Cool Yoga Tricks

December 1, 2003
Many people wonder, "How can I ever perform yoga postures?" Austin's third book (after Yoga for Wimps and Meditation for Wimps) demonstrates more than 100 techniques that may enable participants to execute traditional postures that could be too difficult to perform without various props. By using wooden blocks, yoga mats, bolsters, walls, chairs, benches, straps, and other people, students can extend their bodies' capabilities to perform these asanas safely with proper body alignment and control while enjoying the health and psychological benefits that these poses have to offer. The instructions are clear, and the numerous black-and-white photographs are easy to follow. Both yoga teachers and students can apply Austin's techniques to their routines as a way to progress comfortably toward what could have been an unattainable goal. Her user-friendly book supplements works that describe how to perform basic yoga postures and would be serviceable in both public and academic libraries wishing to expand their collections on this topic.-Deborah Broocker, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Dunwoody

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2003
This delightful book by the author of "Yoga for Wimps" (2000) is chock-full of practical techniques to help the average person safely perform yoga poses. Austin has studied Iyengar yoga for several years, a style of yoga that often uses props such as blocks, blankets, chairs, and walls to deepen the experience of classic poses. In this book Austin shows both new and experienced practitioners how to use yoga props and provides partner exercises to improve the performance of poses. Clear explanations and numerous photos demonstrate how to make poses easier or more challenging. Having survived various injuries, some caused by overaggressive teachers, Austin seeks to make yoga fun and safe. She encourages the reader to trust the wisdom of the body. Her enthusiasm is infectious--it's almost impossible to read the book without getting up and trying some of her "cool tricks." (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)