Functional Anatomy of Yoga

Functional Anatomy of Yoga is a full-colour illustrated exploration of the body in motion during yoga practice.

This book examines anatomical patterns and body mechanics in specific asanas, such as forward bends, twists, external hip rotations, arm balances, and back bends, to inspire confidence in students, deepen practice, and prevent injury. It provides detailed images and photos overlaid with anatomical diagrams, allowing you to see clearly what is happening within each asana discussed.

David Keil explores how various yoga postures interrelate from the perspective of functional anatomy. In this full-colour illustrated guide, he brings the anatomy of the body in yoga asanas to life. Writing in an accessible, conversational tone, he outlines how practitioners and yoga teachers alike can utilise a deeper understanding of their anatomy and its movement and function to deepen their yoga practice, increase confidence, prevent injury, and better understand their students and their challenges.

Providing detailed images and photos overlaid with anatomical diagrams, Keil shows how the muscles, joints, tendons, and structure of the body work together to support integrated movement. He discusses the basics of functional anatomy, exploring the workings of the foot and ankle, the knee, the hip joint, the pelvis and SI joint, the spine, the shoulder, and the hand, wrist, and elbow.

He examines anatomical patterns and body mechanics in specific asanas, such as forward bends, twists, external hip rotations, arm balances, and back bends. For example, he explains how a wide-legged forward bend shifts the position of the femur and the pelvis, allowing students with tight hamstrings to accomplish a deep forward bend—something they struggle with when the legs are together. Keil also shows how various yoga postures interrelate from the perspective of functional anatomy.

Revealing in detail how everything in the body is connected and how your anatomy functions holistically during yoga practice, this book helps you to understand the body better and connect and integrate yoga postures in a completely new way.