Yoga for Adults: Teaching the General Population
"Before you've practiced, the theory is useless. After you've practiced, the theory is obvious." "Yoga is 99% percent practice and 1% theory." |
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Belling, Noa. The Yoga Handbook: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide. London: New Holland, 2001. ISBN 978-1-55267-174-0; Hardcover; Out of print.
I realize it seems silly to review an out-of-print book that is over a decade old, but if you ever come across The Yoga Handbook in your donation pile or see one second-hand, snatch it up! This is the book that started it all. Given to me for Christmas in 2001 by my mother after she noticed my fledgling interest in yoga, it was, and continues to be, the best book I have ever come across for a beginner yogi. Filled with beautiful, large, vividly-colored photographs, it is as at home on your coffee table as it is next to your mat; but don't let its glossy goodness distract you from Belling's concise, extremely adaptable and straightforward teaching. Each pose has multiple photos to show you how to get into the posture, and lists benefits, cautions, options and static/dynamic versions of the pose (I have never seen this anywhere else!). Belling rates each pose and its modifications for difficulty using a star system; and while Belling and her models are extremely flexible yogis (she's a former ballerina), the book includes many pictures of adaptations for the rest of us. The Yoga Handbook also gives a brief introduction into yogic philosophy and other branches (such as pranayama or diet) without being preachy or judgmental or overly jargon-y and includes helpful photos and advice for warm-ups (which many yoga teachers and their books skip). This beginner manual is a real gem and is highly recommended. The fact that I'm still using it over a decade later is a testament to its relevance and Belling's talent as both a writer and teacher.
I realize it seems silly to review an out-of-print book that is over a decade old, but if you ever come across The Yoga Handbook in your donation pile or see one second-hand, snatch it up! This is the book that started it all. Given to me for Christmas in 2001 by my mother after she noticed my fledgling interest in yoga, it was, and continues to be, the best book I have ever come across for a beginner yogi. Filled with beautiful, large, vividly-colored photographs, it is as at home on your coffee table as it is next to your mat; but don't let its glossy goodness distract you from Belling's concise, extremely adaptable and straightforward teaching. Each pose has multiple photos to show you how to get into the posture, and lists benefits, cautions, options and static/dynamic versions of the pose (I have never seen this anywhere else!). Belling rates each pose and its modifications for difficulty using a star system; and while Belling and her models are extremely flexible yogis (she's a former ballerina), the book includes many pictures of adaptations for the rest of us. The Yoga Handbook also gives a brief introduction into yogic philosophy and other branches (such as pranayama or diet) without being preachy or judgmental or overly jargon-y and includes helpful photos and advice for warm-ups (which many yoga teachers and their books skip). This beginner manual is a real gem and is highly recommended. The fact that I'm still using it over a decade later is a testament to its relevance and Belling's talent as both a writer and teacher.
Budig, Kathryn. Women's Health Big Book of Yoga: The Essential Guide to Yoga, for Beginners and Beyond. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 2012. ISBN 978-1-60961-839-1; Paperback; US $26.99, CAN $31.00.
People get drawn to yoga for a number of reasons: stress-reduction, healing, spiritual yearning, need for community, wanting to try something new. But sometimes we just want to look hot in stretchy pants. If that rings true for you, this is your kind of yoga book. Brimming with glossy, photo-shopped pictures of young, scantily-clad, muscular and well-oiled women (and a lone bearded male) doing headstands and contortions amid giant font that reads, "If only life could be all rainbows and unicorns", this book is certainly attention-getting and marketed toward an image-conscious, primarily female crowd. That said, it isn't entirely superficial and flirts with the deeper side of yoga that I personally believe is what keeps people coming back for more. You can get tight buns at the gym but only at yoga can you get tights buns AND awaken your heart chakra!
The beginning of the book has a few pages of yoga philosophy, followed by a Q&A and some sports medicine and nutrition basics. There is a one-page girly chit-chat about eating disorders titled, "Does This Pose Make Me Look Fat?" and suggestions for mantras, such as, "My body is perfect," which seem ridiculous wedged among a pornified look-book of flawless yoga teachers doing things most of us could only dream of. Chapter 12 is entirely devoted to "Yoga for Sex" including a section on intimate partner yoga with a young guy and gal making sweet (clothed) yoga love, which is thoroughly depressing to anyone who would be more likely to get their husband to lick the toilet than to get him on the floor "exploring each other's rhythms and bodies" while doing a "Seated Inner-Thigh Twist." A flashy, grab-n'-go type book to have in the collection to spark people's interest, but unlikely of much value to yoga teachers and library staff looking for program ideas (unless you live in Los Angeles).
People get drawn to yoga for a number of reasons: stress-reduction, healing, spiritual yearning, need for community, wanting to try something new. But sometimes we just want to look hot in stretchy pants. If that rings true for you, this is your kind of yoga book. Brimming with glossy, photo-shopped pictures of young, scantily-clad, muscular and well-oiled women (and a lone bearded male) doing headstands and contortions amid giant font that reads, "If only life could be all rainbows and unicorns", this book is certainly attention-getting and marketed toward an image-conscious, primarily female crowd. That said, it isn't entirely superficial and flirts with the deeper side of yoga that I personally believe is what keeps people coming back for more. You can get tight buns at the gym but only at yoga can you get tights buns AND awaken your heart chakra!
The beginning of the book has a few pages of yoga philosophy, followed by a Q&A and some sports medicine and nutrition basics. There is a one-page girly chit-chat about eating disorders titled, "Does This Pose Make Me Look Fat?" and suggestions for mantras, such as, "My body is perfect," which seem ridiculous wedged among a pornified look-book of flawless yoga teachers doing things most of us could only dream of. Chapter 12 is entirely devoted to "Yoga for Sex" including a section on intimate partner yoga with a young guy and gal making sweet (clothed) yoga love, which is thoroughly depressing to anyone who would be more likely to get their husband to lick the toilet than to get him on the floor "exploring each other's rhythms and bodies" while doing a "Seated Inner-Thigh Twist." A flashy, grab-n'-go type book to have in the collection to spark people's interest, but unlikely of much value to yoga teachers and library staff looking for program ideas (unless you live in Los Angeles).
Grilley, Paul. Yin Yoga: Principles & Practice. Ashland, Or: White Cloud Press, 2012. ISBN 978-1-935952-70-1; Paperback; CAN/US$15.95.
Most of the hatha yoga practiced in the West is very yang, focusing on the muscles, with lots of rhythmic movement, which makes us strong and flexible with regular repetition. Yin yoga, on the other hand, is a complementary practice which focuses on the connective tissue, while holding the static poses for longer periods of time, which promotes flexibility in the joints, instead of the muscles (15-16). When we hold a pose for three to five minutes our connective tissue will slowly change, releasing tension we may not have even been aware we were carrying. As Grilley points out, "The power of yin yoga is time, not effort...Learning to patiently wait calms the mind and develops the necessary attitude for meditation practices" (25). With a detailed outline of how to practice individual yin poses and sequence suggestions, along with sections on meditation, chakras (energy centers), and pranayama (breathing exercises) this is a complete introduction to the quiet power of yin yoga and is a wonderful class to offer to adults in your library.
Due to the sedate, meditative nature of yin and the long holds it is unsuitable for children (who already have pretty loose joints) but it is ideal for athletes, sedentary individuals, beginners, seniors, and just about everyone else. Don't be fooled into thinking yin is a restorative practice though, there is a lot of hard work going on (outwardly and inwardly)! This book is an excellent addition to moderate-sized, well-circulating collection of yoga and meditation manuals (now you just have to decide whether to shelve it in 613.7046 or 204.36).
Most of the hatha yoga practiced in the West is very yang, focusing on the muscles, with lots of rhythmic movement, which makes us strong and flexible with regular repetition. Yin yoga, on the other hand, is a complementary practice which focuses on the connective tissue, while holding the static poses for longer periods of time, which promotes flexibility in the joints, instead of the muscles (15-16). When we hold a pose for three to five minutes our connective tissue will slowly change, releasing tension we may not have even been aware we were carrying. As Grilley points out, "The power of yin yoga is time, not effort...Learning to patiently wait calms the mind and develops the necessary attitude for meditation practices" (25). With a detailed outline of how to practice individual yin poses and sequence suggestions, along with sections on meditation, chakras (energy centers), and pranayama (breathing exercises) this is a complete introduction to the quiet power of yin yoga and is a wonderful class to offer to adults in your library.
Due to the sedate, meditative nature of yin and the long holds it is unsuitable for children (who already have pretty loose joints) but it is ideal for athletes, sedentary individuals, beginners, seniors, and just about everyone else. Don't be fooled into thinking yin is a restorative practice though, there is a lot of hard work going on (outwardly and inwardly)! This book is an excellent addition to moderate-sized, well-circulating collection of yoga and meditation manuals (now you just have to decide whether to shelve it in 613.7046 or 204.36).
Lasater, Judith H. Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times. Berkeley, CA: Rodmell Press, 2011. ISBN 978-1-930485-29-7; Paperback; CAN $27.50.
An excellent and comprehensive look at restorative yoga from one of its finest teachers, Judith Hanson Lasater. In part one, Lasater promises we can heal from the effects of chronic stress in as little as five minutes a day if we can commit to fully relaxing on a consistent basis, even if we do it at our office desk, first thing in the morning in our jammies, or right before bed. She even offers "The Totally Invisible Relaxation" pose that can be done on the sly in business meetings and amid family chaos. Each restorative pose comes with detailed instructions, a B&W photo, benefits, cautions, and prop recommendations. Part two and three include poses for low back pain, headaches, insomnia, breathing difficulties, jet lag, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Part four encourages to have good standing posture, proper attention to breath, sitting well, and taking time to relax and renew. A great resource for teaching restorative yoga or for patrons who might like to practice on their own. Highly recommended.
An excellent and comprehensive look at restorative yoga from one of its finest teachers, Judith Hanson Lasater. In part one, Lasater promises we can heal from the effects of chronic stress in as little as five minutes a day if we can commit to fully relaxing on a consistent basis, even if we do it at our office desk, first thing in the morning in our jammies, or right before bed. She even offers "The Totally Invisible Relaxation" pose that can be done on the sly in business meetings and amid family chaos. Each restorative pose comes with detailed instructions, a B&W photo, benefits, cautions, and prop recommendations. Part two and three include poses for low back pain, headaches, insomnia, breathing difficulties, jet lag, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Part four encourages to have good standing posture, proper attention to breath, sitting well, and taking time to relax and renew. A great resource for teaching restorative yoga or for patrons who might like to practice on their own. Highly recommended.
McCrary, Meagan. Pick Your Yoga Practice: Exploring and Understanding Different Styles of Yoga. Novato, CA: New World Library, 2013. ISBN 978-1-60868-180-8; Paperback; US $15.95.
Ashtanga, Kripalu, Moksha, oh my! Who the heck is Iyengar? Confused about all the different kinds of yoga out there? Isn't it all just stretching anyway? Well...you are not the only yogi (or wannabe yogi) who can't tell the difference, let alone pronounce, the various yoga classes being offered by studios today. A great resource to use when deciding which types of yoga programs to offer at your library, what sort of teacher or volunteer to recruit, or what to recommend to patrons trying to find their best personal practice. Includes a helpful chart, some basic definitions and a simplified yoga timeline. Written in a friendly, approachable style this book is not exhaustive, but is just right for those who want to know more but not everything. Keep in mind it is written from a personal bias. For example, I caution against McCrary's recommendation about Bikram (hot, very muscular and fast-paced yoga): "Regardless of the way you feel, even if it's terrible, the best thing to do is to return to class as soon as possible, remembering that once you've established a regular practice your body will adjust to, and even crave, Bikram yoga practice" (147). Yoga should never make you feel "terrible" and I would steer clear of any exercise practice that does. The "no pain, no gain" approach is the surest path to injury. That said, this book is still a helpful resource and I recommend it for your collections, at your discretion.
Ashtanga, Kripalu, Moksha, oh my! Who the heck is Iyengar? Confused about all the different kinds of yoga out there? Isn't it all just stretching anyway? Well...you are not the only yogi (or wannabe yogi) who can't tell the difference, let alone pronounce, the various yoga classes being offered by studios today. A great resource to use when deciding which types of yoga programs to offer at your library, what sort of teacher or volunteer to recruit, or what to recommend to patrons trying to find their best personal practice. Includes a helpful chart, some basic definitions and a simplified yoga timeline. Written in a friendly, approachable style this book is not exhaustive, but is just right for those who want to know more but not everything. Keep in mind it is written from a personal bias. For example, I caution against McCrary's recommendation about Bikram (hot, very muscular and fast-paced yoga): "Regardless of the way you feel, even if it's terrible, the best thing to do is to return to class as soon as possible, remembering that once you've established a regular practice your body will adjust to, and even crave, Bikram yoga practice" (147). Yoga should never make you feel "terrible" and I would steer clear of any exercise practice that does. The "no pain, no gain" approach is the surest path to injury. That said, this book is still a helpful resource and I recommend it for your collections, at your discretion.
Stephens, Mark. Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations and Techniques. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2010. ISBN 978-1-55643-885-1; Paperback; CAN $26.95, US $22.95.
I am often asked, "Do I have to be a certified yoga teacher to lead yoga classes at my library?" Here is my short answer: "Yes, or you have to find someone to teach (volunteer, staff member, patron) who has at least 200 hours of training under their belt." That said, I think staff in the Children's Department or teachers in public schools, with a workshop or two under their belt (like the ones I have offered at the Fredericton Public Library or the NB Department of Education) have the skills to be able to mindfully introduce some yoga poses and games into their existing children's programs or classroom curriculum. If you plan on offering a more comprehensive children's yoga program, I would recommend you seek out a teacher with Children's Yoga Certification (CCYT).
If you are thinking about taking the plunge into a 200 hour training program, I highly recommend reading Mark Stephens' Teaching Yoga first. I once had a class of adults tell me they assumed taking teacher training just involved "being really good at yoga" and practicing the poses over and over again. HA! Not even close! Aside from going over yogic philosophy and a comprehensive breakdown of each pose (in Sanskrit) Stephens gets into how to structure a class, which is one of the most important aspects of teaching yoga. He gets into more detail in Yoga Sequencing (see below). There is a basic arc structure to each class, and one of the most mystifying aspects of being a yoga teacher (which only comes with experience) is how to structure and modify that arc based on the energy of your students in that particular moment. The skills of empathy and mindfulness only belong to the wisest of yoga teachers, who know not to conform the class to their will and expectations, but to let it evolve as the present moment dictates while maintaining structure and boundaries in order for students to feel safe and confident. This book is a terrific jumping off point for those explorations. It includes a collection of sample classes based on time restrictions and styles, as well as a selection of popular hatha yoga sequences from such traditions as Ashtanga, Anusara, Iyengar, Bikram, and "Power" yoga. I think Stephens sums it up best when he says,"To be an effective teacher requires continuous personal practice, training, study, and a commitment to learning something new from every student and class" (333). Recommended for professional collections and a high-circulating choice for the general public who are thinking about undertaking the training.
I am often asked, "Do I have to be a certified yoga teacher to lead yoga classes at my library?" Here is my short answer: "Yes, or you have to find someone to teach (volunteer, staff member, patron) who has at least 200 hours of training under their belt." That said, I think staff in the Children's Department or teachers in public schools, with a workshop or two under their belt (like the ones I have offered at the Fredericton Public Library or the NB Department of Education) have the skills to be able to mindfully introduce some yoga poses and games into their existing children's programs or classroom curriculum. If you plan on offering a more comprehensive children's yoga program, I would recommend you seek out a teacher with Children's Yoga Certification (CCYT).
If you are thinking about taking the plunge into a 200 hour training program, I highly recommend reading Mark Stephens' Teaching Yoga first. I once had a class of adults tell me they assumed taking teacher training just involved "being really good at yoga" and practicing the poses over and over again. HA! Not even close! Aside from going over yogic philosophy and a comprehensive breakdown of each pose (in Sanskrit) Stephens gets into how to structure a class, which is one of the most important aspects of teaching yoga. He gets into more detail in Yoga Sequencing (see below). There is a basic arc structure to each class, and one of the most mystifying aspects of being a yoga teacher (which only comes with experience) is how to structure and modify that arc based on the energy of your students in that particular moment. The skills of empathy and mindfulness only belong to the wisest of yoga teachers, who know not to conform the class to their will and expectations, but to let it evolve as the present moment dictates while maintaining structure and boundaries in order for students to feel safe and confident. This book is a terrific jumping off point for those explorations. It includes a collection of sample classes based on time restrictions and styles, as well as a selection of popular hatha yoga sequences from such traditions as Ashtanga, Anusara, Iyengar, Bikram, and "Power" yoga. I think Stephens sums it up best when he says,"To be an effective teacher requires continuous personal practice, training, study, and a commitment to learning something new from every student and class" (333). Recommended for professional collections and a high-circulating choice for the general public who are thinking about undertaking the training.
Stephens, Mark. Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2012. ISBN 978-1-58394-497-4; Paperback; US $24.95, CAN $28.95.
It's no secret I'm a big fan of Mark Stephens' yoga books (I've given all three of them standing ovations on this website!) and Yoga Sequencing is no exception. It gets so much use in my teaching and personal practice that I've had the spine removed and hole-punched all 507 pages and put it in a giant binder for ease of use. With 67 sequences and over 2000 b&w photos, this manual is the go-to guide for how to design a yoga class. It goes beyond the basic arc structure outlined in Stephens' Teaching Yoga to create anatomy-focused classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. There are also special sequences and advice for teaching children (elementary, middle and high school aged classes), menstruation, pregnancy and post-natal (including special classes for each trimester), menopause, preventing osteoporosis, reducing mood swings (this is a perennial favorite in my Sunday evening class of age 30-50 women!), and seniors (and their special issues, like difficulty balancing and heart disease). There are sequences for balancing the chakras, for relaxation and stimulation, dosha balancing, vinyasa classes (very popular with the general population!) and an appendix of popular methods, such as Iyengar or Kripalu.
As Stephens so aptly points out, with 75% of adults reporting moderate to high stress levels (287), how can we NOT want to offer proven stress-reduction programs like yoga and meditation in our public libraries? A must-read for every yoga teacher and a moderate-circulating choice for the medium to large general collection.
It's no secret I'm a big fan of Mark Stephens' yoga books (I've given all three of them standing ovations on this website!) and Yoga Sequencing is no exception. It gets so much use in my teaching and personal practice that I've had the spine removed and hole-punched all 507 pages and put it in a giant binder for ease of use. With 67 sequences and over 2000 b&w photos, this manual is the go-to guide for how to design a yoga class. It goes beyond the basic arc structure outlined in Stephens' Teaching Yoga to create anatomy-focused classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. There are also special sequences and advice for teaching children (elementary, middle and high school aged classes), menstruation, pregnancy and post-natal (including special classes for each trimester), menopause, preventing osteoporosis, reducing mood swings (this is a perennial favorite in my Sunday evening class of age 30-50 women!), and seniors (and their special issues, like difficulty balancing and heart disease). There are sequences for balancing the chakras, for relaxation and stimulation, dosha balancing, vinyasa classes (very popular with the general population!) and an appendix of popular methods, such as Iyengar or Kripalu.
As Stephens so aptly points out, with 75% of adults reporting moderate to high stress levels (287), how can we NOT want to offer proven stress-reduction programs like yoga and meditation in our public libraries? A must-read for every yoga teacher and a moderate-circulating choice for the medium to large general collection.
Swenson, David, Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual. Houston, TX: Ashtanga Yoga Productions, 2000. ISBN 978-1-891252-08-2; Spiral-bound hardcover; CAN $32, US $29.95.
Even if you don't practice it, or plan on offering it at your library, Ashtanga yoga is a form you will want to know something about. Highly popular with type As, it comes in three series of increasingly difficult poses: Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced (which is only reserved for the gymnasts among us). Watching David Swenson, at almost 60, perform Ashtanga makes you marvel at the adaptability, strength and poise of the human body, even as we age. Ashtanga, known as "eight limbs," is a life practice, as outlined in the manual (6), and includes ethics (yama), self-observation (niyama), postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), sense withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and joyful peace (samadhi).
The Primary Series is considered by Ashtanga teachers to be "yoga therapy" and is a healing process that anyone in relatively good health can attempt. I can personally attest to the powerful balancing and cleansing properties of Ashtanga and would urge beginner yogis not to shy away from the practice for fear of inadequacy. As the manual clearly outlines, each asana offers a variety of modifications to suit all bodies types and limitations. The series are always performed in a certain order, so that the inversions are balanced with the back and forward bends and the body rests in a state of harmony, which is why the manual is invaluable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. The spiral-bound format makes it lay flat next to your mat for quick reference, the b&w photographs are clear and plentiful, and there are helpful short forms at the back for when you don't feel like doing a whole 90 minute series. Not a must-have, but a valuable addition to the comprehensive collection.
Even if you don't practice it, or plan on offering it at your library, Ashtanga yoga is a form you will want to know something about. Highly popular with type As, it comes in three series of increasingly difficult poses: Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced (which is only reserved for the gymnasts among us). Watching David Swenson, at almost 60, perform Ashtanga makes you marvel at the adaptability, strength and poise of the human body, even as we age. Ashtanga, known as "eight limbs," is a life practice, as outlined in the manual (6), and includes ethics (yama), self-observation (niyama), postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), sense withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and joyful peace (samadhi).
The Primary Series is considered by Ashtanga teachers to be "yoga therapy" and is a healing process that anyone in relatively good health can attempt. I can personally attest to the powerful balancing and cleansing properties of Ashtanga and would urge beginner yogis not to shy away from the practice for fear of inadequacy. As the manual clearly outlines, each asana offers a variety of modifications to suit all bodies types and limitations. The series are always performed in a certain order, so that the inversions are balanced with the back and forward bends and the body rests in a state of harmony, which is why the manual is invaluable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. The spiral-bound format makes it lay flat next to your mat for quick reference, the b&w photographs are clear and plentiful, and there are helpful short forms at the back for when you don't feel like doing a whole 90 minute series. Not a must-have, but a valuable addition to the comprehensive collection.
Yoga Matt (Roy Parvin), Yoga for the Inflexible Male. New York: Ten Speed Press, 2019. ISBN 978-1-9848-5694-4; Paperback; CAN $22, US $15.
A quick thumb-through shows this book to be plain-speaking (with plenty of dad jokes) and geared towards the "man's man" sorta crowd. If you are the kind of person who winces at being called "Cowboy" this is not the book for you. It also has lots of illustrations because "men like pictures" (insert eyeroll - HUMANS like pictures). The sequences are called "Manly Practices." Most poses have "The Good," "The Not-So-Bad," and "The Ugly" versions, which translate to (respectively) being hard, less hard, and easy. For a book that proposes to be all about "no pain, no pain" and body-acceptance, it is still set up in the traditionally toxic hierarchy of accomplishment. But, from a teacher's perspective, the advice for the asanas are sound, so I can't give it a thumbs down on technique.
Being neither male, nor particularly inflexible, I decided to pass this book on to my teenage son, who would fall into both categories. While he's practiced yoga on and off with me since he was a baby, he complains about his stiffness and lack of athleticism. He thought the book was decent and I could tell he could appreciate the "regular Joe does yoga" element, as it made him feel accepted. If your goal is to get more of your library patrons learning about yoga, then add this book to your shelves, because it will appeal to a certain demographic.
A quick thumb-through shows this book to be plain-speaking (with plenty of dad jokes) and geared towards the "man's man" sorta crowd. If you are the kind of person who winces at being called "Cowboy" this is not the book for you. It also has lots of illustrations because "men like pictures" (insert eyeroll - HUMANS like pictures). The sequences are called "Manly Practices." Most poses have "The Good," "The Not-So-Bad," and "The Ugly" versions, which translate to (respectively) being hard, less hard, and easy. For a book that proposes to be all about "no pain, no pain" and body-acceptance, it is still set up in the traditionally toxic hierarchy of accomplishment. But, from a teacher's perspective, the advice for the asanas are sound, so I can't give it a thumbs down on technique.
Being neither male, nor particularly inflexible, I decided to pass this book on to my teenage son, who would fall into both categories. While he's practiced yoga on and off with me since he was a baby, he complains about his stiffness and lack of athleticism. He thought the book was decent and I could tell he could appreciate the "regular Joe does yoga" element, as it made him feel accepted. If your goal is to get more of your library patrons learning about yoga, then add this book to your shelves, because it will appeal to a certain demographic.
Copyright 2015-2020 Jenn Carson
