Instructing Hatha Yoga
by Kathy Lee Kappmeier, Diane M. Ambrosini

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Book Summary Information

Book Reviews of Instructing Hatha Yoga

Book Review: THE essential guide for yoga instructors
Summary: 5 Stars

Summary of Instructing Hatha Yoga

Yoga is one of the fastest-growing fitness activities worldwide, and qualified yoga instructors are in high demand. Instructing Hatha Yoga describes the qualities and knowledge yoga instructors need in order to be competent and effective teachers. It covers all aspects of successful instruction:

-Detailed descriptions on how to teach 69 yoga asanas (postures), with more than 300 photos showing the postures

-Verbal and visual cues to use in teaching each posture

-Specific hands-on adjustments to help students achieve the desired posture

-Modifications for each posture and effective ways to work with students of different abilities in the same class

-Charts that identify body-segment kinematics and muscles used in individual postures

-A DVD that shows how to achieve the most accurate positions for a sampling of postures and the hands-on adjustments instructors can make to assist students

Two features in particular set this book apart: simple yet comprehensive cues that teachers can use to bring students into proper alignment and deeper mental focus, and detailed instructions on making safe hands-on adjustments and modifications for students. Authors Kathy Lee Kappmeier and Diane Ambrosini, with more than 20 years of experience in yoga instruction and teacher training, provide a class overview, outlines, lesson plans, and sample syllabi. They present ways to structure a class with flexible teaching plans in a variety of settings, such as schools, community centers, fitness clubs, and wellness centers. With their backgrounds in physical education, kinesiology, biomechanics, and various sectors of the fitness industry, the authors not only understand the art and science of yoga, but they know how to teach it safely and effectively.

The authors also equip readers with the following information:

-The most popular styles of yoga and how the styles evolved

-A questionnaire that helps instructors evaluate their readiness to begin teaching yoga

-Modifications for each posture and effective ways to work with students of different abilities in the same class

-Study questions and answers that review topics presented in part I of the book

-The importance of pranayama (breath work) and how to teach basic techniques

-The physical and energetic anatomy applied in the postures

-The valued and effective qualities of a yoga teacher, in line with the standards set by the Yoga Alliance Registry

Part I focuses readers on understanding yoga, on knowing themselves and their students, and on creating a class environment. It also explores breathing techniques and provides an overview of energy and anatomical considerations inherent to yoga. Part II describes the postures and their adjustments and modifications. Among these postures are sun salutations, standing postures, seated postures, supine and prone postures, inverted postures, and restorative postures. Part III lays out the practical aspects of structuring classes. The appendixes include reproducible forms for instructors, sample relaxation scripts, a listing of yoga resources for instructors, and answers to study questions covering part I.

Developed in line with the standards of the Yoga Alliance and its national Yoga Teachers' Registry, Instructing Hatha Yoga helps instructors develop the attributes they need in order to be qualified teachers who facilitate students' learning and awareness in the practice of yoga.

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