, thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, shoulders, arms and neck. Also tones the kidneys, improves circulation and stimulates digestion. WOW. That is just one pose. There are several practice pose sheets in the back of the book based on your needs. Such as low back pain, relaxation, and flow sequences.
You can purchase this book at LetsDoYoga.com. Beginning Yoga also comes with ABS! 50 of the best exercises to strength, tone and slenderize your mid-section. A must have in any athlete’s library.
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