Great blend of Yoga and Weight Lifting
By KJ
Once you get past the “dummies” title, this book is stellar! Many of us have tried Yoga and / or lifted weights in the gym. I used to be one of those Yogis that kept the two practices separate, but Sherri Baptiste and Megan Scott, PhD have brought these two practices together in perfect harmony. I like the specificity of merging breath and movement, not only the physical lifting of weights (1-3 pound hand weights) while in authentic Yoga postures, but with concentration on the muscles being used. The pictures are very helpful so that you can check your alignment. Caveat: this is part of the Dummies series, so don’t expect a glossy coffee table book. This book is meant to be dog-eared with your regular in-depth practice, one you refer to again and again. I have tabs all over mine so I can revisit my favorites, such as Side Plank and Half Moon in Chapter 10 - the Strengthening Workout. Tip: the ankle weights make such a difference so make sure you use these. There are many kinds out there and the sand-filled ones are the most comfortable. This book has LOTS of extras such as guidance on nutrition (Chapter 13) easy-to-understand anatomy (Chapter 15) and Exercises for Seniors (Chapter 18). You will begin to see and more importantly FEEL the difference in your body within a few weeks.
Good Intro
By Tiamoanchio
The book is good, gives you lots of tips and precautions. My biggest complaint is I would like the Sanskrit names of positions. Yes I realize the weights modify a pose but it’s something I am interested in. I also really like to flow my practice, and this book offers several practices for different goals, but I have to adjust to create my own flow. Otherwise, it’s like moving from one position to the next without beauty and grace, which is one of my favorite parts of vinyassa yoga.
Boston, MA
J. S. Yoga Teacher
“I’m now practicing and teaching Baptiste Method of Yoga with Weights™. I feel like my arms are getting stronger in a way they never did before, and my balancing poses are so much stronger and steady! Now I’m not afraid to teach balancing poses any more. The weights really helped me focus on the structure of the poses. The skeletal aspect of the poses — the foundation…”
Yoga Life Journey
On its own, yoga is a great strength and flexibility workout; add weights and it becomes an express ticket to sleek, defined muscles and increased stamina. Sometimes called yoga sculpt, sculpting yoga, or yoga muscle, yoga with weights combines hatha yoga series with 1, 3, or 5 pound hand-held and/or ankle weights. While the weights require added exertion, they also act as guides, engaging the correct muscle groups and forcing your limbs to work together to balance. Practicing yoga with weights instills an awareness of how your body is meant to move.
See full write-up: yogalifejourney.com
