Yoga Anatomy Made Simple - by Stu Girling (Paperback)

About the Book

First published 2021 by Stu & Bug Books. This revised edition published in 2023 by Lotus Publishing and North Atlantic Books.

Book Synopsis

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. 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.

Yoga Anatomy Made Simple 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.

About the Author

STUART GIRLING is the owner and developer of Love Yoga Anatomy site that was founded in 2013. He is a bodyworker specializing in the treatment of yogis with injuries or tension patterns. He has a BSc in Health Studies, has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga for many years, and also teaching Anatomy & Physiology on Yoga Teacher Training programs and workshops.

Illustrator BUG FAWCETT was born and raised in Zimbabwe and studied Visual Arts at the University of Stellenbosch. She works as an illustrator and graphic recorder and her clients range from fortune 500 companies to (humble) yoga anatomy teachers. Bug is super excited to have worked on a project that combines both her passions for yoga and drawing. As a fledgeling yoga teacher, she finds the content not just easy to understand but also relevant to enhancing her own practice and allowing her to better serve her students.