Customer Reviews

Yoga for Movement Disorders: Rebuilding Strength, Balance and Flexibility for Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia

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I am not a Yoga fan, and always considered contorting the body into impossible positions to be a sure ticket to torn muscles. But, I found Renee Le Verrier's book, Yoga for Movement Disorders fascinating, and it has gone a long way toward changing my mind. A talented writer, and a Yoga instructor, Le Verrier tells the personal story of having a stroke when she was a preteen and losing mobility on one side. Now, in later life, Parkinson's disease has affected her other side. A cruel blow, the ultimate double whammy, you might think. No! She plans to fight Parkinson's until she draws her last breath, not in quite the same way she that she fought and won the battle with the stroke, but through Yoga. Yoga MD is much more than a collection and description of exercises. The delicate touches in book, the details connecting body with mind and spirit, like wrinkling one's nose during a session, and gazing upward and casting one's mind to the stars, are priceless. If you ever had any doubts that Yoga can heal the mind and the spirit as well as the body, Yoga MD is the book for you. If you never had doubts, you will find much to reassure you.

This book is a wonderful resource for people with movement disorders. I have cervical dystonia and this book has given me a whole new perspective on yoga and fitness in general. One of the best things about Renee's program is that the yoga features "chair support." You do not have to worry about balance issues because there is always support there for you. Renee does a great job of adapting traditional yoga poses for folks with movement disorders. Her writing is clear and warm and the photos are large so you can see in detail what you should be doing. This is a real find.

I have arthritis and found Renee's instructional guide to be perfect for me. I have really benefitted from both the sitting and standing poses. The text lifts my spirits on each reading. I sent this book to a friend who has a very aggressive form of PD. Here is what she had to say about Renee's guide:

"I am finally getting around to thanking you for the great yoga book you sent. I
waited intentionally to contact you to see if Yoga works for me , IT DOES!!!
After stiff, slow extensor muscles, balance is my major problem. Yoga has
affected both symptoms positively. The change in slow and gradual but quite
clear.The book itself is wonderful in that it doesn't ask you to do anything
you can't do and the illustrations are superb. Even I can Figure out the
various poses.So I've become a real convert I've even bought a classic yoga
leotard. Interestingly, I think yoga does more for my problems than the
standard exercise regimien offered by our local Parkinson's support
group.Sooooo..... I thank you sincerely for the gift of the book and the gift
of yoga as a way of treating Parkinson's symptoms. Yoga has clearly improved
the quality of my life and for this I am eternally grateful."

This yoga book is a great addition to the home yoga library. The author provides clear descriptions of supported poses and includes photos for each step as well. The book has many helpful tips for those dealing with movement issues - which would be of great assistance to both instructors and students.

"Yoga for Movement Disorders: Rebuilding Strength, Balance and Flexibility for Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia" fills a much-needed void providing yoga exercises for people with movement disorders, especially Parkinson's Disease. The directions and photographs are clear and easy to understand. This book is a must if you have movement disorders or know someone who does.

Spiral bound for ease of use, Yoga for Movement Disorders: Rebuilding Strength, Balance and Flexibility for Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia is a straightforward guide by certified yoga instructor and Parkinson's disease patient Renee Le Verrier. Full color photographs accompany the detailed text guiding readers of all skill and experience levels through basic poses. Embracing an "ease into it" approach, Yoga for Movement Disorders is divided into part one, which offers preparations for practicing yoga, and part two, which suggests a daily guide to applying the poses. Though especially ideal for helping people with movement disorders, Yoga for Movement Disorders is also an excellent introduction to reaping the benefits of yoga for people of all backgrounds and walks of life.

Breathe. How many times a day do I encourage patients who are struggling through a therapy task? Every day, for sure. Now I have a better way of teaching people to use their breath better - yoga.

"Yoga for Movement Disorders" teaches yoga in a way that can benefit a wide range of people who may otherwise think that yoga is "too hard." The book is well written, fully illustrated, and the spine allows for the book to lay flat when open.

The techniques are gentle and self-paced. Each pose is graded from easier to more challenging. There are encouraging words along the way. And, as an OT, I like the "Applying it to your day" segment of each pose.

This book would be an asset in rehab departments, nursing home activity depts., and adult day care centers.
I look forward to using it with the people who come to me for therapy.

Breath... . Yoga for Movement Disorders: Rebuilding Strength, Balance and Flexibility for Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia

I am a Dystonia patient and was given this book for Christmas. I love all of the variations of poses since I have a number of physical limitations. Also, her explanation of the poses is very easy to follow. Excellent book. Thank you, Renee!

As a yoga instructor of people of all abilities, I found the book to be very user friendly and beneficial. I would highly recommend it to anyone who can not or does not want to get on the floor to do yoga. Thank you Renee for sharing your experience and work. I facilitate a week-end workshop "Yoga for Seniors" for yoga instructors and will recommend this title to the participants.

I'm so pleased about the book! I borrowed a copy from a student and had to get my own. It's easy to read, great pictures and lots of them which is very important. As a yoga instructor, it will allow me to offer more alternative poses for those dealing with any movement disorders.