The Key Muscles of Yoga: Scientific Keys, Volume I
This book offers a scientific approach to understanding the practice of hatha yoga. Through four-color, three-dimensional illustrations of major muscles, tendons, and ligaments, Ray Long describes the practice and benefits of hatha yoga. Specific anatomical and physiological descriptions highlight the agonist, antagonist, and synergist muscles that come into play with each pose. Volume I of the series describes the key muscles of hatha yoga and how they are utilized. From beginners to experts, this book will become a constant companion.
Review
‘A Fascinating book and cleverly illustrated, making you curious to go back again and again to explore.’ — Yoga Magazine Feb 2010
About the Author
Ray Long, MD FRCSC, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and the founder of Bandha Yoga. He graduated from The University of Michigan Medical School with postgraduate training at Cornell University, McGill University, The University of Montreal, and Florida Orthopedic Institute.
Reviews of The Key Muscles of Yoga: Scientific Keys, Volume I
Review 1: An excellent reference
Review 2: Very clear, very thoughtful
This is one of the best gross muscular anatomy books I have found. The illustrations are excellent, the text clear. In particular, if you are a yoga practitioner, it will expose for you the muscles that are in tension, and those that should be in relaxation, in various poses. It is also valuable if you are curious about drawing the human figure.
It may be that the book is for physical or massage therapists, or yoga teachers, but it’s useful even for curious amateurs such as myself. It sits on our coffee table, I leaf through it every so often. Had I more time, I would work through the names and eventually memorize what moves this bag of skin and bones (and, of course, organs, nails, teeth and emotion). Even without, a hasty review can be helpful, as what’s noticed remains in memory for at least a 90-minute yoga session.