The Key Muscles of Yoga: Scientific Keys, Volume I Paperback – Illustrated, November 1, 2009

This should be a must read for all yoga instructors. If you don't know and understand the muscle structure of the body, then you shouldn't be teaching yoga. Clear, precise and so much information, along with excellent illustrations.

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!!!!

Interesting book about muscles used in yoga. People who do yoga would probably like it.

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.

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.

Book arrived beat up and bent.

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.

Great for yoga instructors and anyone wanting to learn about anatomy and alignment.