Amazing yoga anatomy -- very scholarly and very text dense. If you are not a visual learner this is a great book. If you are a visual learner, try this in combination with Kaminoffs Yoga Anatomy. The two together provide almost all the information you need to understand what happens to internal structures during asana.

Amazing yoga anatomy -- very scholarly and very text dense. If you are not a visual learner this is a great book. If you are a visual learner, try this in combination with Kaminoffs Yoga Anatomy. The two together provide almost all the information you need to understand what happens to internal structures during asana.

This book is meticulous and comprehensive. You will learn aspects of yoga that are rarely taught including the ability to train the neuromuscular system from the point of activation all the way back to basics of the spinal column. the angles of the poses are also all given which can round out a teacher or students education of the poses. Most importantly the neuromuscular knowledge leads to muscle training through endurance, strength, and toning; aspects of yoga that are under acknowledged and under appreciated.

From a Doctors point of view, you'll get lots of valuable physiological information behind Hatha yoga. There is something for all levels of practice here. A good read or handy reference.

I found this book very informative yet easy to read. And it is fun to color all those organs! I am a yoga teacher and anatomy seems to be an avoidable subject in a class. I have read quite a few anatomy books and thus far, I like this one the most - Highly recommended.

Ullasini Khwan
www.urbanyogis.com

I was introduced to this dvd in a teachers yoga class recently. I think it is an invaluable tool for anyone teaching and/or doing yoga. It explains the different "looks" of the asanas and why that is. It will prevent many practitioners from hurting themselves or others trying to acquire a position they are physically incapable of.

Just a quick comment... This book is a genuine bible for yoga teachers, particularly those wanting to know about how detailed anatomy plays into each yoga pose. The descriptions are so thorough and helpful--an amazing way to create safety in a yoga class and learn how to prepare the body for more advanced poses, using foundations of anatomy and alignment. Brillant and a must-have to always pull down from the bookshelf for reference.

Not exactly light reading! But, I didn't expect it to be. I find the material beautifully presented, extremely clear and articulate. Just the reference source I need!

I, too am enrolled in a teacher training program that requires this book. Not having any background in anatomy, I was looking forward to this book....thinking because it would be related specifically to yoga, THIS book would help make anatomy interesting enough for me to actually learn something from the book. Unfortunately I was mistaken. Coulter writes as if you already know most of what he's expounding. The anatomical illustrations of muscles,etc are not clear. Every now and then, I actually come across a paragraph or even a page that makes sense to me. Mostly, the book is written in such a dull manner that it puts me to sleep. I read, re-read, look at the illustrations....yet, most of the time, I just give up trying to comprehend what he's writing about & move on. When the training program is over, this book is out of my house...maybe on a bonfire as part of a ceremonial ritual.

As I'm writing this, my copy of Anatomy of Hatha Yoga is resting on my lap. I'm only on page 47 and I feel that I have already learned enough to make this book well worth what I paid for it. Although it can get very technical at times and might be a little frustrating for people without knowledge of anatomy and physiology, the author breaks things down using easy to understand analogies and offers physical activities to fully understand what he is talking about. This might not be a book that a lot of people can read from cover to cover, but it describes everything in detail and is very informative.

I definitely think I have become a better yoga teacher just reading a small amount. Although I won't say that every yoga teacher NEEDS this book, I do think that there are very few books that break down yoga and examine it scientifically with such quality. Even if you already know the postures of hatha yoga, there is more to this book than that, so you will still heavily benefit. Plus, if you really want to be a good teacher, you should understand WHY you do a posture the way you do as well as how to do it. It's all well and good to quote your textbook at your students, but in my opinion, you shouldn't be teaching if that is all you want to do.

The author earned his Ph.D. in anatomy from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences in 1968 and has practiced yoga since 1974, so he's not just some scientist who decided on a whim to write a book about yoga. Don't let the reviews saying this book is "too complicated" scare you away. They obviously quit reading before he went on to explain further. Still, if you purchase it and find it is a little overwhelming, you can always use it as an awesome reference book. Then, when you feel ready, try again knowing this will help you become a better teacher and/or student.

Wow! Anatomy of Hatha Yoga is definitely a book for those who are interested in the anatomy of a human. This book is definitely more towards anatomy than it is Yoga. Don't get me wrong it does discuss postures, breathing techniques, and how to deepen relaxation.

Wow! Anatomy of Hatha Yoga is definitely a book for those who are interested in the anatomy of a human. This book is definitely more towards anatomy than it is Yoga. Don't get me wrong it does discuss postures, breathing techniques, and how to deepen relaxation.

A super book on anatomy for the teacher or student that helps to understand the mechanics of asana. I like the separate chapters for each group like forward bends, twists etc.. The section on backbending is particularly useful to help students find out where they need to be rather than where they want to be. Camella Nair- Author of "Aqua Kriya Yoga".

A super book on anatomy for the teacher or student that helps to understand the mechanics of asana. I like the separate chapters for each group like forward bends, twists etc.. The section on backbending is particularly useful to help students find out where they need to be rather than where they want to be.

I was looking for something full of pictures, which this is not, but I'm so happy to have this book. It's alot of information, very scientific, very thorough. Great resource for anyone dedicated to yoga.

This book is exhaustive in scope, meticulous in its detailed presentation, and clearly NOT meant for pleasure reading.

I've used it a lot since I got it, and I consider it a very valuable resource. I have not read the whole thing. I doubt if I will ever read it from cover to cover. It's not that kind of book. It's more of a "look up the topic and get the info you need" kind of book.

It's not a book for someone with a casual interest in yoga. The length, depth, and cost of the book remove it from that category. If you are a serious student of yoga, or if you're studying to be a yoga teacher some day, you NEED this book. It is regarded by most of the teachers with whom I've spoken as the most complete book on the topic. Nothing else in the English language even comes close to this.

This is the type of book I have been seeking for along time. It (more) than met my expectations.

This book is amazingly detailed and thorough. You can certainly understand why the author took twenty years to write it. The language is very technical, yet understandable. Anyone who wishes to truly understand the anatomy behind the movements in Hatha Yoga should have this book as a reference. I just can not say enough great things about this book.

(Note To Christians) Hatha Yoga: In Hinduism there are many different forms of "Yoga" which are paths of practice and Hatha Yoga is one of many that leads the aspirant to the ultimate goal of union with divinity (gods) and the unity of all of Creation.

Many erroneously believe they can practice yoga postures, breathing, and focusing techniques devoid of yoga's spirituality, not realizing that yoga is an inherent part of Hindu philosophy which teaches man and nature are one with divinity.

Today, yoga is experiencing a worldwide renaissance and in America has more than 70,000 yoga teachers working in 20,000 locations. Although viewed primarily as fitness instructors, *these trainers are in reality the leading missionaries of eastern religion* in the west. The twenty-seven billion dollar a year yoga industry is marketed to Christians, students, athletes, businessmen, pregnant women and senior citizens promising solutions for stress reduction, concentration problems, and issues of self confidence.

Hatha Yoga is in reality a pagan import from the East, yoga has now become mainstream in the church through "Christ-centered yoga classes" designed to help improve spirituality and experience "the presence of God". But PLEASE BEWARE as yoga's mysticism is NOT compatible with historic Christianity no matter how it is packaged! Rev. James R. Hanratty

This is a great book. It explains the anatomy and physiology of yoga postures very clear terms. It is a valuable asset for all levels of yoga practitioners.

As an aging and serious beginner, I came to Yoga with a bag full of recurring injuries and thus fear.

This book helps me understand why I get this or that "pull" or "tear." The book is probably most suitable for teachers and advanced students because of it's detail, but if you're like me and want to understand your anantomy on your way to enjoying the ethereal benefits of Yoga, you would probably enjoy having this book for reference.

I've loaned it out twice already to friends who have had nagging injuries.

Bob Rogers

I recommend this book to any person who want to know more about Hatha Yoga in a deeply way.

To really understand the function of body, we need teorethical knowledge and own experience through practice. This book deepens this understanding since it connect deep knowledge of human body and experience. It is alive. I recommend it strongly to all doctors, medicin students, yoga teachers, yoga practisioners, phisio terapeuts, sports pedagogs, etc.

I have been waiting for this extraordinary book since 1987 when I experienced David Coulter's awesome yoga sessions at the Himalayan Institute where I became a certified yoga instructor. I need to read his book slowly because Coulter's understanding of the subtle relationships between various muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, etc., is so intricate and so vast that I must read and apply over and over. I note the effect, i.e., of massaging the musculotendinous junctions of the hamstrings, that allows me to actually lower my chest flat against my thigh (something I have not previously been able to do.) And I'm only on page 65! This book could be likened to learning a new language, one that enables readers to learn to speak and listen to the body with respect and sensitive inquiry as we relax and develop fluency.

I have been waiting for this extraordinary book since 1987 when I experienced David Coulter's awesome yoga sessions at the Himalayan Institute where I became a certified yoga instructor. I need to read his book slowly because Coulter's understanding of the subtle relationships between various muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, etc., is so intricate and so vast that I must read and apply over and over. I note the effect, i.e., of massaging the musculotendinous junctions of the hamstrings, that allows me to actually lower my chest flat against my thigh (something I have not previously been able to do.) And I'm only on page 65! This book could be likened to learning a new language, one that enables readers to learn to speak and listen to the body with respect and sensitive inquiry as we relax and develop fluency.

I am a veteran yoga and Pilates instructor. I am also an ACE certified personal trainer and board certified neuromuscular therapist. I have rarely read a book that is better for anyone in the movement field. This book will not only deepen your yoga practice as you are able to physically understand what your body is doing in the various poses (sometimes this can be so much more helpful than being told to, "drop your kneecaps.") but the pictures are quite helpful. I find the writing to be informative but understandable. I have a copy at my office for my massage clients, at my home to refresh me as well as at my studio to make available to my students who wish to learn more about a pose or series. I cannot recommend this book more highly!

I like this book. If you want Power Yoga told by experts, this is the one you will love.

Jonas
MSc Mech Eng, PhD in aerodynamics and a Power Yoga instructor at Siemens / Sweden

The book is fine. I was angry about the poor delivery. First was "lost" in the mail. When you resent the book, the date given for the arrival was 4-5 days beyond. I didn't receive it , kept questionning my doorman(part time) and found that the deliverer didn't leave the book. or a message. Finally the post office traced it and I received it 10 after your statement of delivery.
Add to my account for the future: Leave with doorman or superintendent;if no one is home
Thank you........ Dr Myra fooden,

This book is probably not for everyone. It's account of anatomy is quite detailed where it needs to be, and readers who have a hard time processing this sort of detail will have a hard time with the book. That potential problem is made worse by the relative lack of good illustrations.
The book is grouped by families of poses (i.e. standing, bends, twists) and presents the most relvant sections of anatomy for each family prior to desribing how the anatomy functions in specific poses.
It's this blend of anatomical description and practical application that makes the book so valuable. The level of detail may mean that you have to reread chapters a few times to get the picture, but once you have you will have a very clear idea of exactly what is being stretched, what muscles support the motion, and what limits the motions. This is all very helpful when you are trying to break poses an vinyasa down into the various separate motions that make them up. That in turn really helps you figure out what needs to be worked on and how to work on it.
My one suggestion is to acquire another book on anatomy to have a more comprehensive set of drawings available to supplement the limited set presented in the book.

I have been working with this book for several months and have received great benefit. It is not only academically informative, but contains much useful and practical information as well. If you are serious about your yoga practice, this book is definitely an asset.

Amazing insight to how the body work during yoga postures- should be the bible for any yoga practitioner and student.

The book was recommended to me by my yoga instructor as part of my certification as a yoga teacher. Personally I would give the book a five star rating because of its details and it's excellent integration with yoga. However, my backround is nursing. I think anyone without a science backround may find it cumbersome.

This book is a good resource, but is very technical. It is not a book I would just sit down and read cover to cover.

this book is comprehensive, especially when it comes to anatomy and how it related to different asanas. A must have for Yoga teacher as well as for students.

I love yoga, and find this book helpful for fine-tuning my practice. I initially planned to read it front-to-back, but ended up preferring it as a reference. that said, out of my hundreds of books, this one is always on my coffee table.

If you are seriously interested in Yoga, this is a must read. The more you know about your body and its' anatomy and psysiology, the more you will get out of your practice.

If you already do and/or teach yoga, this will give you insights into the hows and whys of the underlying structures and principles, but if you've never done yoga, this is a good place to start. The explanations are accompanied by detailed instructions on how to do the poses, and how to improve them on the spot with adjunct techniques. The idea of 'beginner' books leaving the details for later is a mistake: Start here, do it right from the beginning. As for those involved in newer Western exercise systems that include yoga, but add to or expand on some aspects with other movements, (ex: lifting weights for strength ),this book inadvertantly makes a good case that such additions may be unnecessary.

If you already do and/or teach yoga, this will give you insights into the hows and whys of the underlying structures and principles, but if you've never done yoga, this is a good place to start. The explanations are accompanied by detailed instructions on how to do the poses, and how to improve them on the spot with adjunct techniques. The idea of 'beginner' books leaving the details for later is a mistake: Start here, do it right from the beginning.

First, I agree with anyone who has said that this book is for medical personnel. I would also add that this book is for medical personnel who have a philosophical bent, i.e. "in tune with the cosmos". One never forgets that this is, above all, a book that will deepen one's understanding of Hatha Yoga, one of the Eight Limbs (Ashtanga) that lead to union (Yoga) with God (Brahma). If you have a technical leaning in your practice or work with people who need to understand anatomy and physiology...then you must buy. Otherwise read Stephen Cope's books on Psychology and Yoga.

I've only briefly looked into the book, but as a yoga instructor, I can tell it'll be like a bible to instructors everwhere. The author truly gets down to the abc's of anatomy and Hatha Yoga. A lifelong treasure to keep.

As a fully certified Pilates teacher, I am always looking for good referance books to have on hand. This one is excellent!

In depth information that you should know when you are teaching a class. Read it a couple of times. Knowledge makes a good teacher.

Author of
The Truth About
Caffeine

This book is informative, well written and has the excact amount of theory/practicle information needed!!

Its the first time I feel excited reading an anatomy book... not only I do not fall asleep, but I actually enjoy the reading as much as litterature!

Plus its a very nice edition and the paper smells great! :D

I purchased this book to assist in preparation for a small group presentation in a Yoga class at DePaul University. The course text (Donna Farhi's excellent "Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit") emphasized the need to understand bodies "to the cellular level" in order to fully appreciate what Yoga does for the body, and provided an introduction to each bodily system in relation to Yoga. "Anatomy of Hatha Yoga" took that introduction to a level I never dreamed possible, and provided most, if not all of the information needed for our small group presentation on the skeletal system, especially in the context of Yoga. It's also extremely well written -- and yes, exhaustive and comprehensive -- but what comes through is the author's love of anatomy and Yoga. Some sections took more than one reading, but the challenge was as good for the brain as Yoga is for the body. I will recommend that this book be added to the course material, either as a required text or a reserve resource for students. Highly recommended.

My title says it all. The book is good, but it is not suitable for a novice. I was looking for books to recommend to new individuals to yoga, so I bought this book. It is good to me, but I have been teaching for 7 years. If you are new lookign for base knowledge, look elsewhere. If you have been practicing yoga for awhile, give it a try!

In depth information that you should know when you are teaching a class. Read it a couple of times. Knowledge makes a good teacher.

Marina Kushner
Author
The Truth About Caffeine: How Companies That Promote It Deceive Us and What We Can Do about It

This is NOT a book of flowery prose about yogic philosophy with some anatomy scattered about, like too many yoga anatomy books on the market. Instead, Coulter presents detailed descriptions and instruction, hammering home a very intimate understanding (literally from the inside out) of how anatomy and anatomical function relate to yoga postures. That said, it's not an easy read. With so much information presented on each page, allow yourself enough time to absorb it. Yoga instructors who take their responsibility to their students seriously should study this book from cover to cover. --Dana Edison, author and creator of "Dana Edison's Yoga Is Not One Size Fits All Custom Practice Journal" and audio instruction CD series.

This is a "must read" book for all yoga practitioners. I've been doing hatha yoga on and off for the past 20 years. I could never quite understand the breathing patterns and the reasoning behind the different yoga postures. This book was an eye opener, it took the mysticism out of yoga and has turned me into a yoga enthusiastic!!!

In depth information that you should know when you are teaching a class. Read it a couple of times. Knowledge makes a good teacher.
I did like the author's suggestion about reducing caffeine intake. I've been off coffee after my doctor told me it caused me acid indigestion. He recommended a book called "The Truth About Caffeine: How Companies That Promote it Deceive us and What We Can Do About It. Highly Recommended..

It's a good anatomy book for anyone. The author explained them well and clear.
Movement and posture, breathing, abdominal exercises, standing postures, backbending postures, forward bending postures, twisting postures, the headstand, and the shoulderstand. It's a complete yoga anatomy book. Highly recommended!