Loren Fishman

A delightful book that instead of just giving a prescription, gives the background information needed for deeper understanding. Not only the how, but background into the area that this pose "treats", but each chapter starts with an explanation about the area of the body being "treated." Variations are shown for those unable to attain the full pose.

Of particular interest are comments on conventional scoliosis treatments, and the success that they have had treating scoliosis by strengthening show more the convex side.

Highly recommended, even if Arthritis is a foreign word to you. show less

Yoga practice has been an integral part of my life for a number of years. So I was heartbroken when newly diagnosed with Osteopenia to be warned that some Yoga poses could be dangerous. I came to Fishman and Saltonstall to learn which poses are safe to continue.

And the book ably serves that function. I now have a good idea which poses should be avoided (forward bends that allow curvature of the spine). However I find their suggestion that forward bends are possible as long as the spine is show more held straight to be alarming. That is so much more difficult than it sounds.

One of the major advantages of a good Yoga instructor is that students are taught which poses loosen muscles and provide flexibility for more difficult poses. Students may do several simple poses in order to prepare their bodies for the flexibility and strength needed for more difficult poses. Not of that is provided here. Nor are the usual Yoga warm up poses included.

Which leads me to conclude that this is not a good way to begin the practice of Yoga, which is far more complex than the text suggests. show less

Ellen Saltonstall is a master at description. The book has a solid approach showing modifications for many levels of flexibility. A great addition for yoga teachers everywhere

This is a book to use* and not to just read. I was looking for a book that would tell me something about which poses would be safe and this mostly answers that need. The first part deals with osteoporosis, what it is and what the treatment options are and is quite informative and, I feel, valuable. The rest of the book gives the reader a routine of yoga poses appropriate to their current condition. The first variation of each pose is for osteoporosis, the second for osteopenia, and the third show more for prevention (for those who do not yet have a problem). There are detailed instructions and photos as well as contra-indications for each pose. The only failing I see so far is that the authors did not emphasize a mild warm-up routine as much as I would have liked. show less