Beyond Power Yoga

FROM SWEAT TO SAMADHI: The Path of ASTANGA YOGA Beyond Power Yoga presents and explores the complete journey of the classical astanga yoga system, from power yoga to meditation and liberation. Bender Birch's first book, the groundbreaking Power Yoga, introduced one level of astanga yoga to mainstream America -- a high-heat, high-energy mind/body workout. Now, Beyond Power Yoga presents all eight levels, or limbs, of this ancient method -- a total practice for body and soul. Drawing a parallel between astanga yoga's eight limbs and the mind/body energy centers (chakras) of Eastern philosophy, Bender Birch shows us how we can balance and heal our body, focus and relax our mind, amplify and direct our energy (prana), and ultimately reclaim our spiritual connection to Universal Consciousness. Each chapter offers specific practices to help the reader uncover and experience the insights of the astanga yoga journey. The YAMAS: Exploring the Fundamentals The NIYAMAS: Doing the Work ASANA: Practicing the Postures PRANAYAMA: Breathing Mindfully PRATYAHARA: Turning Inward DHARANA: Developing Concentration DHYANA: Experiencing Meditation SAMADHI: Living Joyfully Presented in the down-to-earth illuminating style and inspiring voice of the author, illustrated with easy-to-follow photos, plus a special wall chart of the asana sequences, Beyond Power Yoga offers a short form of the dynamic mind/body power yoga method, then journeys through the deeper levels of spiritual practice.

THE OFFICIAL YOGA PROGRAM OF THE NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS CLUB Power Yoga is a unique combination of dynamic breathing and strong, flowing movement, which creates a high-heat, high-energy workout. Unlike any other yoga program, Power Yoga is a choreographed sequence of postures that flow into one another, building strength, unwinding tight joints, and loosening muscles. Beautiful photographs and clear instructions guide you through this effective and popular routine. Based on the classical and original yoga system called astanga, Power Yoga is a complete mind and body workout that develops concentration and reduces stress. With its focus on mindful breathing and body heat, Power Yoga goes beyond the relaxation benefits of traditional yoga to offer a route to health and fitness that athletes of all levels will embrace.

Expand your energy and raise your sense of personal power with power yoga, the athletic and dynamic style of yoga that delivers high intensity and quick results. In Power Yoga: Strength, Sweat, and Spirit, you will learn the poses, practices, and philosophy of this fitness- and focus-boosting training method to strengthen your body and awaken your spirit. This potent practice is a complete workout on its own, but it also offers tremendous benefits when combined with other workouts and sports. In addition to physical strength, stamina, and flexibility, the dynamic movements of power yoga challenge you to develop focus, balance, and purpose that extend to life beyond the yoga mat. Dozens of warm-up, power, peak, and cool-down poses are presented in full color, and adaptations to modify or intensify each pose allow you to customize your practice for maximum effectiveness and safety. Sequences ranging from 5 to 60 minutes—including sport-specific sequences for running, cycling, team sports, and high-intensity activities—offer options that match your goals and lifestyle, and the 28-day plan can be adjusted into a plan that works for you, based on the results you want. Power Yoga: Strength, Sweat, and Spirit is your vehicle for creating extraordinary physical and spiritual results that you will notice quickly and be able to maintain for a lifetime. Become your most powerful self with power yoga.

A book with step-by-step photos offers specific instructions and advice for beginners and advanced practitioners, as well as those struggling with injuries. Original.

War leaves more than physical scars. Military service men and women today bear invisible wounds-PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), anxiety, depression-all just as real and painful. This book gives you tools for finding your way as a warrior-whether deployed or in a civilian environment-and adapting to a peaceful life at home. Yoga and meditation have scientific support as a means for relaxing the stress response, sharpening mental acuity, boosting immunity and recovery time, and promoting a general sense of health and psychological well-being. Beryl Bender Birch developed the methods described in Warrior Pose while working with civilians and first-responders in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. They include yoga postures, breathing techniques, relaxation and "yoga sleep," meditation, and more. In Rear Admiral (ret.) and former Navy SEAL Tom Steffens' words, "Beryl never takes any subject lightly, trust me, and her insight into the mind-body-spirit connection for military members and veterans results from an in-depth study that she undertook to get this right."

"Doug Swenson has created a book about Yoga that captures his delightful and unique teaching style." —Karen Allen, actress, Yoga Practitioner "Doug Swenson masterfully presents one of the most physically challenging styles of Hatha Yoga in a way students of any level will find safe, fun, easeful, and empowering." —John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga In just a few years, Yoga has gone from an obscure spiritual discipline practiced by a handful of the "enlightened" in the Far East, to a mainstream exercise routine taught at gyms all across America. Now, at the turn of the new millennium, Yoga has a younger sibling, Power Yoga. A high-energy physical discipline embraced by Sting, Madonna, and thousands of other celebrities, professional athletes, and health advocates, Power Yoga takes the basics of Yoga and gives it a good healthy dose of aerobics to tone all your muscles, sharpen your focus, ease your spirit, and strengthen your heart. Want to pump up your body and gain peace of mind? Power Yoga For Dummies shows you how. Featuring step-by-step instructions, illustrated with photographs that help you see each move clearly, it shows you how to: Improve flexibility, strength, and endurance Develop rock-hard abs, legs, and arms Find an instructor and the right workout gear Customize workouts for all ages and fitness levels Enhance your practice with a partner Beat stress, sharpen your focus, and lift your spirits Power Yoga celebrity Doug Swenson explains the philosophy and science behind Power Yoga. He gets you ready to take the leap into Power Yoga, and he arms you with: Three complete Power Yoga routines—beginning, intermediate and advanced Exercises to improve specific areas, including flexibility, strength, endurance, and specific muscle groups such as your arms, abs, and glutes Expert tips on diet and nutrition for enhancing your practice and improving your overall health Specific postures and exercises that benefit women and seniors A fun and easy guide for both beginners and experienced practitioners alike, this inspirational guide will help you unit a strong, sleek body with a sharp, clear mind.

Millions of people practice some form of yoga, but they often do so without a clear understanding of its history, traditions, and purposes. This comprehensive bibliography, designed to assist researchers, practitioners, and general readers in navigating the extensive yoga literature, lists and comments upon English–language yoga texts published since 1981. It includes entries for more than 2,400 scholarly as well as popular works, manuals, original Sanskrit source text translations, conference proceedings, doctoral dissertations, and master’s theses. Entries are arranged alphabetically by author for easy access, while thorough author, title, and subject indexes will help readers find books of interest.

Introduces "yin" techniques for older or less flexible practitioners that focus on safe and creative ways to stretch and improve strength.