Desktop Yoga [Paperback]

Julie Lusk (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1998

Working long hours sitting at a desk every day can lead to a host of problems--from muscle tension to back injury to carpal tunnel syndrome. Most people think they don't have the time to do the exercise necessary to prevent such ailments.

But, now there's a way to give your body the care it needs without even leaving your office. Desktop Yoga is an invaluable workbook that helps you rejuvenate your tired body and mind, right there in the workplace--with simple, inconspicuous exercises that can be done at your desk. Using movements modified from the ancient art and science of yoga, instructor Julie Lusk focuses on breathing, stretching, and relaxation techniques that can be done even by beginners and promise to revitalize you from head to toe. With special attention paid to each part of the body--as well as suggestions for redesigning your workspace and coping with business travel--Desktop Yoga will help you bring a sense of peace and well-being to whatever you do, wherever you are.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Just like your computer screen needs a screen-saver to keep it from burning out, your body needs a body-saver ... so you aren't victimized and tortured by your work," writes yoga instructor Julie Lusk, who dedicates this book to "mouse potatoes." It's a clever idea: adapt hatha yoga principles of breathing and postures so that they can be done in a chair. Lusk presents a variety of stretches and movements. Most are organized by body part (neck and shoulders; face; arms, wrists and hands; back; legs and feet). For example, do the Infinity Neck Stretch by drawing an infinity sign (sideways figure "8") with your nose and eyes, or do the attention-getting Lion Pose by inhaling "as you bug out your eyes, stick your tongue way out, and stretch out your fingers." (Do tell us what your boss says when you do this in the office.) Some, but not most, of the poses are illustrated, and although more illustrations would make this book easier to use, the written instructions are very clear. You also get "power naps and guided imagery" (it wouldn't be yoga if you didn't get to relax) and some specially designed sequences for the whole body, such as the "Seated Sun Salute." There's a sequence to calm down, another to energize, and another to release anger and frustration (you probably want to be alone in the room for this one). No yoga experience is required to use and appreciate this helpful book. --Joan Price

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1 edition (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399524460
• ISBN-13: 978-0399524462
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,606,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I've never felt better!, October 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Desktop Yoga (Paperback)

Bringing Yoga to the office is the object of this neat, compact workbook, Desktop Yoga. If you've got five minutes in your day to devote to Lusk's simple and effective exercises, your work day will seem like less of a burden. Great for relieving stress! A must-have!

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'd give it 6+ stars if I could!, October 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Desktop Yoga (Paperback)

The cover blurb on this book says it all: "For office slaves, Internet addicts and stressed-out students." (ha! I am all three) If you are like me and have looked at many a Yoga book but put them aside due to the difficult positions/instructions or the time involved, but still want to feel better, relax and also rejuivinate, AS well as relieve the symptoms of the computer age, then this is the book for you. A definate must-buy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mandatory for office workers, July 23, 2003

By 

A. Vegan (Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desktop Yoga (Paperback)

I think this book should be in every office drawer, especially for those of us who sit at computers all day long. This book really does what the title says, you can perfom many yoga poses in your office no matter what you're wearing.
This short book covers breathing techniques, proper posture, quick yoga poses that can be done anywhere at any time. If you're always feeling tired and stiff at work, pick up this book and try a few of the suggestions. I take a 10 minute "yoga time out" every hour and I find that I'm less sluggish and less stressed.