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Your Body, Your Yoga: Learn Alignment Cues That Are Skillful, Safe, and Best Suited To You


Yoga is big business today, and teacher training programs are booming. Yoga teachers have a thirst for anatomy training, but all books on yoga anatomy focus solely on the muscles. Your Body, Your Yoga goes beyond any prior yoga anatomy book available. It looks not only at the body’s unique anatomical structures and what this means to everyone’s individual range of motion, but also examines the physiological sources of restrictions to movement. Two volumes are provided in this book: Volume 1 raises a new mantra to be used in every yoga posture: What Stops Me? The answers presented run through a spectrum, beginning with a variety of tensile resistance to three kinds of compressive resistance. Examined is the nature of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, bones and our extracellular matrix and their contribution to mobility. The shape of these structures also defines our individual, ultimate range of movement, which means that not every body can do every yoga posture. The reader will discover where his or her limits lie, which dictates which alignment cues will work best, and which ones should be abandoned. Volume 2 will take these principles and apply them to the lower body, examining the hip joint, the knee, ankle and foot, and will present how your unique variations in these joints will show up in your yoga practice.

Your Body, Your Yoga has over 500 illustrations and photographs. For the technically astute, extensive endnotes are provided, along with a exhaustive index. Technical sidebars (labeled “It’s Complicated) allow a non-technical reader to skip the heavier, more detailed discussions and stick to high-level explanations of the concepts. For yoga teachers, sidebars (labeled “To the Teacher”) are offered to help them bring the concepts into their classes. Other interesting discussions that could disrupt the normal narrative flow are also put into sidebars (labeled “It’s Important), which everyone is invited to read.

87 reviews for Your Body, Your Yoga: Learn Alignment Cues That Are Skillful, Safe, and Best Suited To You

  1. Jayashree
    December 23, 2023
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must for yoga students
    This book explains very well why we should customize yoga to our body and needs and not compare our practice and ability to others. I highly recommend...More
    This book explains very well why we should customize yoga to our body and needs and not compare our practice and ability to others. I highly recommend it.
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    Midori
    August 25, 2023
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    So easy to read and understand the anatomy
    Helpful? 0 0
    Gerhard
    June 23, 2023
    Changed my attitude towards my yoga
    Bernie Clark's book abounds of information and anatomic detail. Yet his message or ultimate alignment cue is seemingly simple: sense your edge, play y...More
    Bernie Clark's book abounds of information and anatomic detail. Yet his message or ultimate alignment cue is seemingly simple: sense your edge, play your edge and stop when you sense it is going too far ... because every body is different and sometimes its your bones that are the final limit. Literally.

    This juxtaposition of hard anatomic facts and a "trust your sensations" approach may appear contradictory, but it actually makes full sense. For me personally, it made my attitude towards my yoga a little more relaxed (without taking away a "healthy" ambition). Highly recommended!
    Helpful? 0 0
    ep
    March 12, 2022
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best anatomy book for yoga
    Love the level of details explained in easy language, the summary for yoga teachers, and the illustrations. Is not a book to read cover to cover, but ...More
    Love the level of details explained in easy language, the summary for yoga teachers, and the illustrations. Is not a book to read cover to cover, but after of years of owning one I keep coming back for specific sections and details
    Helpful? 0 0
    jennifer james
    January 19, 2022
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Tons of excellent information about the body and how it moves during yoga.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Cristina Airoldi
    November 6, 2021
    Ottimo testo, ottime illustrazioni
    Testo molto ben fatto, dettagliato e al tempo stesso di facile comprensione, che illustra molto chiaramente i principi dell'anatomia variabile.
    Helpful? 0 0
    john p kiernan
    October 10, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great details of anatomy for yoga
    YTT scratches the surface of anatomy. Yoga is a practice that incorporates body movement. Not every body is the same as the title implies. If you are ...More
    YTT scratches the surface of anatomy. Yoga is a practice that incorporates body movement. Not every body is the same as the title implies. If you are a yoga teacher this book is invaluable.
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    m
    June 14, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars great resource
    to visually understand anatomical perspective of yoga asanas
    Helpful? 0 0
    KDA
    May 4, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the BEST yoga books!
    All the details and even fun to read!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Dominik
    November 9, 2020
    Really good for self study
    if you are a yoga teacher or if you interested in the body, movement or yoga itself.It is a more study type of book. But dont be turned off of that, b...More
    if you are a yoga teacher or if you interested in the body, movement or yoga itself.
    It is a more study type of book. But dont be turned off of that, because it breaks every information down, very easy and understandable. Highly recommend.
    also for deepening your own practise and also get new ways to see thinks for others, to help guieding them better.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Federica savio
    January 11, 2020
    Grande acquisto da studiare con pazienza!
    Libro fantastico! Se fosse tradotto in italiano sarebbe il massimo.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Colleen Kiefer
    December 10, 2019
    Great content
    Awesome book! Great photos and explanations.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Austin Ince
    October 19, 2019
    A must for any yoga teacher
    Your Body, your yoga is a must for any yoga teacher. It’s the first book that a newly qualified teacher should buy then devour. It’s written in an eas...More
    Your Body, your yoga is a must for any yoga teacher. It’s the first book that a newly qualified teacher should buy then devour. It’s written in an easy to understand manner, without being too simplistic, it will dispel the yoga myths that concern anatomy.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Melle P
    August 23, 2019
    unavoidable !
    I'm glad there is finally availabe in FRENCH ! because it can be very hard to integrate all the scientific knowledge.nevertheless, I love this book, i...More
    I'm glad there is finally availabe in FRENCH ! because it can be very hard to integrate all the scientific knowledge.
    nevertheless, I love this book, it should be read by EVERY teacher, to understand that we can't force someone to do an asana on a UNIQUE way. Every body is different and this book explains it in a magnific way!

    Highly recommand it!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Sita Scholer
    August 13, 2019
    Good explanations, tips for teachers
    An awesome book about the uniqueness of each body and the yoga practice that can be done respecting each body with its own particular features!Very im...More
    An awesome book about the uniqueness of each body and the yoga practice that can be done respecting each body with its own particular features!
    Very important for regular practitioners and teachers to understand more what is a good yoga practice ( not just looks good)and also safe for your own body!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Arion Antônio Castro
    January 9, 2019
    Arion Castro
    primeiro capitulo riquíssimo para iniciantes. Uma pesquisa absurda, digna de admiração.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Yoga Nut
    January 9, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Where is the button for TEN STARS!?
    This book is for all practitioners and teachers of yoga, from all styles of yoga including; Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and more.Trust me, you need this book...More
    This book is for all practitioners and teachers of yoga, from all styles of yoga including; Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and more.
    Trust me, you need this book!
    And you also need “Your Spine Your Yoga”.
    Bernie’s books are required reading in many of my Yoga Training Prograns, and we are all truly lucky to have this resource!!!
    I cannot recommend this book enough!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Emily Lovelace
    December 24, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth it
    There is a lot of info in this book. Sometimes I’ve found yoga books like this to be standard cut & “find it on the internet” - this one is a grea...More
    There is a lot of info in this book. Sometimes I’ve found yoga books like this to be standard cut & “find it on the internet” - this one is a great read and worth the money
    Helpful? 0 0
    th
    December 8, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend
    Good book
    Helpful? 0 0
    Nicole C.
    October 28, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!
    Awesome book. Super informative!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Michelle Yau
    September 15, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars It is a valuable book to invest...
    I love this book as I learnt a lots especially Physiology from Bernie. Thank you so much!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Eliane.G.
    September 11, 2018
    Très bien expliqué!
    J'ai beaucoup aimé tous se que j,ai appris dans le livre, ça permet de mieux comprendre le corps humain et les différence chez chaque personnes.
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    L.L.
    September 11, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful book, teacher tips need to be found ...
    Very helpful book, teacher tips need to be found in all of one spot though instead of scattered throughout the book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    anthony lett
    September 4, 2018
    anatomical variation matters!
    Excellent and much needed. A must for every teacher of exercise and bodywork of any kind.
    Helpful? 0 0
    christopher drozd
    July 31, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent info
    Excellent info— dogma is easy to come by in yogic circles; real insight is rare. Bernie offers insight that is practical, useful for both yogi and yog...More
    Excellent info— dogma is easy to come by in yogic circles; real insight is rare. Bernie offers insight that is practical, useful for both yogi and yoga teacher.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Charles
    July 5, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Great illustrations and perspective.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Massimiliano Marsili
    June 27, 2018
    Interessante
    Libro interessante e fatto molto bene lo consiglio per studiare le varie asana dello yoga. Per chi si avvicina allo yoga potrebbe essere utile
    Helpful? 0 0
    Susan W
    February 5, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Beautifully written book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Croughs
    January 24, 2018
    Lien entre l'anatomie et les exercices de yoga qui lui conviennent le mieux
    Ce livre richement expliqué et illustré avec beaucoup de précision s'adresse à tout un chacun désireux de ne pratiquer que les exercices qui lui convi...More
    Ce livre richement expliqué et illustré avec beaucoup de précision s'adresse à tout un chacun désireux de ne pratiquer que les exercices qui lui conviennent au mieux suivant sa morphologie personnelle. Sachez toutefois que ce volume concerne la partie inférieure du corps, de la taille aux pieds. Deux volumes doivent encore paraître pour couvrir le reste du corps.
    Helpful? 0 0
    A. Smith
    December 27, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars After extensive strengthening “Basic Yoga” it appears I am now ready for the aggressive physical therapy that my doctor alluded with terms like myofasical. I believe that the doc and I ...
    Well written for the layman. In my particular case, I am practicing yoga upon my doctor’ s advice. After extensive strengthening “Basic Yoga” it appea...More
    Well written for the layman. In my particular case, I am practicing yoga upon my doctor’ s advice. After extensive strengthening “Basic Yoga” it appears I am now ready for the aggressive physical therapy that my doctor alluded with terms like myofasical. I believe that the doc and I will be able to communicate, without me having to attend medical school, intern, residency etc. We all like to talk about what we do, this solves the case when who you are talking to really matters.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Marion
    November 30, 2017
    me ayuda a mejorar las clases que doy
    Es muy buen libro de referencia para una mejor planeación de clases de yoga, ya que me hizo comprender mediante información científica y diagramas, la...More
    Es muy buen libro de referencia para una mejor planeación de clases de yoga, ya que me hizo comprender mediante información científica y diagramas, las diferencias que hay entre las personas con respecto a su constitución específica.
    Helpful? 0 0
    V
    October 17, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    A must read for every yoga instructor.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Vanessa Redford
    October 12, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Yoga teachers need to read this!
    Finally! Someone who doesn’t expect every yoga student to have an abundance of flexibility. This is a real guide for real people and answers the quest...More
    Finally! Someone who doesn’t expect every yoga student to have an abundance of flexibility. This is a real guide for real people and answers the questions for those who have spent years “stretching” but still have limited flexibility. This needs to be in every yoga teacher training program!
    Helpful? 0 0
    William Mirabella
    October 6, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    The best book to learn biomechanics of yoga. I makes you feel to deepen teaching and practice.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Judith Allen
    September 16, 2017
    Useful, excellent and difficult
    Excellent. I am 70 years old and only started to exercise five years ago. Part of this journey has been learning more about muscles and bones. Anot...More
    Excellent. I am 70 years old and only started to exercise five years ago. Part of this journey has been learning more about muscles and bones. Another part has been a practice that involves different types of exercise, from weight training, through swimming, pilates and yoga. I started with simpler anatomy books and apps. This is the latest and most complex book I am using in this journey . . . and it is well worth it. I have learned to listen to my body (thanks to the confidence my trainer has given me). This book is now helping me think through whether the problems I am now trying to solve are a consequence of not yet having enough muscular strength or are specific to my own body's structure. (The simpler books don't really address this question.) This book is the first of two volumes, and only covers up to your waist (feet, knees, hips). Volume 2, I understand completes the picture and I will look forward to using it in future as well. The book is aimed at teachers, not students, so not for those who are put off by its technical precision, or who are just beginning their personal practice. The illustrations carry the argument, in any case.
    Helpful? 0 0
    California Mom
    September 14, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific anatomy book.
    I can't speak highly enough to recommend this book. I teach yoga anatomy and this is one of my top five favorites. Anyhow, it's a great book for teac...More
    I can't speak highly enough to recommend this book. I teach yoga anatomy and this is one of my top five favorites. Anyhow, it's a great book for teachers and students of yoga. Bernie is a wonderfully gifted teacher. He really breaks down anatomical issues making functional anatomy a reasonable adventure. Thank you Bernie! Can I be your groupie?
    Helpful? 0 0
    Cheryl Case
    August 11, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Phenomenal asset for yogi's
    Helpful? 0 0
    Sita Ji
    August 3, 2017
    Fantastic book or the serious student and or yoga teacher ...
    Fantastic book or the serious student and or yoga teacher who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of the uniqueness that each body offers when teach...More
    Fantastic book or the serious student and or yoga teacher who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of the uniqueness that each body offers when teaching asana.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Deanna Aliano
    August 3, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource.
    Excellent resource for teachers and students, alike. Invaluable. Will make you feel so much better about your yoga practice.
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    Josh Summers
    July 9, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Copernican Revolution of Yoga Alignment
    Hands down, THIS is the most significant book on the execution of yoga postures in print. Many years ago, Paul Grilley, quietly began introducing the ...More
    Hands down, THIS is the most significant book on the execution of yoga postures in print. Many years ago, Paul Grilley, quietly began introducing the implications of skeletal variation to the yoga world. In many ways, this was a Copernican Revolution, upending a deeply entrenched cognitive bias that said the correctness and safety of a yoga posture could be determined by the trained eye of a teacher. The assumption within this paradigm was simply that everyone had the same skeleton, and that any limitation in a yogi's capacity to achieve or execute a posture was due to 'tightness' in their soft tissues. Well, not so fast. In exposing the truth of skeletal variation and its implications, we now know, thanks to Paul's early work, that soft tissue tension is only half the story. The shape, orientation, length, and angle of your bones also influences how and to what degree you can move.

    In the wake of this understanding, a new paradigm of Functional Alignment has emerged, soon - hopefully - to obviate the pernicious legacy of Aesthetic Alignment. Functional Alignment is based on the principle of aligning the body in a way that is functionally optimal to the unique conditions of the individual. Aesthetic Alignment is based on the principle of organizing the body in ways that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye (right angles, parallel lines).

    Bernie Clark's book, "Your Body, Your Yoga," is the proverbial Bible of this new movement, and the full-throated culmination of Grilley's pioneering work. Clark details in systematic exactitude how and why physical variation will influence how somebody will be able to do or NOT do a particular asana in a given way.

    But yogis be warned: inevitably, learning and applying the information contained within this book will require you to question and, likely, unlearn much of what you were taught during your previous yoga training. This will not be comfortable. The struggle to integrate the insights of this book will not be easy. Cherished teaching cues will be exposed for the imperfect approximations that they are. But the rewards are equally rich.

    Once integrated, you will be able to practice and teach in a significantly more sophisticated and nuanced way. And as a teacher you will become less an authority on what the student should LOOK LIKE while doing yoga and more of a collaborative facilitator, coaching your students to make wiser choices for themselves with regards to what alignment considerations make most sense.

    In my Yin Yoga teacher trainings, "Your Body, Your Yoga" is the core text for unlocking the complexity of human variation. Thank you, Bernie Clark, for your work and the brilliant clarity by which you convey it.
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    Patti Barnes
    June 17, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Very insightful and helpful.
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    Kathleen M. Hirsh
    June 17, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read for instructors
    Extremely comprehensive. An excellent read for instructors. Thought provoking
    Helpful? 0 0
    Anita S. Duvall
    June 17, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoy going back and rereading it
    This book contains more information than I can take in at one go. I enjoy going back and rereading it. The pictures and graphs are amazing. I can't wa...More
    This book contains more information than I can take in at one go. I enjoy going back and rereading it. The pictures and graphs are amazing. I can't wait for the next volume.
    Helpful? 0 0
    AMC
    May 18, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    With this book, I understand my body even more in my yoga practice
    Helpful? 0 0
    Danielle
    April 24, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Very insightful
    Helpful? 0 0
    MaryJ
    April 15, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book has it all.
    This book has it all and keeps each yogi safe and informed. A fantastic guide for yoga instructors - it should be require reading in every Yoga Teache...More
    This book has it all and keeps each yogi safe and informed. A fantastic guide for yoga instructors - it should be require reading in every Yoga Teacher Training.
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    Carolyn L. Anderson
    April 1, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of information - clearly presented
    Look at a group of people walking down the street. Some have long thin legs, others short and muscular - some have long torsos others are short waist...More
    Look at a group of people walking down the street. Some have long thin legs, others short and muscular - some have long torsos others are short waisted. So, would the same yoga poses be helpful for these different body types? This book explains what is appropriate for different body structures.
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    Leonessa
    March 23, 2017
    I cannot recommend this book enough
    I cannot recommend this book enough. As a yoga teacher who is not "flexible" (not instagram pictures coming from me ..), i thought i owe it to myself ...More
    I cannot recommend this book enough. As a yoga teacher who is not "flexible" (not instagram pictures coming from me ..), i thought i owe it to myself and to my students to know why. So after doing lots of research I came across this book and I read, studied and it has been my bible ever since. It has definitely changed the way I teach, made a much better teacher. And also changed my practice. thank you Bernie (who i hope to meet one day... if I go on the other side od the pond!).
    Helpful? 0 0
    Andrina Tisi
    March 22, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Love all the wisdom and knowledge that is shared in this book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Celeste Odiakachi
    March 22, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reviews are positive
    I've read great reviews about this book. I am looking forward to reading it.
    Helpful? 0 0
    M. Ryan
    March 22, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Yoga Teachers
    A much-needed perspective for anyone who practices or teaches (especially!) yoga. I cringe every time I hear an instructor teach like every body can d...More
    A much-needed perspective for anyone who practices or teaches (especially!) yoga. I cringe every time I hear an instructor teach like every body can do everything. I used to think I was doing postures "wrong" until I had a great teacher (and studio owner) encourage trying to achieve the purpose of the posture, not the ideal. She changed the perspective of my practice. Books like this one hopefully only serve to continue to educate others and cultivate a sense of compassion that is needed when teaching yoga.
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    Jan L Edmonds
    March 13, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Get It, Keep it, Use it
    Like other reviews suggest this is an encyclopedia of information. It is a tremendous resource for teachers and students that want to visualize the b...More
    Like other reviews suggest this is an encyclopedia of information. It is a tremendous resource for teachers and students that want to visualize the best procedures and methodology to proper yoga practice and any other physical sport or exercise.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Marilyn
    March 6, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide for yoga teachers and students
    A clearly written guide to "my" body and "yours." The illustrations, charts, sidebars are quite helpful; I especially appreciate the "Notes to Teache...More
    A clearly written guide to "my" body and "yours." The illustrations, charts, sidebars are quite helpful; I especially appreciate the "Notes to Teachers" and the optional-to-read anatomical information in the "It's Complicated" sidebars. It's great to have a yoga guide that recognizes and speaks to the countless variations in the human anatomy. Am eager for the following volumes to become available!
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    Tessie Travels
    February 26, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    enjoying the information, will be purchasing the others once I finish this one.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Adrea Taryn
    February 16, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book
    I love this book. I love this book. I love this book. I love this book. I love this book. I love this book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Dolly
    February 1, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Very required reading
    An excellent read for every yoga teacher and yoga practice. A definite addition to your yoga library.
    Helpful? 0 0
    LindaKay
    January 23, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book
    Love this book...I teach yoga and this has helped me in my teaching. Very grateful to Bernie for this information.
    Helpful? 0 0
    BDM
    January 3, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!!!
    As a yoga teacher, I find this book extremely valuable! I highly recommend it to any student serious about yoga & a must read for any yoga inst...More
    As a yoga teacher, I find this book extremely valuable! I highly recommend it to any student serious about yoga & a must read for any yoga instructor!
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    Balanced View
    December 12, 2016
    A major work Of yoga.
    This book carefully and comprehensively sets out what limits us anatomically from performing any particular asana. His detailed knowledge of anatomy ...More
    This book carefully and comprehensively sets out what limits us anatomically from performing any particular asana. His detailed knowledge of anatomy helps the yoga teacher and student from injuring himself or herself and setting realistic goals for the practice of asana. I would rate this book as the most important work of the physical practice of yoga since Light on Yoga was published in 1966
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    Julia S. Johnson
    December 12, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this! I discovered Bernie Clark streaming online and ...
    Love this! I discovered Bernie Clark streaming online and was really interested to learn about adapting my practice to the particular limitations of m...More
    Love this! I discovered Bernie Clark streaming online and was really interested to learn about adapting my practice to the particular limitations of my body. It simply isn't true that anyone can do any pose to any extreme with enough effort, and I've spent enough years of my life feeling like a failure because I couldn't achieve some appearance of a pose. This explains so much physiology as it relates to yoga- "what stops you?" is excellently explained. Really grateful for this one!
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    J. Schweitzer
    November 25, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm completely fascinated by this book
    I'm completely fascinated by this book. Never in my life would I have thought that reading about tendons, ligaments, fascia, muscles, etc. would be so...More
    I'm completely fascinated by this book. Never in my life would I have thought that reading about tendons, ligaments, fascia, muscles, etc. would be so interesting. Definitely is helping me enjoy my yoga practice more.
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    Roberta Kelinson
    November 2, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
    Perfect addition to my library of yoga books.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Zoomerang
    November 1, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great tips and explanations
    Am fairly new to yoga and I found this book to be very helpful to understanding poses and flow- the science behind the muscle movement and why we all ...More
    Am fairly new to yoga and I found this book to be very helpful to understanding poses and flow- the science behind the muscle movement and why we all achieve poses differently as individuals. Great tips and explanations. Can be a bit dense and scientific- interesting to me but I think my medical background helped me understand the complicated passages. Might be confusing for others although I could tell the author took care to write at an accessible level. Thank you Mr. Clark for putting this all together- not an easy task.
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    Y Skoryk
    October 25, 2016
    if your body is not perfect, this book will help - not to create a perfect body, but to avoid possible injuries from yoga
    Very useful and easy to read in Kindle app! There are detailed instructions on how to perform a particular asana - but no pretty photos or sequences. ...More
    Very useful and easy to read in Kindle app! There are detailed instructions on how to perform a particular asana - but no pretty photos or sequences. This is a 'technical' book, if you're a curious yoga student and would like to know more about asana safety, you'll enjoy the read. Perfect for student yoga teachers. Also this book is not instructing you to do a particular asana having in mind a goal you may strive to achieve; such as, thus asana is helpful for weight loss, this one is for relaxation, etc. Instead you'll find out how to protect your knees in a Chair pose, for example. This book is like a collection of answers to many common questions that yoga students woukd like to ask their teacher after the class.
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    Akaijen
    October 7, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars this book couldn't have arrived at a better time. It's not an anatomy atlas as most ...
    In light of the growing popularity of yoga and the rise of injuries in the yoga room, this book couldn't have arrived at a better time. It's not an a...More
    In light of the growing popularity of yoga and the rise of injuries in the yoga room, this book couldn't have arrived at a better time. It's not an anatomy atlas as most yoga anatomy books are, but rather a comprehensive examination of how our structural anatomy *works* and how our unique variations impact a practice. He provides invaluable advice for ascertaining in your own body what feels appropriate and even how to spot trouble in your students. I recently taught an anatomy intensive based in large part on my studies with Bernie's teacher Paul Grilley and the information provided in this book. The students, mostly teachers, were completely blown away as so much of this material isn't covered in a typical yoga TT. Indeed, I think much of the information would be completely new to even long-time teachers. My copy is already well worn as I keep going back to it again and again.

    While Bernie does a fantastic job of keeping the material readable, it's very dense. I think this book would be a bit over the head of a lot of average yoga practitioners who don't already have an inner body geek. But that shouldn't stop anyone serious about practicing for life to give it a go. I can't wait until the other volumes arrive.
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    Sarah
    September 19, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful addition to the yogi toolbox
    A wonderful addition to the yogi toolbox. I would recommend this to anyone interested in expanding your knowledge of yoga.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Christine Stump
    August 9, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Title says it all!
    Terrific guide for students and teachers alike with great examples, clear explanation and tons of support for those of us who have never felt like we ...More
    Terrific guide for students and teachers alike with great examples, clear explanation and tons of support for those of us who have never felt like we had the "yoga body." It's true - every body is a yoga body, we just need to adapt yoga to the body. Great book!
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    Judy
    August 1, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Excellent book for anyone practicing and/or teaching yoga.
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    LESLIE MONTANO
    August 1, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ever wonder why you can't do that yoga pose?
    Excellent book. Explains in depth why our bodies are so different and why we can't all be super flexi yogis. This can be read as a simple overview to ...More
    Excellent book. Explains in depth why our bodies are so different and why we can't all be super flexi yogis. This can be read as a simple overview to help you develop your own practice or an in depth manual to delve deep into anatomy for yoga teaching. Bernie Clark explains it all. The book made me feel more confident in following my own body queues instead of trying to force myself to do what the person on the other mat is doing. A must for anyone who practices yoga.
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    Pjt
    July 9, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    buy it
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    Lisa
    June 22, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have. You're Welcome.
    Bernie's book "Your Body, Your Yoga" is essential to have for anyone who is interested in learning about their body -- from yoga practitioners, yoga t...More
    Bernie's book "Your Body, Your Yoga" is essential to have for anyone who is interested in learning about their body -- from yoga practitioners, yoga teachers, fitness instructors, movement lovers.... this must be on the top of your must read list. This book will deepen the relationship you have with your body and help you revisit your "goal-fixations" in your practice and relax your own attitude about your own practice. This will take you to a new level of understanding about the mechanics of YOUR OWN body and what works the BEST for YOU. The book is easy to read -- with wonderful illustrations and easy-to-understand examples. Thank you Bernie for your contributions to the yoga/body movement field.
    Lisa Jang, Yin Yoga Practitioner and Teacher Faculty at The Yoga Company, San Ramon, CA and Just Breathe {Yoga} Rivermark, Santa Clara, CA
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    M. PM
    June 13, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful yoga anatomy manual
    This book is really wonderful. I'm currently in a yoga teaching program and it has been immensely helpful for my understanding of different human bone...More
    This book is really wonderful. I'm currently in a yoga teaching program and it has been immensely helpful for my understanding of different human bone structures. Bernie Clark is a very engaging author. :)
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    Yvette Hamaya
    June 13, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars a must
    Finally, a book that clearly and very entertainingly explains the difference between tension and compression and the beautiful differences of our bodi...More
    Finally, a book that clearly and very entertainingly explains the difference between tension and compression and the beautiful differences of our bodies. If you practice Yoga it is a must read and if you teach Yoga it is a MUST MUST read.
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    Lee Foster
    May 12, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Masterful in the detail
    Masterful in the detail , offering information and a better understanding of the range of motion for body types and variations that every yoga instruc...More
    Masterful in the detail , offering information and a better understanding of the range of motion for body types and variations that every yoga instructor and yoga student can benefit from. We have added Your Body Your Yoga to our Yoga Teacher Training program to supplement our anatomy training and posture clinics. Thank you, Bernie Clark, for pouring your heart and soul into the extensive research you conducted and taking the time to organize this material to educate us all. Sincerely, Lee Foster - The Yoga Oasis - Charlotte, NC
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    Yogini Kari
    May 3, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you want one yoga anatomy book THIS IS IT!
    I have taught the anatomy sections of yoga teacher trainings for many years, often as a guest instructor, and I've never found a book that I thought w...More
    I have taught the anatomy sections of yoga teacher trainings for many years, often as a guest instructor, and I've never found a book that I thought was an ideal text for students/new teachers until this book. This book is exceptionally well-written in three ways: it is easy to read, using language that is approachable and easily understandable by a wide range of readers, it is evidence-based with clear descriptions about how and why each assertion is reasonable (with citations), and the text is enjoyable, with personality and character.

    Bernie Clark has a way of describing the facts of anatomy, which are rarely cut and dry, without inventing a host of new vocabulary that prevents the reader from cross-referencing or additional reading. He draws together many different traditions and has quite clearly outlined what I think is most essential for new teachers and practitioners to understand about their bodies. I highly recommend any yogi and every yoga instructor read this book.
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    Juju
    May 2, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    A-MA-ZING!!!
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    geok.
    April 30, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Its a good book.
    Its a good book...lots to learn from it. I went and bought the Kindle version as well...to make it more portable. (the original book is rather big &am...More
    Its a good book...lots to learn from it. I went and bought the Kindle version as well...to make it more portable. (the original book is rather big & heavy!)
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    nerdreader
    April 19, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must have anatomy book for yoga enthusiasts and teachers
    This book is so needed for the yoga community! Thank you Bernie, for writing such an important companion to the practice. This book helps move us beyo...More
    This book is so needed for the yoga community! Thank you Bernie, for writing such an important companion to the practice. This book helps move us beyond how the pose looks and supports a deeper understanding of creating a practice that honors one's own body and unique variations. This marks a great step in busting the myths that every practice must look the same or achieve some visual ideal. A great triumph for honoring a functional - rather than aesthetic - practice.
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    tim
    April 19, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference
    Love the book and the authors. Great reference if you are practicing Yin in all levels. Also , highly recommended to all yogis in different traditions...More
    Love the book and the authors. Great reference if you are practicing Yin in all levels. Also , highly recommended to all yogis in different traditions.
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    Lanier Cordell
    April 19, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for everyone who practices or teaches yoga.
    Whether you are a yoga teacher or someone who practices yoga, this enlightening book will provide so much Useful information that is guaranteed to red...More
    Whether you are a yoga teacher or someone who practices yoga, this enlightening book will provide so much Useful information that is guaranteed to reduce your frustrations. It will help you to understand how the vastly different ways human joints are constructed and how that uniqueness makes every yoga practice a personal practice determined by your individual body. This book will help you to appreciate your uniqueness and to embrace the fact that your body determines the shape of your pose, the pose never determines the shape of your body.
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    Stefanie Arend
    April 12, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a masterpiece and a must-have for anybody who works with the body
    This book will revolutionize the way of practicing and teaching yoga, it is for sure going to be the next yoga bible by Bernie Clark! It is an incredi...More
    This book will revolutionize the way of practicing and teaching yoga, it is for sure going to be the next yoga bible by Bernie Clark! It is an incredible treasure and it will help everybody to truly understand the essence of yoga and break down any dogmatic approach which practitioners or teachers might have about it. Reading this masterpiece felt to me like being able to enjoy a teacher training with the outstanding teachers Paul Grilley and Bernie Clark as well as other wonderful guest teachers such as Robert Schleip, Gil Hedley or Tom Myers which are offering new insights. I bow in deep gratitude to all of them for sharing their knowledge and wisdom with us.
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    Kerry Treichel
    April 6, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book in yoga EVER!
    One of the most comprehensive books on yoga. I have a library full and this book is exponentially one of the best. Filled with anatomy, wonderful sect...More
    One of the most comprehensive books on yoga. I have a library full and this book is exponentially one of the best. Filled with anatomy, wonderful sections on teacher notes... I could go on and on!
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    yogamomma
    April 5, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars longtime yoga teacher's review; EXCELLENT!
    I've only had this book a few days but already LOVE it, good reading especially if you are a teacher. I find myself keeping a highlighter close at han...More
    I've only had this book a few days but already LOVE it, good reading especially if you are a teacher. I find myself keeping a highlighter close at hand to highlight things that really speak to me or that I want to divulge further into. I've often found that so many books regurgitate the same info , just a million different ways, not this book. It's fresh, good info, love that he is speaking to the importance of fascia and challenging some of the "traditional" cues we hear repeated over and over again, that could and should be broken apart and understood better and conveyed better. This will stay in my yoga library for sure!
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    Integral Anatomy Productions, LLC
    March 30, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Instant Classic
    Bernie Clark has done the world in general, and the yoga world in particular, a tremendous service in producing this book. It is as thorough in it's s...More
    Bernie Clark has done the world in general, and the yoga world in particular, a tremendous service in producing this book. It is as thorough in it's scope as it is excellent in its content. What I love about it personally is that he has systematically accounted for anatomical variation, and therefore my/your body specifically, as a beginning principle for practice. His approach is consequently functional from the start, as opposed to generic, leaving you to figure out where you might fit in. Integral Anatomy also starts with variation, and specific examples, as the reality to be dealt with from the beginning: we need not apologize for not fitting into idealizations and averages when it comes to anatomy or yoga. Idealizations and averages are for nobody. This book is for somebody! You and me!! I feel indebted to Bernie, and his mentor Paul Grilley of Yin Yoga, for both sharing these insights, promoting an anatomically functional, personal approach to yoga, and for reminding us it is ok to do what feels right and matches our intent, rather than pushing what merely looks good, at risk of wear, tear, potential injury, and the exclusion of many potential practitioners. Gil Hedley, Ph.D., Director, Integral Anatomy Productions, LLC, producer, The Integral Anatomy Series.
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    Pinchamayurasana
    March 29, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars He's done it again!
    Bernie's book is readable, well organized and extremely useful for both yoga practitioners and teachers. Understanding bone structure limitations as ...More
    Bernie's book is readable, well organized and extremely useful for both yoga practitioners and teachers. Understanding bone structure limitations as well as tensile limitations is crucial for anyone interested in a yoga asana practice. There is no other book available that I know of that encourages this kind of critical thinking and applies it so well to practice. There has been a lot of controversy around the benefits and potential dangers of yoga practice. After reading this book, you'll be much better equipped to engage that conversation.
    Daniel Clement - Director of Training, Open Source Yoga.
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    K. Lawlor
    March 29, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Resource For Teachers
    This book is a wonderful compilation of information on skeletal variability, body mechanics, anatomy and kinesiology as it directly applies to Yoga po...More
    This book is a wonderful compilation of information on skeletal variability, body mechanics, anatomy and kinesiology as it directly applies to Yoga poses. It is a very clear resource on how Yoga poses could and should be modified for students based on their particular anatomy. I think it is an essential resource for anyone who desires to teach Yoga and who wishes to help their students understand how to practice Yoga in ways that stimulate and heal their body.
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    Valerie S. Hesslink
    March 28, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars I feel that I was extremely fortunate to learn from and take a yoga teacher training ...
    As a yoga teacher who does teach a lot of Yin intended yoga, I am always eager to read and learn from Bernie Clark. I have only had this book for a fe...More
    As a yoga teacher who does teach a lot of Yin intended yoga, I am always eager to read and learn from Bernie Clark. I have only had this book for a few hours but I have been completely absorbed in the books content. It is well organized and I can read parts or a large section when I delve in. I feel that I was extremely fortunate to learn from and take a yoga teacher training that placed emphasis on alignment from within and this book has already deepened my understanding of some of these concepts and reaffirmed the gifts that were planted a couple years ago! Thank you Bernie for this wonderful book!! I look forward to referencing it often!
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