Check It Out: Get in shape this year with yoga

Are you determined to keep your New Year’s resolutions and get in shape in 2012? Give yoga a try!

Practicing this ancient art will increase your body strength and flexibility, relax your mind, and energize your spirit. The Newport Beach Library has an impressive collection of yoga guides for people of different ages, sizes and fitness levels.

Get inspired to say “Om” with these and other books on all things yoga.

“Yoga: Awakening the Inner Body” by Donald Moyer:

Professional yoga teacher Donald Moyer has advocated the Iyengar method of yoga for the past 40 years. In the first two chapters, he demonstrates the different variations and alternatives of the Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) and the Salamba Sirsasana (headstand).

The second portion of this detailed text is devoted to six different practice sequences that address specific parts of the trunk and upper body. Readers are encouraged to modify poses to fit their individual needs.

“Yoga for Arthritis: the Complete Guide” by Loren Fishman and Ellen Saltonstall:

Anyone with arthritis who is considering starting a yoga program should read this book first. The authors present compelling evidence of how specific yoga poses can increase range of motion for people with arthritis and other physical limitations. This comprehensive resource includes 100 gentle yoga moves and more than 400 illustrations that combine the wisdom of the East with the knowledge of the West.

“Big Yoga: A Simple Guide for Bigger Bodies” by Meera Patricia Kerr:

Yoga expert Kerr developed the Big Yoga program by adapting traditional yoga poses and postures to comfortably accommodate plus-sized individuals. This user-friendly guide discusses the healthful and spiritual benefits of yoga, offers practical advice on equipment, and stresses the importance of a positive self-image. More than 40 different postures geared for larger bodies are provided, along with step-by-step instructions and photographs.

“Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood: Safe Practice for Expectant & New Mothers” by Geeta S. Iyengar:

Geeta, the daughter of yoga guru B.K.S Iyengar, meticulously advises women on how they can begin or modify their yoga routine prior to conception, during each trimester of pregnancy, and after delivery. This beautifully illustrated, indispensable resource offers precise instructions on recommended poses, pranayama breathing, proper anatomical alignment, and which asanas to avoid.

“Yoga Baby: Exercises to Help You Bond with Your Baby Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually” by DeAnsin Goodson Parker:

The author, a renowned wellness expert and child psychologist, teaches parents how to introduce their babies to yoga with gentle exercises designed for newborns through 2-year-olds. Even those with no previous yoga experience can easily learn the relaxing, stress-free methods outlined in this book.

“A Girl’s Guide to Yoga: Over 30 Poses to Practice Anywhere” by Jeanne Finestone:

This upbeat, informative guide is a must-read for any teenage girl interested in trying Hatha yoga. Finestone discusses the origins and health benefits of yoga, provides clear instructions on practicing asanas, and offers helpful advice on clothing, breathing, and meditation. Whimsical illustrations accompany the text, which will also appeal to a younger audience.

“YogaBand: An Exciting and Challenging New Yoga Workout” by Lisa M. Wolfe:

One of the most effective ways to maximize your yoga regimen is with an exercise resistance band. Certified personal trainer Lisa Wolfe shows readers how to increase balance, strength, and flexibility using resistance bands through specialized poses and routines.

A Newport Beach Public Library card is your ticket to these and other inspirational books on yoga. Hurry in today for the best selection!

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.