BOOK REVIEW:

Structural Yoga
Therapy Charts

by
Mukunda Stiles

Publisher: Samuel Weiser Inc.

Reviewed by Marie T. Russell  

Having recently taken up yoga again, after being away from it for 20 years, I was happy to have these laminated wall charts to help me in my practice. However, these charts can be useful not just for yoga students, but also for warm-up exercises for any other fitness program.

There are three sets of charts. The first set "Joint-Freeing Series" consists of two pages of a total of 21 exercises that could be used as a warm-up routine to yoga, weight-lifting, running, etc. They basically focus on moving the joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, spine, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck. They are very easy and simple to follow. I have found them a great way to "wake up the body" at the beginning of the day, as well as to re-energize in the middle of a long day. These joint-freeing exercises really have nothing to do with yoga, thus can be used by anyone, even those without any basic yoga experience.

The second set of charts consists of 4 pages of yoga poses (asanas). As with any yoga postures, taking classes is always a good way to start so you can make sure you are applying the principles correctly, however, the charts are a great tool to continue your practice at home, or if you have yoga experience, they're a great tool to refresh your memory. After taking yoga again for a few months, I use the charts at home to help me follow a regular routine of postures. 

The drawings are simple line drawings making it easy to see the outline of the yoga posture. There are a total of 24 basic yoga postures shown. When I brought these to my yoga teacher, he commented that they were good basic poses. As a matter of fact, they were many of the poses that I learnt in the two months of classes I have attended.

The third set of charts consists of two pages showing the muscular system - anterior and posterior view. This is a good tool, to use with the yoga posture charts, since the author specifies which muscle the posture is working. It is helpful to be able to look at the muscular system and see exactly which muscle you should be feeling as you stretch into the posture.

Another benefit of the muscular chart is that you can use it "in reverse". By identifying a muscle that you know needs work, as in the case of an injury, you can then refer to the yoga postures charts to find the proper posture to work that muscle.

Yoga and stretching (as in the joint-freeing exercises) is a great way to attain flexibility of body and of mind. It helps you regain a certain peace of mind, since the exercises are slow, peaceful, and serene... If you're looking for a simple way to incorporate fitness in your life, I recommend these charts as a good place to start.