Power Yoga: The Total Strength and Flexibility Workout (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Everywhere I went the search continued..." (more)
Key Phrases: full forward bending, plantar fascia tendon, abdominal lock, Closing Sequence, Face Down Dog, Sun Salutation (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Tens of thousands of athletes know Beryl Bender Birch, Wellness Director for the New York Road Runners Club, as the teacher who showed them that yoga could protect them from injuries and improve their athletic performance. In Power Yoga, the first book on astanga yoga, a unique form of hatha yoga designed to build strength and stamina, Birch brings the ancient spiritual and physical practice to the West. Through anecdotes, detailed instructions, and hundreds of illustrations, Birch provides a total workout plan that's perfect for elite athletes, weekend warriors, and people just starting a fitness program. The Power Yoga workout combines dynamic breathing with a series of strong, flowing movements that create a high-heat, high-energy workout. "It (Power Yoga) will work on your body, your mind, your whole self," says Birch. The end result is a stronger, more flexible body; increased endurance, discipline, and self-awareness; and better overall health and fitness. -- Ellen Albertson

From Publishers Weekly

This book is intended for people who seek or possess a vigorous, disciplined approach to physical conditioning and mind-body integration. Birch, wellness director and yoga teacher-in-residence of the New York Road Runners Club, is an athlete and a teacher of athletes. "Sports," she says, "don't get us into shape. In fact, sports get us out of shape." Birch teaches astanga yoga, a rigorous series of positions that flow into one another in a prescribed order, linked by breath and awareness; the author claims that athletes can counteract, heal and prevent injury, tightness and misalignment through committed astanga yoga practice. Here she also introduces the philosophy of yoga to newcomers. She has a light touch, and treats us to autobiographical narrative, as well. Birch offers detailed cautions and adaptations for various levels of strength and flexibility. Both she and the yoga tradition speak to the importance of being yourself. Nonetheless, some readers may find Power Yoga narrowly prescriptive or severe. However, Birch's credibility supports her passionate advocacy. This is an important book for the yoga community, as well: a thoughtful exposition of one of several major yoga movements that have developed from the work of Krishnamacharya, one of this century's great yogis. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; Later Printing edition (January 17, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0020583516
• ISBN-13: 978-0020583516
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #170,098 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful source of inspiration., November 30, 1999

By	Liz Sedley "lizsedley" (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent guide to astanga yoga. For beginers, or experienced practicioners.

If you're looking for an exercise routine, you can't do better than this.

Astanga yoga builds strength, flexiblity, stamina, discipline and mental quiet. It won't change your life overnight. But bit by bit as you start to feel healthier, and better about your body, the way you perceive the world changes as well. But everything comes very slowly, as it should.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This book is a must have for anyone interested in realigning their body and overcoming injury. While most of us will never duplicate some of the more difficult poses, with practice - most of them can be achieved. The author makes it very clear that mastering this yoga work is not done quickly or easily. Do not buy this book if you are not willing to work hard. This book is geared mainly toward preventing and recovering from injury - realigning the body thru strength and stretch work. There is quite a bit of text dealing with injury and misalignment - explaining the benefits and process of healing. Also explained in great detail is the proper breathing technique for this practice. The breath is an important part of *heating up* the body. This heat enables the body to perform the stretch work safely. The only complaint I have about this book is that the picture labeling is difficult to follow. If the book is reprinted, this should be addressed.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Useful Guide to Power Yoga, December 11, 2000

By	K. Fromal "kristinof" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased Power Yoga after attending classes at my gym, since I wanted a yoga workout that I could do at home. This book certainly has served that purpose, and it following the workout increased my strength and flexibility tremendously. The pictures are very helpful in getting into the various poses from the series. There is also a great deal of information in the book concerning yoga history and practices which was interesting for a beginner. The biggest problem that I have had with the book is that I think that it would be very difficult for someone who had never taken a yoga class with a live teacher to understand what is called for by some of the positions. I believe that this book is best used as a home supplement to taking a yoga class with an experienced teacher who can guide the student through the asanas (postures) and help correct them if need be. The book also does not really discuss meditation before or after a workout, which I have found to be tremendously relaxing.