Functional Anatomy of Yoga is a rare gem.
This book enables both the casual reader and the seasoned practitioner to understand and implement the anatomical structure and function of the body in yoga. Written with a conversational tone, the book delivers the complex subject of human anatomy in a way that is both provocative and clear. The underlying theme of the book is integration.
David Keil outlines how yoga teachers and practitioners can utilize a deeper understanding of their anatomy as they approach the larger scheme of yoga. How do the supposed “parts and pieces” of the body synchronize to support integrated movement? Finally, how do the various yoga postures interrelate from the perspective of functional anatomy?
Not only is David Keil an authority on the subject of anatomy, but he also has the wisdom and first-hand experience of a skilled yoga teacher and practitioner. He has been presenting the subject of anatomy in a way that is interesting, meaningful, and applicable to teachers and students alike since 2000.
Beautifully illustrated throughout with colour images and photographs to clearly explain the concepts and asanas, Functional Anatomy of Yoga will assist you in reaching new heights in your yoga practice using the “laboratory” of the body and the tools of yoga asana.
Functional Anatomy of Yoga: A Guide for Practitioners and Teachers
He is. It is SO MUCH FUN. I'm not sure anyone has said that about Gray's Anatomy, EVER.
I have read a couple other yoga anatomy books & own all Ray Long M.D's anatomy and key muscles of yoga books....and in my opinion this is the most easily understood & the most applicable to practice. He's super knowledgeable and passionate, I highly recommend this book.
As the title suggests this is an anatomy book for practitioners of yoga. Whether you are a student or a teacher you can learn how your body works. I think even if you are med student you may like this book as it will help you understand you patients. This book is written from a very human perspective. Most anatomy books by contrast are very dry. If reading this book gets you interested in yoga, even better.
The dvd by David Keil was also helpful.
The detail involved is immense, but the body of the text remains simple and concise. The pictures clearly illustrative of the points being raised.
Cant recommend this publication enough
1. You never use a small word when a diminutive one will do ... then David's very practical and easy-to-understand way of explaining anatomy will probably insult your (inflated) sense of intellect. Best to leave for the mere commoners.
2. You don't practice yoga. Because then all that practical information David includes, like how the body works in yoga postures like forward bends, hip openers, twists, arm balances and backbends - well, those would be just wasted pages full of useless information.
3. You like to sleep - what other books on anatomy do: put people to sleep. Instead, you'll end up awake, trying to feel the tendons of your hamstrings move behind the knee ... or on all fours, playing with the way your scapula sticks up or rather, shouldn't.
4. You live in a world of absolutes and just love a good ol' lecture from the pulpit damning the other side - then David's inclusion of various body types as well as his exceptions and adaptations - will only end up confusing your clear sense of right and wrong.
5. You have no sense of humor.
6. You either prefer dense paragraphs or love coloring books. David writes this book conversationally using illustrations of himself in various positions revealing the anatomical patterns, muscles, and bone structure - but already in full color so no crayons necessary.
7. You think anatomy is all there is to yoga. David's a bit of a trickster even in person, that way. You go in wanting to talk pelvis and spine and instead, end up waist deep in breathing, self study, and meditation.
Now, if none of these things apply to you and you STILL don't have this book - what are you waiting for? Because this is the best damn book on anatomy and yoga I have read. Get it.
You will not be able to put it down, and is it is quite big book, you might even get a bit stronger while reading it.
I am a fan of David, so let's disclose that early, and just so you know I've watched all his DVDs as well. He has a bunch, some on anatomy and one on adjustments.
I don't know him personally, however, I just know him via the web and I am glad I do.
The book is not only thoroughly researched and slanted, yes, towards yoga practitioners, but it is ALSO challenging...
For example:
He has one part (and I paraphrase) where he questions the reader point blank:
"What is it I hear you say? You say you tried to do the beautiful hand-stand for 8 years and still nothing? Really? Don't you think maybe it might be time to change your "approach"?
And I laugh. Because he is right. I HAVE tried for 8 years and I it IS time to change approach, and I never read this book.
Well, in my defense, it was not published yet. Now it is. Lucky me. I tried hand-stand today and I was amazed and how FAR a little understanding can go.
I won't get into too many details but I will tell you two things about the book: one is what I learned, and two is a suggestion
ONE: WHAT I LEARNED
a) The book re-introduced yoga practice for me.
For example, in a basic pose, like standing, just standing (toes touching heels slightly apart), if I simply lift my toes, that awakens the muscles around the lower part of my leg (tibia), which in turn informs how my quadriceps and hamstrings are aligned, and my pelvis, and how I stand, how I walk, how I move, the position of the spine, how I think and how I even live...
Forgive my words as I am not as learned and eloquent as David is, you should read the book
b) I FINALLY understand triangle pose. Finally GET WHY it is that the alignment has to go the way it goes... I used to just repeat what I was told, now I get it. So when I am on the mat, my body takes on a whole different meaning.
And that happened not just with triangle but WITH A WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER poses, which I now understand so much better.
The yoga mat is my playground now.
a) The book made me love my body - Because I can now understand how AMAZING it is.
I mean, just to notice for example, that the hips hold two thirds of the weight of my body, and that the tissue and ligaments that hold the hip together to the hip are so strong you could not pull it, even with 3 people, because it won't break, gives me a whole new level of respect.
TWO. A SUGGESTION:
DO buy his DVDs on anatomy.
And no, I do NOT get a commission.
The reason why is because as I watch the DVD and then read the book I get MORE CLEAR on all the details, everything comes alive when I look at both. It's like having a yoga teacher showing you things in three dimensions.
Especially if you are a teacher, give yourself this gift because you will teach a completely different, much more informed class after reading him and watching him.
OK, I can't help it, here is A THIRD THING
He has a section at the end of the book where he integrates all the anatomy lessons into the asanas. That is gold. For anyone who practices. The first chapter may be boring (although necessary for teachers) but the last section is a gift for anyone interested in yoga.