Yoga Myths: What You Need to Learn and Unlearn for a Safe and Healthy Yoga Practice

Yoga teacher Lasater (Restore and Rebalance) tackles a number of “yoga myths” in this lucid and instructive guide. Whether discussing standing poses, twists, forward bends, backbends, or inversions, Lasater focuses on anatomy (which can be dense reading for newbies) and observes that “alignment and ease are always more important in asana practice than an ambitious, increased, and forced range of movement.” In the first chapter, “It’s All About the Curves,” Lasater warns against the familiar prompt to “tuck the tailbone.” Likewise, in “Saving Your Neck” she asks if she can “respectfully suggest” that students discard neck rolls, which serve no discernible purpose and may cause harm. In general, she writes, “we always suffer when we go against our body’s intelligence,” adding, “Your hip joint is smarter than you.” Lasater also addresses practicing yoga safely during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, and emphasizes the calming and essential role of the concluding Deep Relaxation Pose. This wise and detailed guidebook (accompanied by black-and-white photos) will help students and teachers alike to remember to listen to their bodies and practice yoga with awareness. (Aug.)