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from book 1The Key Muscles of Yoga: Scientific Keys Volume I

  • Through full-color, three-dimensional illustrations of the skeleton, major muscles, tendons, and ligaments, Dr. Ray Long describes the science behind yoga. A board certified orthopedic surgeon who has studied yoga for more than 20 years, Dr. Long combines his knowledge of anatomy with his understanding of yoga to present the anatomic structures that are key to your practice of this discipline. The book balances art, science, and spirituality as it traces the forces at work throughout your musculoskeletal system during yoga practice. Stunning illustrations reveal the role that each muscle plays in the practice of yoga. With an understanding of these structures, you can learn to break through blockages, optimize your experience, and avoid injuries. Designed for use on the mat, this book is an indispensable guide for anyone who wishes to fully integrate the body and mind during yoga practice.

from book 2 : The Key Poses of Yoga: Scientific Keys, Volume II

  • Using detailed, full-color illustrations of the human muscu-loskeletal system, orthopedic surgeon and founder of Bandha Yoga, Dr. Ray Long, reveals the anatomical and physiological truths at the core of 55 fundamental poses of yoga. He examines the form of these poses from an anatomical perspective to reveal their unique function in the practice of yoga. With a stunning combination of graphic and textual information, Dr. Long illustrates the specific groups of muscles that work together to create optimal form in a given pose. By activating these muscles, you can learn how to deepen and stabilize a pose to obtain greater functional benefit. Demonstrating how muscles operate in the various categories of poses, the author helps you influence unconscious physiological responses with conscious biomechanical actions. Experience muscle awakening and in-creased body awareness as you engage more and more of your muscle groups during your yoga practice. This book will become your practice companion, as you integrate the science and art of yoga poses for maximum physical and spiritual benefit.

185 reviews for Scientific Keys of yoga (2 book series)

  1. Olga
    August 29, 2023
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must have!
    A must-have! Don't think twice on this one.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Rocio Moore
    June 29, 2023
    5.0 out of 5 stars Importante informacion
    Con este libro ilustrado me muestra la importancia de la practica de la yoga, las posicione mencionan cada musculo, articulaciones, etc que son benefi...More
    Con este libro ilustrado me muestra la importancia de la practica de la yoga, las posicione mencionan cada musculo, articulaciones, etc que son beneficiadas con la practica.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Livia Miah Plevova
    May 19, 2023
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great condition
    Happy with the purchase
    Helpful? 0 0
    mk
    October 22, 2022
    5.0 out of 5 stars Behind the poses
    Very good behind the pose tips. I already feel like it has made a difference in my practice and I look forward to further improvements.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Goozoo
    March 19, 2022
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brand new
    This book looks brand new!! I am super happy with the condition. Beautiful pictures and extremely informative🕉☮️
    Helpful? 0 0
    east coast reader
    January 18, 2022
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent condition, prompt shipping, great reference book
    Since participating more regularly in yoga, I've wanted to know more about how the asanas or poses involve and affect specific muscle groups. This boo...More
    Since participating more regularly in yoga, I've wanted to know more about how the asanas or poses involve and affect specific muscle groups. This book provides clear illustrations for this purpose. I will enjoy referring to this book and sharing it with others in my regular yoga class. The seller listed this as Very Good condition, but it looked almost Brand New - no marks, creases or binding usage was evident at all. I would absolutely purchase from this seller again and trust that the product they are selling will either meet or exceed my expectations.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Kevin Castrillon
    September 8, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars It got the muscles
    I see this book and recognized the value of how they highlighted the muscle used on the poses. As a LMT I can work on those muscles that can be impedi...More
    I see this book and recognized the value of how they highlighted the muscle used on the poses. As a LMT I can work on those muscles that can be impeding the pose.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Helen
    July 25, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good condition
    Came in good condition
    Helpful? 0 0
    Donna C
    June 4, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars As advertised and promptly delivered
    I know I am going to love this book because I loved the first one in the series, fondly known as Mr. Eyeballs. Arrived in time for my teacher training...More
    I know I am going to love this book because I loved the first one in the series, fondly known as Mr. Eyeballs. Arrived in time for my teacher training. Thank you!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Paula Benell
    May 20, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful
    Gave as a gift to yoga teacher
    Helpful? 0 0
    Kimburlee
    May 4, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars as described
    like. recommend seller.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Snoopy
    March 30, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Perfect! Simple with pictures for someone like me .... zero medical experience and new to yoga.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Adrianna
    February 20, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great illustrations
    Really great illustrations. Wiould be
    even more helpful if the muscles were
    identified and pin pointed with arrows.
    Helpful? 0 0
    SGB
    February 10, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource
    As a therapist who works with the body and as a yoga practitioner I find this book to be an excellent resource for work and my own practice.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Anonymous
    October 31, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Good
    Helpful? 0 0
    Madeleine Barmark<span class="a-icon a-profile-verified-badge"><span class="a-profile-verified-text"></span></span>
    September 14, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Great book
    Helpful? 0 0
    Terrie L. Dupre
    August 26, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars A LOT OF INFOMATION
    LIKE WHAT THEY SHOW AND EXPLAIN IN THE BOOK
    Helpful? 0 0
    jyan 🦋 Wellness
    May 21, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars great illustration of yoga asanas. Nice art!
    i really love the illustrations in this yoga anatomy book. Every yogi instructor should have this as part of your yogi teacher book collection. The i...More
    i really love the illustrations in this yoga anatomy book. Every yogi instructor should have this as part of your yogi teacher book collection. The images and how they demonstrate the asanas is really nice. Great art.
    Helpful? 0 0
    RMW
    May 19, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book. Highly recommend
    I’ve been looking at this book for awhile. Finally purchased and am so glad. I’m studying for both CPT and 200 YTT and this book explains anatomy li...More
    I’ve been looking at this book for awhile. Finally purchased and am so glad. I’m studying for both CPT and 200 YTT and this book explains anatomy like no other. Great photos and verbiage to explain. Don’t be fooled by title though.... it’s not just yoga. This book takes each muscle and says it’s origin/insertion as well as its actions, antagonists, and synergistic. Goes through each section of the body.... ie back muscles, hamstring complex, rotator cuff, etc. packed full of info that you could refer back to time and time again and still gain knowledge.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Ana Tofan
    April 27, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book with fantastig graphics
    I'm a 200 YTT student and this book helped tremendously. The graphics are fantastic and it helps to understand how musscles work in Asanas.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Nancy M.
    April 9, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars excellent
    Whether you practice or teach yoga, this is a must have book!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Brii
    April 9, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great text!
    Good content, very informative
    Helpful? 0 0
    Nancy M.
    April 9, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
    Whether you practice or teach yoga, this is a must-have book! I also bought "The Key Poses of Yoga," which is excellent.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Jane O
    March 26, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great if you’re doing your YTT
    Love this book! I’m doing my YTT and this is such a a good resource! I’m reading it for the second time already!
    Helpful? 0 0
    thomas moore
    March 17, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    I needed this book for my Yoga teacher training's Anatomy/ Alignment class. I actually bought volume two also. It is an absolutely beautiful book with...More
    I needed this book for my Yoga teacher training's Anatomy/ Alignment class. I actually bought volume two also. It is an absolutely beautiful book with amazing pictures and it's very well written. I definitely suggest this book as well as volume two.
    Helpful? 0 0
    RPags
    March 8, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Visual Alignment in Yoga
    Great visuals along with alignment in various yoga poses in relation with muscle groups. Highly recommend!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Robert Bartholme
    January 29, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant marriage of two fantastic things:
    yoga & physiology! I've always said 'I hear my [various] teachers' voices in my head when doing certain poses'; now, I visualize many of the image...More
    yoga & physiology! I've always said 'I hear my [various] teachers' voices in my head when doing certain poses'; now, I visualize many of the images in this book as well.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Nicole Marie
    January 24, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Such an informative wonderful book. Very easy to follow and to the point.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Happy Soul
    December 30, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    This book is for those who have a deep interest in how the muscles work in each yoga asana. The illustrations are also outstanding and interesting.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Cindie Tashima
    December 23, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very clear views of muscles
    Excellent views of muscles for yoga practioners
    Helpful? 0 0
    James
    December 13, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Has pictures.
    Good book. Has pictures.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Paula J Reese
    December 7, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars helpful
    Can never learn to much
    Helpful? 0 0
    JP
    November 1, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of info
    Incredibly detailed information
    Helpful? 0 0
    Christina
    October 25, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extra education!
    This book is detailed and very helpful. I recommend it to yoga teachers everywhere. It gives added information and helps you understand the the loca...More
    This book is detailed and very helpful. I recommend it to yoga teachers everywhere. It gives added information and helps you understand the the location of where some people may feel sensitive in the body.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Cricket
    September 16, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect mind-body connection; see what muscles are involved in your movement.
    Outstanding!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Tilla
    September 5, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    This helps educate me on my yoga journey. Very informative and makes good read if you want to understand the exercises you are doing and how they bene...More
    This helps educate me on my yoga journey. Very informative and makes good read if you want to understand the exercises you are doing and how they benefit the body.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Sinda Anzovino
    September 3, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for teaching Yoga anatomy!
    For best quality buy volumes 1 & 2!
    Helpful? 0 0
    R
    August 16, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent pictures.
    This book is full of color photos of bones and. muscles in yoga positions. If you want to know, what is going on inside the body during yoga, this is...More
    This book is full of color photos of bones and. muscles in yoga positions. If you want to know, what is going on inside the body during yoga, this is the book you want.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Valeri Pighini
    August 13, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Excellent, detailed drawings. Easy to read and easy to understand. I especially like the way the poses are broken down to show the key muscles, hence ...More
    Excellent, detailed drawings. Easy to read and easy to understand. I especially like the way the poses are broken down to show the key muscles, hence the name of the book. It's a great book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Ariana
    August 11, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read
    I bought this book to learn more about how the muscle groups work during different poses. It has been a very useful resource and I am going to use it ...More
    I bought this book to learn more about how the muscle groups work during different poses. It has been a very useful resource and I am going to use it for my graduate studies as well! The information is straight forward and easy to understand. The pictures are anatomically helpful. I totally recommend this book!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Angie 2022
    August 9, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for yoga practitioners
    One of those books that are so clearly written, than a lot of knowledge can be summarized with basic words, great visuals and easy to understand conce...More
    One of those books that are so clearly written, than a lot of knowledge can be summarized with basic words, great visuals and easy to understand concepts.
    Helpful? 0 0
    janice leboda
    July 4, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars I could understand the poses better
    The way the poses were on the skeletons i could understand how to access the correct muscles to make the pose more alligned
    Helpful? 0 0
    Anne Ritchie
    June 16, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars excellent tool for serious yoga study.
    I ordered this in order to understand anatomy; specifically my anatomy during yoga instruction and practice. The book is excellent - wonderful illus...More
    I ordered this in order to understand anatomy; specifically my anatomy during yoga instruction and practice. The book is excellent - wonderful illustrations of muscles in and out of poses. Explanation of how and why we use what we use. I think anyone interested in basic anatomy would benefit from this book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Allison Y
    June 13, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good start for yoga anatomy!
    Great starter for the yogi interested in anatomy! Helps get the picture of how the body works physiologically in common poses.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Francie Workman
    May 22, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand.
    Love the book Good quality paper excellent detail of muscles.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Amintha Petersen
    April 20, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars The most important to know is how each par of the body benefits with each yoga posture.
    I am taking a Yoga Certification Training to become a yoga teacher. The teacher suggested to get this book. It is important to learn anatomy of human ...More
    I am taking a Yoga Certification Training to become a yoga teacher. The teacher suggested to get this book. It is important to learn anatomy of human body. This book illustrates beautifully every part of the body.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Jenny
    April 4, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive book on key muscles
    I thought it was a thorough enough book for a beginner in anatomy and physiology. It won't win any prizes for med students I'm sure but for yoga I thi...More
    I thought it was a thorough enough book for a beginner in anatomy and physiology. It won't win any prizes for med students I'm sure but for yoga I think its pretty good.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Kindle Customer
    April 3, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource
    I am using for yoga teacher training it has great photos of bones joints ligaments tendons easy to understand concepts for movement in relation to pos...More
    I am using for yoga teacher training it has great photos of bones joints ligaments tendons easy to understand concepts for movement in relation to poses and how all interact. Great resource
    Helpful? 0 0
    RAThurston
    March 28, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent visual for visual learners!
    I only wish they could include a broader variety of poses, but this is an OUTSTANDING resource!
    Helpful? 0 0
    RAThurston
    March 28, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT visuals for visual Learners
    Even if you don't want to learn anatomy for the sake of yoga, use this resource to learn it for other schooling +/or self awareness (we especially nee...More
    Even if you don't want to learn anatomy for the sake of yoga, use this resource to learn it for other schooling +/or self awareness (we especially need LOTS more of that!). Thanks to the author(s) for their passion... It Shows!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Johnny
    February 27, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Anatomy class in my yoga training
    Great book easy to understand highly recommendable if you are doing a 200 hr yoga teacher training
    Helpful? 0 0
    Lexy
    January 25, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book for yoga lovers
    I will be honest, I haven't read every word from start to finish but you don't have to with this book. It is a reference guide for many postures and n...More
    I will be honest, I haven't read every word from start to finish but you don't have to with this book. It is a reference guide for many postures and not an easy read. That's not a negative. I purchased this book to learn more about the effect of yoga on key muscles and joints and this delivers. If you really want to deepen your own yoga sessions, this book will help. The diagrams are brilliant.
    Helpful? 0 0
    M. N.
    January 11, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars No better option
    I researched for months before buying this book and I am SO happy I did. This is a STAPLE if you're looking to teach or deepen your practice.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Thomas J. Reifers NWC&C
    January 2, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars no headline
    I liked that it brook each yoga pose down to the specific muscles involved.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Sukie
    December 14, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ultimate Yoga Book
    Beautiful and easy to read. Every yogi should have one!
    Helpful? 0 0
    James Abney
    October 25, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great yoga anatomy book!
    A great simple to read, very visual book. Great in its presentation of yoga based anatomy!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Bettyna Carreno<span class="a-icon a-profile-verified-badge"><span class="a-profile-verified-text"></span></span>
    October 7, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    If you do yoga, yo gotta have this book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    N McCormick
    September 21, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully detailed manual on all the key poses and why we do them...
    An AMAZING book that has truly made me appreciate yoga and why we do the positions. Beautifully written with detailed anatomical illustrations that do...More
    An AMAZING book that has truly made me appreciate yoga and why we do the positions. Beautifully written with detailed anatomical illustrations that don't make you feel overwhelmed. But having a Masters degree in physiology I can truly appreciate the details of this book. Should be mandatory reading for any instructor teaching yoga but is a great supplement to those of us who are simply interested in WHY YOGA WORKS. I've bought all of Ray Long's Yoga books and reference them constantly as I continue to learn.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Dr O’Hea
    September 16, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent clear graphics
    Concise well presented clear graphics of musculature for particular poises. I will be using this with my sports medicine patients for a visual aid.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Chelbell
    August 21, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!
    This is the most beautiful book ever! It is made so well very thick, awesome pictures and came very quick!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Shaunna
    July 23, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a cool book! I bought it for the yoga
    Such a cool book! I bought it for the yoga, but ended up using it to pass the muscle and skeleton units in my anatomy and physiology class!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Charles
    July 5, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars The illustrations are amazing. I pull this book out in private yoga ...
    The illustrations are amazing. I pull this book out in private yoga sessions all the time to help students understand why we're doing what we're doing...More
    The illustrations are amazing. I pull this book out in private yoga sessions all the time to help students understand why we're doing what we're doing.
    Helpful? 0 0
    SH
    June 8, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Suits my needs well! The color coding certainly helps me get the most out of my pose.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Wesley D. Huffmaster
    June 8, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and Helpful Book
    Wow. Cool book. I think I might have preferred the other book, "Key Poses of Yoga", but I am totally satisfied.The book shows each muscle in the body ...More
    Wow. Cool book. I think I might have preferred the other book, "Key Poses of Yoga", but I am totally satisfied.

    The book shows each muscle in the body separately, and believe me -there are more than you thought! The illustrations (computer generated) are very helpful and mind-opening.

    This book takes anatomy seriously and is a valuable reference book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Paulette E
    May 29, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars The pictures are fantastic. I love everything about this book
    The pictures are fantastic. I love everything about this book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Paulette E
    May 29, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars I Love this book and have recommended it to my friends
    I Love this book and have recommended it to my friends. I get to see exactly what my body looks like as it works out.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Hoda ElRidi
    May 21, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Photos are amazing describing every muscle in depth and during holding certain ...
    SPLENDID BOOK. I haven't started reading it but have gone through it. Photos are amazing describing every muscle in depth and during holding certain p...More
    SPLENDID BOOK. I haven't started reading it but have gone through it. Photos are amazing describing every muscle in depth and during holding certain poses. Great book for anyone who wants to learn anatomy of muscles in a photographic and colorful way. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone who wants to learn about YOGA.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Virag Der-Boldog
    March 26, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great visual help to improve our knowledge about the poses ...
    Great visual help to improve our knowledge about the poses and the whole body. I appreciate all your effort to create such a missing state-of-art work...More
    Great visual help to improve our knowledge about the poses and the whole body. I appreciate all your effort to create such a missing state-of-art work. Definitely worth it! Thanks!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Virag Der-Boldog
    March 26, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great visual help to improve our knowledge about the poses ...
    Great visual help to improve our knowledge about the poses and the whole body. I appreciate all your effort to create such a missing state-of-art work...More
    Great visual help to improve our knowledge about the poses and the whole body. I appreciate all your effort to create such a missing state-of-art work. Definitely worth it! Thanks!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Rob G
    March 19, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for yoga teachers-in-training!
    Essential for yoga teachers-in-training! And an essential book for yoga teachers to keep for review. This book is fascinating, and I will refer to i...More
    Essential for yoga teachers-in-training! And an essential book for yoga teachers to keep for review. This book is fascinating, and I will refer to it for a long time. It is interesting to review the yoga anatomy for poses you are having trouble with and understand what is going on in the body.
    I like the yoga anatomy book better than just a student's medical anatomy guide. The yoga reader can connect this to what is going on on the mat so much easier.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Carolina
    March 12, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Got for class will keep and reference for teaching.
    I bought this book for an Anatomy for Yoga class. I've learned so many things by using this book and it is a book that I will reference after the clas...More
    I bought this book for an Anatomy for Yoga class. I've learned so many things by using this book and it is a book that I will reference after the class!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Cole
    February 21, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Very informative
    Great book. Very informative. And I love the illustrations of the muscles in the body so you know which muscles are being worked and how.
    Helpful? 0 0
    A J (mom,wife,Yoga aspirer etc)
    January 26, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really liked the 3 D pictures
    Really liked the 3 D pictures. It helps to visualize what muscles are to be activated in each pose.I bought two other books in this sequence and hope ...More
    Really liked the 3 D pictures. It helps to visualize what muscles are to be activated in each pose.
    I bought two other books in this sequence and hope to refer to them more as I go through my teacher training as well as for my own practice.
    I liked the fact that the author was trained by Iyengar. This adds some authencity to what he teaches .
    I also like the author's blog at bandhayoga.com
    Only recently I am learning and seeing the power of activating various bandhas, especially Uddhiyana bandha (abdomen bandha -- pulling the navel to the spine).
    Helpful? 0 0
    Joan M. Bonczek
    January 24, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars THE best text to understand Yoga poses!!
    This book is absolutely phenomenal!! If you are beginning a Yoga practice or looking to further your understanding of body mechanics, this book is for...More
    This book is absolutely phenomenal!! If you are beginning a Yoga practice or looking to further your understanding of body mechanics, this book is for you.
    I’ve been practicing Yoga for decades and I am currently in a teacher training program. I highly recommend this book. The illustrations and explanations are easy to understand, yet scientifically exact.
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    Dani Arteri
    January 21, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is incredible!!! Very highly recommended, along with Volume 2!
    This book is incredible!!! I decided that I want to do yoga teacher training in a year or two, and I wanted some books to help me start to prepare/exp...More
    This book is incredible!!! I decided that I want to do yoga teacher training in a year or two, and I wanted some books to help me start to prepare/expand on what I already know.

    A couple years ago, I had looked through "Yoga Anatomy," but it wasn't really what I had expected. I was searching around for other yoga anatomy-type books, and I saw the high reviews for this one. I purchased it, along with Volume 2, and WOW, I am SO impressed! I teach high school anatomy, so I have some anatomy background; this book helped me review what I know and helped build off that. For someone new to anatomy, I am guessing that this book is perfect as well--all of the information is so clear and well-explained. The pictures are awesome and really help you see the muscles and how they work--something that is very important during yoga (if you know where a muscle is and how it should be moving, it makes poses that much deeper).

    Volume 1 focuses on the muscles--their actions, insertions, origins; what they do as a prime mover, their antagonists, and synergists. It shows key poses that use the muscle, ways to really awaken the muscle, and limitations that the muscle causes if it is tight. There is a really nice introduction at the beginning of the book to all of the vocabulary terms, in case you don't know what they mean. Along the way in the book, there are short quizzes that you can use to test your new anatomy knowledge. At the end of the book is some general yoga information on breathing, bandhas, chakras, etc. It's a really nice introduction to everything!

    I'm excited to read Volume 2 next. The difference between the two books is that Volume 2 is the "Key Poses" of yoga, whereas Volume 1 is the "Key Muscles" of yoga. Just from flipping through Volume 2, I can tell that it'll be just as good as Volume 1!! These two books operate great as a set for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge for personal reasons, or learning because they plan to teach, or learning just because they are interested in anatomy.

    There are also four other books in the line--"Yoga Mat Companion"--focusing on groups of poses (inversions/backbends, vinyasa flow, etc.). I'm definitely buying those next!

    HIGHLY recommended!!!!
    Helpful? 0 0
    LiveToRead
    January 9, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Yoga Instructor's BIBLE!
    This is a MUST for any yoga instructor before, during and after yoga teacher training. I still refer to this book when I have questions about which mu...More
    This is a MUST for any yoga instructor before, during and after yoga teacher training. I still refer to this book when I have questions about which muscles are working what in a particular pose and relay this information to my class.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Letha
    January 9, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you for writing and illustrating the books.
    Such a well crafted series of books. I have been searching for books to illustrate the muscle groups of the asanas. These books are outstanding in co...More
    Such a well crafted series of books. I have been searching for books to illustrate the muscle groups of the asanas. These books are outstanding in content and illustrations. The books are intelligently written, and pleasure to read. As well as, fantastic educational material for yoga and anatomy. I really cannot give enough positive feedback. I am going to relax, read my books and work on my asanas! Purchase this series and "Light on yoga" by B.K.S. Iyengar you will learn all you need to know about yoga.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Yisell Aceves
    December 22, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars love this book
    love this book, explains in a very simple and visual way how the muscles are linked and how they are working during our yoga practice, it contains det...More
    love this book, explains in a very simple and visual way how the muscles are linked and how they are working during our yoga practice, it contains detailed information and will be a helpfull companion for a safety and long practice
    Helpful? 0 0
    Yisell Aceves
    December 22, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars the best companion for you yoga practice
    love this book, explains in a very simple and visual way how the muscles are linked and how they are working during our yoga practice, it contains det...More
    love this book, explains in a very simple and visual way how the muscles are linked and how they are working during our yoga practice, it contains detailed information and will be a helpfull companion for a safety and long practice
    Helpful? 0 0
    Marshall Baca
    December 4, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    My wife loves the way ot breaks down the movements and what specific area it is supposed to work.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Kristen
    November 14, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book to use for referencing the poses
    Need this for Yoga teacher training, great book to use for referencing the poses.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Farooki
    November 4, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Illustrations best part. Explains why and what of yoga poses. Very healing art and science of body and mind. Thanks
    Helpful? 0 0
    Tyler Steinke
    November 1, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars The book came in great shape, new
    The book came in great shape, new. It's been a great help with Yoga Teacher training, and it will be used even after that
    Helpful? 0 0
    Tyler Steinke
    November 1, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars The book came in looking great. It has been a big help with yoga ...
    The book came in looking great. It has been a big help with yoga teacher training, and we'll keep it around to refer back to over time.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Samsara
    October 23, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Illustrations & Explanations
    These illustrations are excellent and I love the easy to understand explanations. I had slight fear it might get ACSM deep but it's so easy on the eye...More
    These illustrations are excellent and I love the easy to understand explanations. I had slight fear it might get ACSM deep but it's so easy on the eyes to read and understand - without it being 'dumbed down' simplified - I feel like it's palatable for mostly anyone familiar with yoga, even slightly. This is my new favorite recommendation to anyone desiring to know muscle anatomy for yoga; even the layperson yogi.
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    Vanessa Redford
    September 25, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars By far the best
    This has been the most useful practical application I've found so far. The images are clear and instruction is easily understood. An absolute must fo...More
    This has been the most useful practical application I've found so far. The images are clear and instruction is easily understood. An absolute must for yoga teacher training programs.
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    thestyleranger
    September 19, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this, would buy for a gift again
    Really amazing book. Gives you the visuals of what is going on inside you when your moving and posing.
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    thestyleranger
    September 19, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Terrific book of muscles and how they move with your body during yoga. Helps with a terrific understanding of exactly what is going on when you do a p...More
    Terrific book of muscles and how they move with your body during yoga. Helps with a terrific understanding of exactly what is going on when you do a pose.
    Helpful? 0 0
    axis1long
    August 23, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't go wrong with these books.
    I rated this 5 stars because a picture is worth a thousand words! This book shows ligaments & tendons &how they attach to other body areas. ...More
    I rated this 5 stars because a picture is worth a thousand words! This book shows ligaments & tendons &
    how they attach to other body areas. This book accurately explains why to so many questions!
    Helpful? 0 0
    David Wnuk
    August 23, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me in getting my Yoga Teacher Certification.
    While taking a 200 hour Yoga Instructor Certification class, this book really made it easy to see which muscles are used in the various Yoga poses.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Grandma LOVES to climb trees
    August 14, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best illustrations/directions I've ever seen to help understand Yoga positions.
    New to Yoga, being a massage therapist I love the design....makes every pose so much easier for me to understand and follow.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Silvia
    August 13, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    This is the best book on muscles and it's antagonist .. it is visual and very informative a must have for yoga Tracher
    Helpful? 0 0
    J. Vitale
    August 4, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Know your poses - and what they do
    This book illustrates yoga and anatomy in an easy-to-understand and informative format. Definitely important for the serious yogi to own.
    Helpful? 0 0
    reginald
    July 10, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Very illustrative and concisely informative. The book has given me further insight into yogaand provides a clearer image within my mind of what I'm do...More
    Very illustrative and concisely informative. The book has given me further insight into yoga
    and provides a clearer image within my mind of what I'm doing.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Kate
    May 13, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very handy to have in my library
    This was included in the list of required books in my yoga teacher training program and I can definitely see why. It's thorough and useful; I refer to...More
    This was included in the list of required books in my yoga teacher training program and I can definitely see why. It's thorough and useful; I refer to it often.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Karen M Le Blond
    April 18, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Straightforward approach to anatomy for yoga.
    This book is like yoga anatomy for dummies and I mean that in the nicest way possible. I am not in the medical field and this book has a very straigh...More
    This book is like yoga anatomy for dummies and I mean that in the nicest way possible. I am not in the medical field and this book has a very straightforward approach to help understand how parts work in a way that is relevant to yoga.
    Helpful? 0 0
    GRAY 5150
    April 4, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic detail
    Daughter uses this for her art study of anatomy and skeletal structure. She is now using the stretching positions as a by product of the awesome illu...More
    Daughter uses this for her art study of anatomy and skeletal structure. She is now using the stretching positions as a by product of the awesome illustrations. A friend even got a tattoo of one of the illustrated poses. Very cool.
    Helpful? 0 0
    christina foley
    March 20, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars kookla718
    Every Yoga practitioner should have this book, teachers and students. It is a quite the eye opener on what is happeninig to your body when you practic...More
    Every Yoga practitioner should have this book, teachers and students. It is a quite the eye opener on what is happeninig to your body when you practice. What muscles are functioning what nerves, etc. etc, Super Great !!
    Helpful? 0 0
    G. Lee
    March 19, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Key poses is what you need to start. In my yoga class the teacher doesn't have the time to stay there and show you exactly what to do unless you are t...More
    Key poses is what you need to start. In my yoga class the teacher doesn't have the time to stay there and show you exactly what to do unless you are taking a private class. This books shows your the key/basic poses, the names of the poses and the muscle groups affected. At least when you hear the names in class you can try to do them without trying to look at everyone else.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Dra. A Ghosh
    March 3, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars love it!
    As a medical doctor and an active yoga enthusiast ... this book did two things brushed me up on my anatomy and yoga poses ... love it !
    Helpful? 0 0
    Dra. A Ghosh
    March 3, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars love it!
    As a medical doctor and an active yoga enthusiast ... this book did two things brushed me up on my anatomy and yoga poses ... love it !
    Helpful? 0 0
    Randy
    February 20, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars the best for someone who knows anatomy
    This is THE BEST YOGA BOOK, IIIF you know anatomy. As a massage therapist i freeking loved this book, it has cue to flex specific muscles that the com...More
    This is THE BEST YOGA BOOK, IIIF you know anatomy. As a massage therapist i freeking loved this book, it has cue to flex specific muscles that the common person will have to look up before knowing, but thats good too because everyone should learn what is inside all of us!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Anonymous
    February 8, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good condition! I got this book for my 200 ...
    Good condition! I got this book for my 200 RYT. Basically required reading, cant say I read it all, because science and anatomy are very difficult s...More
    Good condition! I got this book for my 200 RYT. Basically required reading, cant say I read it all, because science and anatomy are very difficult subjects for me to comprehend. However it was VERY thorough and definitely informative in its topic.
    Helpful? 0 0
    DMD
    February 3, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Need to know why to do a pose?
    If you're like me and need to know more than 'just do it because it'll help', this series of books are for you. I have to know the 'why' of something...More
    If you're like me and need to know more than 'just do it because it'll help', this series of books are for you. I have to know the 'why' of something. Ray Long provides me with the 'behind the skin' knowledge - thank you Dr Long
    Helpful? 0 0
    Levi A
    January 31, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars BUY IT
    This book is amazing!!! Definitely a must for individuals wanting to know how to stretch certain muscles. Great for manual therapist.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Bree Cheese
    January 31, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Yoga Teacher Training
    I used this book for 200-hr yoga teacher training along with volume one. Very clear depictions of agonist, antagonist, and synergist muscles. I highly...More
    I used this book for 200-hr yoga teacher training along with volume one. Very clear depictions of agonist, antagonist, and synergist muscles. I highly recommend this book if you're planning to expand your knowledge of the physical benefits of yoga.
    Helpful? 0 0
    mj_giraffe
    January 20, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Shows the Nitti gritty of yoga exercise effects.
    This is the best book for showing how yoga exercises affect the body. Detailed drawings show muscles and tendons used for each of a number of yoga pos...More
    This is the best book for showing how yoga exercises affect the body. Detailed drawings show muscles and tendons used for each of a number of yoga poses. Nice work!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Rick
    December 21, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Yoga Instructors
    Bought this as a birthday gift for my wife, who is a yoga instructor. She loves it!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Kevin C
    December 9, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for yoga
    I use this for all my yoga teacher trainings. This book is a MUST for any yoga teacher, fitness guru or anyone looking to learn more about the body.
    Helpful? 0 0
    jan kassay
    November 7, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars The instructions and illustrations are perfection. Really tunes you ...
    The instructions and illustrations are perfection . Really tunes you in the assana and help you feel every muscle.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Keioffa
    September 8, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book and the others in this series
    I love this book and the others in this series. They help me visualize what muscles I'm stretching what muscles I need to stretch. I'm in the medical ...More
    I love this book and the others in this series. They help me visualize what muscles I'm stretching what muscles I need to stretch. I'm in the medical field so the book spoke my language.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Keioffa
    September 8, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book and the others in this series
    I love this book and the others in this series. They help me visualize what muscles I'm stretching what muscles I need to stretch. I'm in the medical ...More
    I love this book and the others in this series. They help me visualize what muscles I'm stretching what muscles I need to stretch. I'm in the medical field so the book spoke my language.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Eryn
    September 4, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Great book in conjunction with Volume 1... I bought both books and I am gaining so much more knowledge behind why I do yoga in the first place... I am...More
    Great book in conjunction with Volume 1... I bought both books and I am gaining so much more knowledge behind why I do yoga in the first place... I am also becoming more educated on how to correctly do yoga... This is a great book for any level of yoga or meditation...
    Helpful? 0 0
    Eryn
    September 4, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative book
    Very informative book with key information on what muscles are used during each yoga pose... Great illustration and well put together... Spine of book...More
    Very informative book with key information on what muscles are used during each yoga pose... Great illustration and well put together... Spine of book is strong... I now am able to target what muscles I would like to strengthen/tighten with this book... Very useful... Great find
    Helpful? 0 0
    ALG
    August 29, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible and Interesting book for all Yoga Practitioners!
    A fun and easy way to learn about anatomy. Essential for any yoga teacher or student. Having a visual understanding of anatomy adds another layer to m...More
    A fun and easy way to learn about anatomy. Essential for any yoga teacher or student. Having a visual understanding of anatomy adds another layer to my personal practice and teaching. And the images are interesting! Even my mom got into it.
    Helpful? 0 0
    A.P.
    July 19, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book - Kindle Download Needs Updates
    Excellent book. Highly recommend the physical book. But the tablet download needs updates. On the kindle version several of the diagrams (not all, but...More
    Excellent book. Highly recommend the physical book. But the tablet download needs updates. On the kindle version several of the diagrams (not all, but several), you can not read the letters on the diagrams because they are too small. When you increase the diagram size, the letters become blurry. I wish they would fix that.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Karen B.
    June 27, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference Book
    Anyone practicing yoga should have this book in their library for reference. The author explains how the muscles of the body interact in various asana...More
    Anyone practicing yoga should have this book in their library for reference. The author explains how the muscles of the body interact in various asanas. Very informative, especially if you are trying to pin point a problem or stiffness.
    Helpful? 0 0
    O. Korringa
    June 2, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars First time that I have understood Yoga
    This book is fantastic because it demonstrates exactly what muscles are being used and stretched. I am going through a healing stage of my back and hi...More
    This book is fantastic because it demonstrates exactly what muscles are being used and stretched. I am going through a healing stage of my back and hips, and this has helped me to umderstand the internal workings of the skeleton and connecting muscles.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Robyn W
    April 23, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good Resource for Yoga Practitioners
    I'm currently in yoga teacher training and this book has been very helpful, especially when I wrote a paper for my anatomy class. I'd recommend it.
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    Missy
    April 6, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent reference
    I took my time going through this book in conjunction with a teacher training. I have found it most useful to incorporate specific actions into my cui...More
    I took my time going through this book in conjunction with a teacher training. I have found it most useful to incorporate specific actions into my cuing during sequences and I have deeply enriched my anatomical and bio mechanical knowledge in this way. A great guide for yoga teachers. Worth the effort and study for the benefit of your practice and your clients.
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    Barbara Cosindas
    March 3, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is not only a great anatomy book but also let's you see what muscles ...
    This is not only a great anatomy book but also let's you see what muscles are being used in each asana as well as the proper alignment of the skeleton...More
    This is not only a great anatomy book but also let's you see what muscles are being used in each asana as well as the proper alignment of the skeleton. It has been my go to book now!!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Robert M.
    February 21, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Yogis
    Great book to better understand how yoga impact your physical being. I started Bikram yoga to relieve my lower back pain and this book gave a better a...More
    Great book to better understand how yoga impact your physical being. I started Bikram yoga to relieve my lower back pain and this book gave a better anatomical understanding.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Wesley West
    January 20, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    As a Hatha / Ashtanga instructor for 16 years, I believe that this book is one of the most comprehensive and user friendly books I've read!
    Helpful? 0 0
    NP
    January 11, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Illustrations
    After carefully examining the beautiful detailed artwork and seeing which muscles should be contracting vs stretching, it all makes sense now. My yoga...More
    After carefully examining the beautiful detailed artwork and seeing which muscles should be contracting vs stretching, it all makes sense now. My yoga practice is progressing much more rapidly now due to some minor adjustments I made using information contained herein. A great reference that I will be referring to time and again.
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    Erin
    December 17, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated anatomy reference - only uses Sanskrit names
    As someone with a very scientific mind, sometimes I get frustrated with the vague terms that get used during normal yoga classes. I was looking for a ...More
    As someone with a very scientific mind, sometimes I get frustrated with the vague terms that get used during normal yoga classes. I was looking for a book that got into the really technical anatomical details, and I found it. This book is a beautifully illustrated anatomy reference that should be helpful for yogis, fitness instructors, physical therapists, or anyone who is just curious about how their muscles and bones work together in different poses. The only complaint I have is that all the poses in the book are described using only the Sanskrit names. I’m familiar with some of the names, but I spend a fair bit of time googling the ones I don’t know to figure out the Americanized name for the asana while reading this book.
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    Jaro Snopek
    December 6, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for yoga teachers.
    I own all Ray Long's Yoga/Anatomy books and they helped me to understand how to utilize, engage and align the key muscles in any given pose. The autho...More
    I own all Ray Long's Yoga/Anatomy books and they helped me to understand how to utilize, engage and align the key muscles in any given pose. The author describes in great detail the function of every muscle involved. A must book for any serious yoga teacher.
    Helpful? 0 0
    D. Y. McMartin
    November 9, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! I had to buy this book for ...
    Great book! I had to buy this book for my yoga teacher training class and I love how it is written for anyone to understand. Really breaks everythin...More
    Great book! I had to buy this book for my yoga teacher training class and I love how it is written for anyone to understand. Really breaks everything down into simple terms. The illustrations are great too.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Klara
    August 21, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Motivating
    Absolutny fantastic for People like me who WANT UNDERSTAND how stuff works. Knowing what I am doing for my body is like having a teacher with me.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Serenity
    July 11, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must have resource for yoga teachers and serious yoga practitioners.
    This book is a great resource for yoga teachers and yoga practitioners. I bought it because I was taking yoga teacher training and have found it extr...More
    This book is a great resource for yoga teachers and yoga practitioners. I bought it because I was taking yoga teacher training and have found it extremely helpful for understanding how the yoga postures affect our anatomy.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Mark Wyman
    June 30, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent addition to any library
    An excellent addition to any library! The best that modern technology and the timeless body-and-mind has to offer. As advertised, you will surely an...More
    An excellent addition to any library! The best that modern technology and the timeless body-and-mind has to offer. As advertised, you will surely and for-a-fact understand the key muscles of yoga, as they are presented in an unmistakable format and with all other elements of the body stripped away. Ta da! Good work!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Jennifer
    April 25, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!
    This book is wonderful. It's a first for me, so I can't give you comparison idea, but it's already proven useful. I was having trouble with my psoas...More
    This book is wonderful. It's a first for me, so I can't give you comparison idea, but it's already proven useful. I was having trouble with my psoas causing back spasms. With this book I was able to figure out poses were most helpful in practice to relieve the muscles knots. Done well, Yin Yoga can be better than a day at the spa. This book helped me pinpoint what poses were most important.
    Helpful? 0 0
    linda
    April 4, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Key Muscles of Yoga
    I wanted this book because I am currently going through I am going through a certification program to become a Pilates Teacher. The book is beautiful ...More
    I wanted this book because I am currently going through I am going through a certification program to become a Pilates Teacher. The book is beautiful illustrated and helps me understand how the muscles move and work together. I would recommend this book who is a yoga/pilates enthusiast or just trying to learn more about the human body.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Soundtouch
    March 4, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cool book for someone who wants to know what your ...
    Cool book for someone who wants to know what your muscles do when you are moving this book provides an interesting look under the skin, and an anatomi...More
    Cool book for someone who wants to know what your muscles do when you are moving this book provides an interesting look under the skin, and an anatomical understanding of what is achieved with yoga poses. The introductory section provides good general yoga terminology and exercise physiology explanations and the color coding of what should stretch, what should relax and what should work is awesome for those of us who practice without benefit of an ever watchful sensei
    Helpful? 0 0
    Zam Bigger
    February 27, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful Explanation of Yoga postures
    Having the other book by Dr. Long that is great, I had to see this one too. It is even better.
    Great drawings and explanations.
    Would buy again
    Helpful? 0 0
    E. Molina
    February 19, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is beautifully illustrated. I purchased it during my teacher training ...
    This book is beautifully illustrated. I purchased it during my teacher training along with Yoga Anatomy. I am a more visual person, so I liked this bo...More
    This book is beautifully illustrated. I purchased it during my teacher training along with Yoga Anatomy. I am a more visual person, so I liked this book so much better. Just as the title suggests, it really breaks down the key muscles yoga and makes the terminology of movement, musculature and skeleton very clear and easy to understand. I highly recommend it!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Yoga Addict
    December 31, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nicely done, great illustrations, unique format.
    A superbly illustrated book on human anatomy, focusing on key muscles used during a variety of yoga postures. Also, with illustrations of the skeletal...More
    A superbly illustrated book on human anatomy, focusing on key muscles used during a variety of yoga postures. Also, with illustrations of the skeletal system, nervous system and chakras. The various asanas are labeled with their Sanskrit names. A lot of information on the human body, with an emphasis on graphic, rather the text presentation. I would recommend it.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Susan E Jacob
    December 9, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super helpful!
    If you just have to get one of the two books, get this one. The first explains the muscle groups if you're not already familiar with anatomy, but this...More
    If you just have to get one of the two books, get this one. The first explains the muscle groups if you're not already familiar with anatomy, but this one very clearly explains active versus passive muscles for each pose. Super helpful!!!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Sterling McVay
    November 30, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars are Amazing. Yoga is an 'ongoing' Process
    This book at it's logical 'companion', The Key Muscles of Yoga, are Amazing. Yoga is an 'ongoing' Process, as are Asanas, and the Information herein, ...More
    This book at it's logical 'companion', The Key Muscles of Yoga, are Amazing. Yoga is an 'ongoing' Process, as are Asanas, and the Information herein, is 'indispensable'. Highly Recommended.
    Helpful? 0 0
    E. Hardeman
    November 4, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fantastic book. Well done with phenomenal illustrations
    This is a fantastic book. Well done with phenomenal illustrations. I am planning on using this as a required textbook in my yoga teacher training pr...More
    This is a fantastic book. Well done with phenomenal illustrations. I am planning on using this as a required textbook in my yoga teacher training program because it gives such a great look at the anatomy of the body in yoga poses.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Skywan Matt
    September 27, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended by my Yogi friend
    Normally I do not write reviews for things I order for my friends. This time the recipient shared her thoughts, and I got to see how beautiful the boo...More
    Normally I do not write reviews for things I order for my friends. This time the recipient shared her thoughts, and I got to see how beautiful the book is in person. I wont get into a technical jargon as I'm not qualified, but she's an avid Yogi and has traveled all around and says this is great!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Dogno
    September 11, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great anatomy
    This is a yoga classic for anyone that practices. You can see exactly which muscles are being used in any given pose. He is a delightful man who puts ...More
    This is a yoga classic for anyone that practices. You can see exactly which muscles are being used in any given pose. He is a delightful man who puts crazy eyes on the skeletons. It's hard not to let a smile come to your lips when you use this book. Have fun with it, and know that this book is worth every penny you are spending.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Tan-Jook108
    August 19, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great investment. Can't learn it all in one day ...
    Very helpful for anyone who practice yoga and for teachers. Great investment. Can't learn it all in one day but one pose at a time. Very easy to under...More
    Very helpful for anyone who practice yoga and for teachers. Great investment. Can't learn it all in one day but one pose at a time. Very easy to understand and pictures helps a great deal :)
    Helpful? 0 0
    Paul G. Downey
    August 4, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars ... yoga for five years and found the book very useful especially explaining the actions of the areas of the ...
    I have been doing yoga for five years and found the book very useful especially explaining the actions of the areas of the body in relationship to the...More
    I have been doing yoga for five years and found the book very useful especially explaining the actions of the areas of the body in relationship to the asana you are performing. The book has excellent graphics as well as easily understood descriptions of the function the asana is doing with various muscles and bones. I have also purchased Dr. Long's book on the area concerning the pelvis and hips, which is also excellent. Paul G. Downey
    Helpful? 0 0
    srrose
    July 5, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent set of books (Vol I & II)...
    Excellent set of books. The information is presented clearly and concisely and the illustrations are excellent. When I first saw the book format I w...More
    Excellent set of books. The information is presented clearly and concisely and the illustrations are excellent. When I first saw the book format I was concerned that maybe the book wouldn't lay out flat when practicing the poses. This was not the case.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Carolyn Dargevics
    June 15, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Information every yogi should know
    I've been practicing yoga for a few years and am always a little concerned about what muscles I should be working but am not. This book is perfect. Af...More
    I've been practicing yoga for a few years and am always a little concerned about what muscles I should be working but am not. This book is perfect. After reviewing it and studying the moves, I've changed my routine to include the muscles I've been ignoring and am more in tune with how to make the positions more advantageous to my goals.
    Helpful? 0 0
    ksueshoe
    June 9, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated, detailed description
    I already own another book by Ray Long, and I have used it to research when designing my yoga classes. I just started getting into this book. His de...More
    I already own another book by Ray Long, and I have used it to research when designing my yoga classes. I just started getting into this book. His descriptions are well-detailed and explained thoroughly. He explains the anatomy and the poses. This will prove to be another great reference tool.

    It helps to have some background of anatomy when tackling this book. By the way, I would give it four stars for those not versed in anatomy as it can tend to be technical. But the illustrations alone are worth five stars and anyone who teaches yoga could benefit from the information in this book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Matt Breau
    April 21, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars So pretty
    The illustrations are great. I love the amount of poses shown, I sometimes flip through the book when I need some inspiration while creating a yoga-fl...More
    The illustrations are great. I love the amount of poses shown, I sometimes flip through the book when I need some inspiration while creating a yoga-flow. A great way to see the anatomy underlying yoga.
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    RUIDOSO/SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO | BUDDHA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING | MARIANNE MOHR
    April 14, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic combination of Western Anatomical Science & Ancient Wisdoms
    Nuff said... been practicing and teaching for 39 years, the BEST book on understanding whys & hows of Breath function, Bandhas, limitations and wh...More
    Nuff said... been practicing and teaching for 39 years, the BEST book on understanding whys & hows of Breath function, Bandhas, limitations and whay to maximize poses. I have all of the companion books and read/use them regularly. I teach workshops and these books are required - all students appreciate and use them as well.
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    Sirena Pendragon
    February 27, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for Yoga Teachers
    I've been practicing Yoga since 1981. I've had libraries full of Yoga books but when I made the decision to live in the Bahamas I had to part with 95%...More
    I've been practicing Yoga since 1981. I've had libraries full of Yoga books but when I made the decision to live in the Bahamas I had to part with 95% of all my stuff. This Yoga book was the only one to make the cut along with my teacher training manual from Shiva Rea.
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    Owen Brown
    December 17, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very clear, very thoughtful
    This is one of the best gross muscular anatomy books I have found. The illustrations are excellent, the text clear. In particular, if you are a yoga ...More
    This is one of the best gross muscular anatomy books I have found. The illustrations are excellent, the text clear. In particular, if you are a yoga practitioner, it will expose for you the muscles that are in tension, and those that should be in relaxation, in various poses. It is also valuable if you are curious about drawing the human figure.

    It may be that the book is for physical or massage therapists, or yoga teachers, but it's useful even for curious amateurs such as myself. It sits on our coffee table, I leaf through it every so often. Had I more time, I would work through the names and eventually memorize what moves this bag of skin and bones (and, of course, organs, nails, teeth and emotion). Even without, a hasty review can be helpful, as what's noticed remains in memory for at least a 90-minute yoga session.
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    yogahelps2
    December 10, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good addition to my 3 other Ray Long books
    Because I had three of Ray Long's other books, I thought I could do without this required book for teacher training. But I ended up purchasing it and...More
    Because I had three of Ray Long's other books, I thought I could do without this required book for teacher training. But I ended up purchasing it and I'm glad I did. There is some repetition when compared with the other books, but there's enough different content to justify buying this one, too.
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    Juan Ignacio Majorel
    November 13, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awasome !!! Very clear and detailed guide !
    Awasome !!!I 'm Yoga Instructor and I was studing Anatomy and Biomechanic, but this book really add a lot of details to my practices.Is an excelent an...More
    Awasome !!!
    I 'm Yoga Instructor and I was studing Anatomy and Biomechanic, but this book really add a lot of details to my practices.
    Is an excelent and all day necesary guide to put near your mat.
    Thanks !
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    Lindsay McLaren
    September 5, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative book
    I enjoyed reading this book because it was very straightforward, lots of great pictures with the asanas listed below each diagram...so you know what t...More
    I enjoyed reading this book because it was very straightforward, lots of great pictures with the asanas listed below each diagram...so you know what they are and precisely how each muscle group works in the asana. I recommend this book to anyone who is truly interested to learn about the key muscles of yoga.
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    Alison Krejci
    August 26, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference tool
    I am a massage therapist and have used this book to illustrate to clients how their muscle react in different yoga poses. This book creates great visu...More
    I am a massage therapist and have used this book to illustrate to clients how their muscle react in different yoga poses. This book creates great visuals for both the novice and the expert to understand how the body works.
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    Mori
    August 15, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Awakening!
    When one is a student of Yoga, it is essential that one understands anatomy, especially musculature in the poses. This book couldn't be clearer or mor...More
    When one is a student of Yoga, it is essential that one understands anatomy, especially musculature in the poses. This book couldn't be clearer or more relevant in that area. Also, the website is phenom, showing how the muscles and joints actually move in the poses. Brilliantly executed.
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    Wanderer
    August 8, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great learning material
    I purchased this for my wife after she really enjoyed volume 1. She is a yoga instructor and has used both volumes to take her understanding of speci...More
    I purchased this for my wife after she really enjoyed volume 1. She is a yoga instructor and has used both volumes to take her understanding of specific poses along with the anatomy and physiology involved with each to a whole new level. I highly recommend both books.
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    J. Siporin
    July 16, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for those new to anatomy in yoga teacher training!
    I'm in a 200 hr. yoga teacher training and realized I needed a lot more knowledge about anatomy since I basically had (almost) NONE. Reviews of Kamin...More
    I'm in a 200 hr. yoga teacher training and realized I needed a lot more knowledge about anatomy since I basically had (almost) NONE. Reviews of Kaminoff's "Yoga Anatomy" got great reviews for those who had a basic working knowledge of anatomy already. For those of us who didn't, many people recommended Ray Long's 2 books, "The Key Muscles of Yoga" and "The Key Poses of Yoga". So, that's where I started. Dr. Long's books are fantastic! Big color-coded pictures with limited (manageable) text. I started w/ "The Key Muscles of Yoga" as recommended; that gave me a basic working knowledge of the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, joints and their actions, insertion/origin, synergists, antagonists. Then I moved on to his next book, "The Key Poses of Yoga" which is fabulous! Again - lots of detailed pictures with bulleted info about muscles in the legs, pelvis, arms, back, shoulders that are or should be engaged in the pose to make it a safe and effective pose. This info will be really helpful when teaching the "what & why" anatomical details of a pose. His chapters are organized around backbends, forward bends, twists, hip openers and the like. I highly recommend both of his books. After this, I think I'll be ready for the more in-depth detail in Kaminoff's book, "Yoga Anatomy". Already though, I feel like I have a enough basic information to teach poses safely. I know there's a lot more to learn in this regard, but hey, I gotta start somewhere!
    Helpful? 0 0
    J. Siporin
    July 16, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for those new to anatomy in yoga teacher training!
    I'm in a 200 hr yoga teacher training and realized I needed to know a lot more about anatomy. I'd never taken an anatomy class. I'd read that Kaminof...More
    I'm in a 200 hr yoga teacher training and realized I needed to know a lot more about anatomy. I'd never taken an anatomy class. I'd read that Kaminoff's book "Yoga Anatomy" was excellent, but too wordy for newbies, and that Ray Long's books are a great place to start. I concur whole heartedly. "The Key Muscles of Yoga" has lots of pictures with great details in short paragraphs - just the key points to remember: action,origin, insertion, antagonists, synergists, exercises to awaken, stretch & contract. At the end of each chapter, there are quizzes with pictures of the muscles group taught in that chapter (ie. back or shoulder or pelvis, legs...). I went through the book in a few days, reviewing what I'd learned on the previous day/s. I retained a lot of it. Now, I've moved on to his next book, "The Key Poses of Yoga" which is organized around backbends, foreward bends, hip openers & the like) He breaks down the muscles used in many of the poses; he details what muscles are activated (or should be) to strengthen and protect different parts of the body - lumbar, rotator cuff...) Fabulous book! After this book, I'll be ready for Kaminoff's book, Yoga Anatomy which goes into a lot more detail - more text; fewer pics. Get both of Ray Long's books - especially if you're new to anatomy. You'll be up to speed in no time.
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    Wolfgang Pomadeus<span class="a-icon a-profile-verified-badge"><span class="a-profile-verified-text"></span></span>
    July 14, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!
    Our anatomy teacher for Yoga Certification highly recommends these books. I love them! Very informative and beautifully illustrated. An excellent reso...More
    Our anatomy teacher for Yoga Certification highly recommends these books. I love them! Very informative and beautifully illustrated. An excellent resource as well as beautiful addition to any library, book collection. Great gifts and could even be on coffee table displays, they are that nice.
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    Begoña Fernández
    July 3, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Practical
    It's an excellent guide and backup to yoga practicing,highly helpful to integrate the knowledge in to the practice,it's recommended start the study wi...More
    It's an excellent guide and backup to yoga practicing,
    highly helpful to integrate the knowledge in to the practice,
    it's recommended start the study with
    "The Key Muscles of Yoga: Scientific Keys, Volume I",
    The illustrations are gorgeous, amazing graphic work of Chris Macivor.
    They put all this information together in a friendly way
    making the study so enjoyable.
    I'm very grateful with this work, totally advisable.
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    Letrice Lopes
    July 2, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent source for any Yoga Teacher Training Program
    I chose this rating because this book is so detailed on the muscles being used during Yoga Practice. I can't find anything I dislike about this book. ...More
    I chose this rating because this book is so detailed on the muscles being used during Yoga Practice. I can't find anything I dislike about this book. I would recommend this to any student of Yoga!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Hutchinson
    June 5, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars headline
    I think that having to write a review of x amount of words is not such a good idea. The product was good but I dont want to spend heaps of time setti...More
    I think that having to write a review of x amount of words is not such a good idea. The product was good but I dont want to spend heaps of time setting out my thoughts on paper so I will cut and past this onto all the purchases i have made to save time. Do you get it.
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    Mo
    May 22, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars beautifully illustrated
    I gave this an its companion book to my significant other, a seasoned yoga instructor. She absolutely loves it, and all her students have been inquiri...More
    I gave this an its companion book to my significant other, a seasoned yoga instructor. She absolutely loves it, and all her students have been inquiring about it ever since she brought it to one of her classes.
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    Jean Grey
    May 6, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must-have for yoga practitioners and anatomy students
    I have been carrying this book around with me for weeks since I bought it. The author's easy-to-understand descriptions of physiological and anatomic...More
    I have been carrying this book around with me for weeks since I bought it. The author's easy-to-understand descriptions of physiological and anatomical structures are excellent (Golgi organ, reciprocal inhibition, spinal cord reflexes of stretching, etc).

    Beyond that, I simply cannot rave enough about the groundbreaking, astounding digital images of the musculoskeletal structures that display the specific muscle agonists and antagonists being utilized in the asanas. What clarity! I spend a lot of time on anatomy websites like Get Body Smart and others, and this book's images take all of their images to the next level and complement the understanding of exactly which structures are being used, where they are in relation to the bones of their insertion and attachment points, and how the entire body should align.

    What does this mean for the yoga practitioner? She/he can now consciously contract the right muscles while simultaneously relaxing the antagonist muscles within any pose to go deeper into the pose easily (by understanding reciprocal inhibition), and instructors can use this book as a valuable tool for teaching the fine alignment points that constitute the proper asana to help their students receive the full benefits from the pose.

    I am enjoying this book thoroughly and strongly recommend it for anyone even remotely interested in yoga, anatomy, muscles, fitness, or just plain beautifully rendered digital images.
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    smileycat
    April 19, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible
    I purchased this for less online here....Anyone who practice yoga or exercise should read this...It explains so much about how things and why things i...More
    I purchased this for less online here....Anyone who practice yoga or exercise should read this...It explains so much about how things and why things in your body need what they need....The illustration are incredible. This book is worth every cent.
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    yana
    March 30, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING
    I was initially put off by this book's web-like layout and thought it would be confusing so I bought Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews' book instead. T...More
    I was initially put off by this book's web-like layout and thought it would be confusing so I bought Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews' book instead. That book is totally useless to me so I ended up getting this one on a friend's advice. This book is AMAZING! I learned so much from just reading the first 20 pages that I hadn't gotten the hang of before. Where Kaminoff's book gives no introduction to anatomical terms, major muscles, major bone structures or anything (which is crazy to me!) and just jumps into advanced, heavily specific language to describe action in asana - this book goes through anatomy from the very beginning, giving the reader all the basics before it goes into more advanced explorations of asanas.

    I'm really stoked on this and find it incredibly useful - a great book as an intro to anatomy for those wanting to learn in order to teach yoga or deepen their scientific understanding of practice.
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    Zster
    February 23, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a book!!
    Incredible illustrations, works of art in themselves. This book is very high quality everything, paper, content, illustrations, etc. My only "complain...More
    Incredible illustrations, works of art in themselves. This book is very high quality everything, paper, content, illustrations, etc. My only "complaint" is that the skeletons are drawn with eyeballs. Kind of creeped my out at first. But, boy, invaluable to the serious yogi or anyone interested in anatomy!!!
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    over 65
    February 16, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars I Love Anatomy
    I have vol 1 and vol 2 is a little repetitive while expanding on info in vol 1 but that's necessary. The awesome illustrations and explanations of how...More
    I have vol 1 and vol 2 is a little repetitive while expanding on info in vol 1 but that's necessary. The awesome illustrations and explanations of how the Yoga postures actually work with the muscles are illustrated in different gradation of colors to highlight the degree to which the muscles are "involved". The explanations re stretching are superb and relatively easy to understand and implement. These 2 volumns along with other anatomy for yoga books I have including the Yoga Therapy books by Doug Keller and others by Suzi Hately are what I need for information in addition to continuing education workshops either in person or on line.
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    peg2
    February 8, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un-stall your yoga practice
    I've been in and out of yoga for many years, and have been trying to get back on track for the last year or two. As exercise programs go, yoga was the...More
    I've been in and out of yoga for many years, and have been trying to get back on track for the last year or two. As exercise programs go, yoga was the only thing that's ever worked for me, but somehow I haven't managed to get that old feeling back. I bought this book a while back, and thought, why not take another look at it and see what help it might offer.

    Wow. Some books offer way too much in the way of exactly how a pose is supposed to work; you've seen them, the ones where they spend several pages going into great detail about every possible muscle twitch. (Dr. Long's other books do this, yes, but you're reading those books because you want to know how to fix that one last little kink in a pose, or how to get more out of it. That's an entirely different situation from figuring out how to get started.) Other books don't offer enough, so you give up after a while because you're not getting anywhere.

    This book is just right. For the beginning yogi, or someone getting back into it after some time away, this is a terrific start. I'm finding that the poses feel better and I can hold them longer without a struggle. And I feel much better afterward; where I'd been thinking, what did I do that for, now, while I can't explain exactly how, I do feel a lot better.

    Not every pose is detailed in here, but there's enough to get a good start on your practice. Thanks, Dr. Long.
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    James P. McMahon
    February 7, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Yoga Teachers Come In All Forms
    I do alot of yoga. Some yoga teachers know what they are doing and some do not. And I can tell the difference. One of the key issues for me is whether...More
    I do alot of yoga. Some yoga teachers know what they are doing and some do not. And I can tell the difference. One of the key issues for me is whether or not the teacher can actually bring relief to those deep muscles that get tight from sitting all day, which I do in my job. This book breaks down the asanas, or postures, so that when I practice at home or when a teacher asks what I'd like to work in a class I can make a request that helps me achieve relief.
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    Flex
    November 14, 2012
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wake uP!
    This follow-up volume is even better than the first one, because it gets into the fun of things from the get go. The first gives the structure, this g...More
    This follow-up volume is even better than the first one, because it gets into the fun of things from the get go. The first gives the structure, this gives you wings!
    Both books are in my top shelf and are never gonna come down. If it were smaller, or if i could find a kindle version of it, i'd be carrying it every time i leave on a trip.
    Visualizing ALL that this book offers is worth to me infinitely more than its market price. Add to that a brilliant, clear explanation.. it doesn't get better than this.
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    Flex
    November 14, 2012
    5.0 out of 5 stars BUY IT NOW, everyone will be glued to it!
    This is a small revolution per se. This book offers an incredible insight into our body structure, touching on bones, cartilages, nerves, chakras and ...More
    This is a small revolution per se. This book offers an incredible insight into our body structure, touching on bones, cartilages, nerves, chakras and muscles like i had never seen before.
    The visual impact is overwhelming, and for the first time in my life i understand what things look like, their function and their possibilities.
    The author does a marvelous job: this is definitely one of the best books i have ever owned.
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    PT Cruiser
    October 2, 2012
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing illustrations
    If you've ever wondered what muscles and tendons your body uses for different poses, this book will illustrate it very graphically. It's a beautiful b...More
    If you've ever wondered what muscles and tendons your body uses for different poses, this book will illustrate it very graphically. It's a beautiful book and I think it would be equally helpful to both people that are new to yoga and those who are experienced practitioners. The detail is quite amazing. It would also be useful when you have a pulled muscle or tendon or when something hurts and you don't know what it is, especially if you have limited knowledge of anatomy. When trying to get further into a pose, this book will illustrate what to do and how to move to accomplish that goal. Very well done.
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    Jennifer M Clarke
    August 10, 2012
    5.0 out of 5 stars a GOLDMINE of muscle information!
    Particularly for anyone interested in physical medicine, massage therapy, fitness and of course, YOGA, this book is a wealth of information. To be abl...More
    Particularly for anyone interested in physical medicine, massage therapy, fitness and of course, YOGA, this book is a wealth of information. To be able to be visually guided as to the muscular action and opposing reactions for all major muscles, is very enlightening. Information to help improve yoga poses comes in the bargain, and increases the value of the book. A great resource for the treatment room and the athlete!
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    Connie
    May 8, 2012
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly helpful book!
    I've read several other books on anatomy and even on yoga anatomy more specifically and this is by far my favorite. The illustrations are really outs...More
    I've read several other books on anatomy and even on yoga anatomy more specifically and this is by far my favorite. The illustrations are really outstanding and show just what you need to see to understand the muscle and joint movements. I've gone through a lot of physical therapy and am in the middle of yoga teacher training and this book really clarified some of the information I knew but hadn't quite assimilated into the big picture. I find myself frequently getting up to try to get into the poses and feel the muscles as they are describing them. I think one of the best parts about this book is the organization and flow to the information - really well put together. Highly recommended for yogis looking to understand anatomy better.
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    yoga mom
    January 15, 2012
    5.0 out of 5 stars a yogi
    I have been practicing yoga for 6 years now and this book is fantastic. I am especially interested in anatomy and how the muscles work. This book do...More
    I have been practicing yoga for 6 years now and this book is fantastic. I am especially interested in anatomy and how the muscles work. This book does a fantastic job of explaining your skeletal system, bones, muscles, etc. Easy to read and understand. Very impressive illustrations. Chris Macivor did a wonderful job with the illustrations. I highly recommend this book.
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    dr. hope
    September 25, 2011
    5.0 out of 5 stars Key books for alternative medicine practitioners
    Anatomically correct images coupled with the philosophy of of the Yoga tradition puts this practical atlas in a category above the rest. Educators in...More
    Anatomically correct images coupled with the philosophy of of the Yoga tradition puts this practical atlas in a category above the rest. Educators in alternative medicine to practitioners in the art of yoga can benefit from this work. As the mind coordinates, organized and maintain the physical form, we can learn much about the state of our subconscious from our physical practices... on the mat or in everyday situations. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the mind/body perspective in alternative medicine.

    dr. hope, naturopathic physician, educator, writer and practitioner.
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    Sandy S
    September 20, 2011
    5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding
    Dr Long's books are exceptional. I have bought several and have shared them with my yoga students who find them easy to understand, easy to use and ve...More
    Dr Long's books are exceptional. I have bought several and have shared them with my yoga students who find them easy to understand, easy to use and very focused. If you are interested in the anatomy of yoga and how to make those muscles work for you or your students, this is a must read.
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    Hagar
    April 2, 2011
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book to learn anatomy in Yoga
    I love this book! Understanding what Yoga is, how to do the poses, the flow, and the total benefit is one thing. But, to take my practice far beyond ...More
    I love this book! Understanding what Yoga is, how to do the poses, the flow, and the total benefit is one thing. But, to take my practice far beyond that, I bought this book and the companion (Key Muscles of Yoga) and now I really understand and can feel the muscles and skeletal structure that I am working--or not working--as I move. It has made a world of difference in my practice!
    I keep this book and its companion open on my coffee table for quick reference every morning. This provides me the opportunity to better visualize my movements and when I find a pose is harder to move into sometimes, I check the book to see which muscle might be the problem.
    Many thanks to the author and illustrator for this series!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Hagar
    April 2, 2011
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    I love this book! Understanding what Yoga is, how to do the poses, the flow, and the total benefit is one thing. But, to take my practice far beyond ...More
    I love this book! Understanding what Yoga is, how to do the poses, the flow, and the total benefit is one thing. But, to take my practice far beyond that, I bought this book and the companion (Key Poses of Yoga) and now I really understand and can feel the muscles and skeletal structure that I am working--or not working--as I move. It has made a world of difference in my practice!
    I keep this book and its companion open on my coffee table for quick reference every morning. This provides me the opportunity to better visualize my movements and when I find a pose is harder to move into sometimes, I check the book to see which muscle might be the problem.
    Many thanks to the author and illustrator for this series!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Dennis Caisse
    February 9, 2011
    5.0 out of 5 stars Guides, muscles, pictorial
    I am a beginning yoga student and came across this book to better learn the functions of the muscles, bones, and cartilages that provide the movement ...More
    I am a beginning yoga student and came across this book to better learn the functions of the muscles, bones, and cartilages that provide the movement and alignment in this ancient science. The graphics in the book are beyond the normal photos you may come across in anatomy texts. Colorful drawings, well done, are mostly artistic renderings of each of the 'prime movers' in the body and really help the student or the practitioner understand what is happening 'under the skin' while performing the asana. The Key Muscles of Yoga is part of a larger series of books, dedicated to the understanding of how the body works while held in various yoga positions. I really like the series (I the Vinyasa Flow and Standing Poses too). You will keep this book will be your mat companion and will help deepen your poses.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Obsidian
    January 18, 2011
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing........
    This is the second in a series of books by Ray Long MD, and they are just amazing. If you are at all interested in how your body is put together, how...More
    This is the second in a series of books by Ray Long MD, and they are just amazing. If you are at all interested in how your body is put together, how it works and why, this is the answer. What I have found for myself is that when I struggle with a pose (why won't this leg go this way??) understanding how my joints and muscles work has made a HUGE difference in my capabilities. When you understand how it's all put together, and work within that system, your body will amaze you. I love how the book starts from the skeleton and adds layers of muscles one at a time so you truly have a picture of how the body is put together.
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    ThePerpetualStudent
    December 17, 2010
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Anatomy Book for the Beginner
    I have many anatomy books after completing my 200hr yoga training this fall. While there are many wonderful texts out there, The Key Muscles of Yoga V...More
    I have many anatomy books after completing my 200hr yoga training this fall. While there are many wonderful texts out there, The Key Muscles of Yoga Vol. I is the best for the beginner. The computer generated illustrations are comprehensive and the minimal text really gets the main points across. Another benefit for the person new to anatomy is that the bones and muscles of each major group are covered with reference to the movement they make in various yoga poses. Additionally, because this written by an MD, the technical language is there but it's not scary and provides a great introduction to learning the proper movement terms.

    Highly recommend this for the person new to either yoga, anatomy or both!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Peggy in Colorado
    November 30, 2010
    5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the Interior You
    If you are a yoga instructor or practitioner, both volumes by Ray Long will help you to understand the interior body of yoga poses better. By remember...More
    If you are a yoga instructor or practitioner, both volumes by Ray Long will help you to understand the interior body of yoga poses better. By remembering and visualizing the extremely clear illustrations during your practice, your poses will become more balanced and symmetrical--this is hugely beneficial. The narrative provides a clear understanding of how the body works--since muscles don't actually "stretch" an understanding of how the muscle spindle provides for what we call "flexibility" or "stiffness" is invaluable (and gives everyone HOPE), especially for those students who don't believe they can be successful yogis unless they can touch their toes. I can't wait for the next volumes to become available. These books are foundational, a "must" for anyone who is serious about practicing yoga. And--if you are interested in Iyengar yoga, they are even more important with their emphasis on alignment. As BKS Iyengar has said, "alignment IS enlightenment". The integration of all the koshas begins with an extremely precise physical alignment, and Long's volumes provide an excellent aid for all of us who struggle with asymmetrical bodies.
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    faerymagic
    July 23, 2010
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource
    I am training as a yoga teacher. This book was recommended by one of my tutors. I have found it to be as excellent as she said it would be. Fantastic ...More
    I am training as a yoga teacher. This book was recommended by one of my tutors. I have found it to be as excellent as she said it would be. Fantastic graphics. In my opinion, a must have for any yoga professional. Easy to understand illustrations, all colour. I love it.
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