June 2006

Hatha Yoga Illustrated

by Martin L. Kirk, Brooke Boon, Daniel DiTuro
Human Kinetics Publishers Canada

“Hatha Yoga Illustrated makes the theory and practice of hatha and Anusara yoga accessible so that everyone can experience the healing, creative and empowering journey of self-practice. The section on various vinyasa sequences is a hard-to-find gem.”
Shiva Rea, Yoga instructor and writer for Yoga Journal

Experience the physical benefits and body awareness from hatha yoga—the most popular form of yoga today. Hatha Yoga Illustrated presents nearly 650 full-color photos to visually demonstrate 77 standard poses from hatha yoga that apply to all major hatha styles including Iyengar, Astanga, Anusara, and Bikram.

Individual poses are presented from start to finish, showing you how to achieve proper alignment and breathing to ensure challenging yet safe execution. The result is an increase in the effectiveness, both physically and mentally, you’ll experience with each pose. Several pose variations based on your personal preference, ability, and fitness level are also included.

Eleven sample yoga routines show how to assemble the poses into workouts that meet your specific time, difficulty, and intensity parameters. Colorful and comprehensive, Hatha Yoga Illustrated is organized for your ultimate convenience and use. Use it to guide your muscles, as well as your mind, and increase strength and stamina, reduce stress and anxiety, reduce blood pressure, and increase flexibility.

About the Author
Martin Kirk is an Anusara certified yoga instructor and a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. He has studied with John Friend, Anusara Yoga founder, since 1994. Kirk and his wife, Jordan, are owners and directors of teacher training for Yoga Village in Phoenix, Arizona. Kirk found his passion for yoga as a graduate student at Arizona State University, where he earned his master of science degree in biomedical engineering. He is a member of the Arizona Yoga Association and conducts yoga teacher trainings and workshops worldwide. Kirk lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife and coteacher, Jordan.

Brooke Boon is cofounder of Studio Om Yoga and Tai Chi in Phoenix, Arizona. She received her certification through Baptiste Power Yoga Institute and is a registered yoga teacher as well as a member of the Arizona Yoga Association. Her certification came after working with world-renowned master teacher Baron Baptiste. Boon’s teaching style is designed to promote stability, strength, and serenity as well as create hormonal and emotional balance. She specializes in power vinyasa and also instructs classes for mature adults, athletes, and expectant mothers, emphasizing that yoga is for everybody. Boon lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

Daniel DiTuro was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. He has worked as a mechanical engineer since 1980. His interest in photography began at the age of 10. In 1986 he started DiTuro Photography, specializing in commercial and portrait photography. After a shoulder injury, Daniel began practicing hatha yoga in 1999. Having discovered the therapeutic benefits of yoga, he began working on a series of photographs that evolved into The Yoga Project to introduce people to yoga and meditation. In addition to his work as a mechanical engineer and photographer, Daniel enjoys a variety of activities including traveling, hiking, writing, and cooking.

* Please note these reviews are written by individuals, and in no way reflects the view of Yoga in Canada.