Three Magic Words for Long Term Results

A personal story from Brian...

Margaret is a VIP at Winter Garden Yoga and she I have been working together, privately, for about three months. During one of our sessions, Margaret shared some insight with me. I asked her to write her observations in her own words so that we could share it with the Winter Garden Yoga community.

"I’ve been taking kettlebell lessons for 14 weeks now and I’d like to share some observations about my journey. 

"The first month was tough and discouraging. Not in a physical sense, because Brian is very careful to teach proper alignment and he was patient enough to pace the lessons to keep me comfortable.

"The challenge was fitting a new activity into my already busy schedule, plus the mental aspect of learning something completely new. 

"The second month got easier because the once a week lesson was becoming routine, but I still faced challenges with carving out practice time at home. I started to feel a little better about my kettlebell form during the second month, and I had glimpses of improvement in the way I looked and felt, but it wasn't until the third month that I made it over the hump, so to speak.

"I am now proactive in finding practice time at home.

After 14 weeks of consistent practice, Margaret is leaner and free of neck and back pain.

"In the beginning I was fitting practice in when it was convenient, now I plan my schedule around my practice.

"My body is getting a little bit leaner. [My friends] are starting to notice [the physical changes from kettlebell and yoga practice] and ask me questions. I am also noticing an increase in strength when I’m doing normal household chores.

"The neck pain and lower back ache I’ve suffered from for years is just about gone. I am so grateful that I signed up for a six month package of classes. Had I not made that commitment I think I would have stopped during the discouraging, early days and not gotten to this place of confidence and optimism. Kettlebell has become a part of my life and I’m very grateful to Brian for his expertise, patience, and encouragement."

So what is Margaret's secret? How was she able to overcome her chronic neck and back pain? How was she able to become leaner and stronger? I believe it can be summarized into three magic words:

Give. It. Time.

So many of us are looking for a 'quick fix' and if we don't get it, we become discouraged, give up, and give ourselves permission to say, 'that didn't work.'

I want to encourage you to re-think the quick fix and invest in yourself for long term benefits. An ancient eastern proverb says, "The tortoise always wins."

Do you want results that will last?
Do you want to become lean?
Do you want to become strong?

Contact us now for a free, no obligation, consultation. We take your results very seriously and we provide individualized programs to suit your needs. Visit our website, download your FREE report, and contact us so that we can get you started!

All the best,

Brian

3 Steps to More Energy, Dr. Jason Littleton

WellSpring is smart, to the point, and packed with very easy to follow information

My friend, Dr. Jason Littleton (you may have seen him on the Dr. Oz Show) has out done himself. He's published some excellent material that is going to help you...

* Improve your energy levels
* Build your self esteem
* Teach you how to eat properly
* And quite possibly give you all the tools you need to live a longer life

In this review we'll be looking at his book: WellSpring: The Energy Secrets TO DO The Good Life.

WellSpring is smart, to the point, and packed with very easy to follow information. Trust me, I've invested twice as much for books that contain half as much material. It is definitely worth its price (keep reading for an exclusive offer). Dr. Jason Littleton writes in a conversational style that is very personable and easy to understand. And he covers everything you need to do, right now, to begin living a healthier life; both inside and out. The key to making so much material accessible is that Dr. Jason takes you through a series of progressions. That means you begin from the beginning and build layer upon layer until you have mastered each task to help you achieve elite levels of health and fitness.

Dr. Jason Littleton is a nationally known and respected physician, author,
and an advocate of Winter Garden Yoga.

Here’s what I mean…

Dr. Jason divides WellSpring into three sections: Inspiration, Concentration, and Execution. You start your health and fitness quest, first, by being inspired to do so. In this section Dr. Jason helps you identify your passion, the power of your words, and how to connect the dots to achieve your goals. The next step is concentration. This is where you learn to develop the ability to keep your eye on the prize and to “fly above the negative with positive thinking.” Finally, you will learn to execute healthy eating and exercise habits that will transform your life.

After reading WellSpring you will learn…

* How to break bad habits
* How to have energy, no matter what you’re facing
* How to create an elite nutrition plan
* Which exercise Dr. Jason feels is perfect… and why
* The Four Elite Laws of Health
* And so much more

What else can I say? WellSpring: The Energy Secrets TO DO The Good Life is a great book. I encourage you to visit Dr. Jason’s website, invest in your own copy, and begin feeling the benefits of WellSpring immediately.

And to sweeten the deal (and because Dr. Jason Littleton is an advocate of Winter Garden Yoga) use the code well20 for a 20% savings on the hard copy book. Act fast because this offer expires 12/31/13!

She Did What?!, Client of the Month

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features a client who has achieved amazing results with our guaranteed methods. We call this feature: Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break old, destructive habits and to rise higher than ever before.

This month we are proud to share Marita's story. How did she lose 26 pounds and drop at least two sizes?

Read on...

"I had walked past [Winter Garden Yoga] several times and finally decided to take the first step and call to register for my first class in August.  I wanted to get more in shape and thought this would be a great way to get started...

"Little did I know how much I would love it!

"[Since investing in my health at WGY] I feel better about myself than I have in a very long time!  I have lost about 26 pounds and gone down at least two sizes.  I just bought a size small shirt a few weeks ago...

"I can't remember the last time I fit into a size small! 

"I am much more aware of what I eat and live a healthier lifestyle overall.

BEFORE

AFTER

                                                

                                                

                                         Marita lost 26 pounds and is down two sizes!

"I love the supportive atmosphere and the personalized planning I receive [at WGY] to best suit the results I was hoping for.  There is a fantastic variety of classes throughout the week and the classes themselves never get boring.  

 

"[My advice to those who are unsure about joining is]...Hop off the fence and join!  I tell everyone who will listen about what a fantastic decision I made by coming to WGY and I truly mean that. The instructors are wonderful and you will feel welcomed from the moment you step in the door."

Have you been nominated yet? We want to hear your story. Please contact us immediately and we will be honored to feature you and your story.

Are you ready to be just like Marita? Are you ready for your own life changing transformation? 

Call us for a free consultation at 407-579-9889 or contact us now! We guarantee your results.

All the best,

Brian

How Does This Busy Professional Stay Toned and Strong?‏, Client of the Month

Client of the Month: Angie Howard

Each month Winter Garden Yoga will feature a client who has achieved amazing results with the methods we teach at our studio. We call this Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break the mold of complacency and to rise higher.

This month we are proud to share Angie's story. How did she lose 6 pounds, get stronger, and more toned?

Read on...

"I [had] been looking for a good yoga studio for quite a while. The ones I found didn't have what I needed – some seemed superficial and others were in the middle of large loud gyms. I live in Winter Garden and was delighted to see WGY open on a downtown corner. When I took my first class I knew I had found a studio that provides a rich yoga experience.

                                                    Before                                  After

                                        Angie has lost six pounds, is stronger, and more toned.

"I started at WGY in January and I’ve experienced great results. I’ve lost about 5 – 6 pounds, and I can wear clothes that only fit when I was ten pounds lighter. My muscles are better toned and I’m stronger. The sense of peace and balance I have when I leave the studio is so nice!

"I love the instructors at WGY. Each has their own unique style and perspective on yoga. The overall atmosphere of the studio is wonderful – just walking in the door lifts my spirits.

"Anyone considering joining a yoga studio should give WGY a try. You’ll always feel welcomed and respected, no matter if you’re just starting out or if you want to expand your current yoga practice."

Have you been nominated yet? We want to hear your story. Please contact us immediately and we will be honored to feature you and your story.

Are you ready for your own life changing transformation? Call us for a free consultation at 407-579-9889.

All the best,

Brian

Improve Every Area of Your Warrior Two.

We all recognize Warrior Two (Virabhadrasana II) as a staple in virtually every yoga sequence. But are we all getting as much benefit as we can? This simple tip is your ace in the hole when it comes to discovering the true benefits of this posture: opening the hips, toning the legs, and forging an overall strengthened body. Students and teachers are always amazed at the difference they feel, immediately, after this tip.

You'll find this and other amazing tips in my book and DVD, Functional Yoga Instruction

The Functional Yoga Manual holds a five star rating on Amazon.com. Don't miss out!

"This is a must have book to add to your yoga collection whether you are a student or a yoga teacher. I have practiced yoga for over 10 years and taught it for over seven years and I have learned more from Functional Yoga Instruction then in all my personal yoga experience and instruction combined. It has completely changed my practice and how I teach yoga. This book is very organized and explains the techniques in a simple, clear, precise way. Functional Yoga Instruction teaches how to move on the mat in a safe, effective way which spills into proper movement off of the mat. Since I have practiced Functional Yoga Instruction and used the techniques in the book, I move better on the mat, as well as off the mat. It has increased my body awareness and I am much stronger. This book is ALL killer and no filler. I highly, highly recommend it!"


The Functional Yoga DVD is our best seller!


“I have folded, twisted and tried to breathe my way through quite a few yoga DVDs, always slightly tense and worried that I wasn't in the correct position for benefit or, more importantly, for injury prevention. That is not the case with the Functional Yoga Instruction DVD as the direction is so clear, precise and easy to follow. I appreciate the anatomical, almost scientific, approach to the instruction, breaking down the poses with tweaks that even the most experienced yogis would benefit from. For me, the comfort of knowing I'm doing the pose correctly rather than trying to force things and look impressive, allows me to scan, tweak, breathe and generally benefit more deeply. In fact, I find that I'm doing some of the poses less deeply than before, but feeling far stronger for it. After taking classes at Winter Garden Yoga and now following up at home with the DVD, I feel a definite improvement in my posture (something I thought was fine before… guess not!), more aligned and attuned to my body.”

Save money and purchase the DVD/Book Combo! I can't imagine a better investment for your yoga practice.

The 3 Mistakes Yoga People Make, Winter Garden Yoga

The 3 Mistakes Yoga People Make, Winter Garden Yoga

I’ve been teaching and practicing yoga for nearly 20 years now. I’ve been to a lot of classes. I’ve been to a lot of workshops. I’ve watched countless DVDs. To put it mildly, I’ve seen it all.

And, because of what I’ve seen, I became very passionate to un-do the stuff that’s being done. So I developed my own method of yoga called FunctionalYoga Instruction™. As you know, my method of yoga is based on strength versus flexibility, alignment versus depth, and awareness versus appearance.

This method is changing lives. I invite you to visit WinterGarden Yoga whenever you’re in the area or to check out our one of a kind DVDs.

If you can’t make it out to see us, I want to share some very important information with you: The 3 Mistakes Yoga People Make.

Don’t take any of it personally. You may not even be aware that you are making a mistake or putting yourself at risk. After all, students do what teachers say. I’m inviting you to open your mind and own up to this stuff so that you can continue to experience yoga in a healing and happy way.

Here they are…

Number One: Stretching

This is a big one and it is a tough one to address because stretching is almost always synonymous with yoga. My mission in life is to change this association forever.

You see, stretching implies that the soft tissue is literally being elongated. This is great if you want to destabilize your joints or risk tearing your muscles. If that’s your goal, keep stretching.

The truth is that our muscles are long enough already. All we need to do is reprogram our nervous system in order to allow our muscles to achieve their fullest range of motion. By doing so, you will become more ‘flexible’ faster and safer. All of the instructors at Winter Garden Yoga are experts at this technique.

Number Two: Workout

I am going to paraphrase Pavel Tsatsouline, “Let yoga be yoga. Let cardio be cardio. Let weight training be weight training.” Yoga can’t be everything. It wasn’t designed to be.

Now, I’ll tell you that Winter Garden Yoga’s clients have said that our classes feel like a workout, and I understand that. After all, our method is based on strength and alignment. And yes, you will get toned. And yes, you will burn calories. But here’s the difference: yoga is just part of the package. Our clients are encouraged to go for walks (cardio) and to lift weights (weight training). When you combine all three components, you’ll have a potent combination that will cover all the bases.

Number Three: Ego

A lot of yogis focus on “How does this pose look?” or “I should be able to do this.” This is the ego. Leave it at the door or with your shoes. At Winter Garden Yoga, our instructors encourage all of our clients to focus on how a pose feels. Don’t take this the wrong way: we don’t care if you can get your hand to the ground or if you can perform some deep-stretch-foot-behind-the-head-maneuver. If you can do it, great.

We care about how your pose feels to you right now. Not what you could do 20 years ago… or 20 minutes ago… only right now. “Can you breathe here?” “Can you meditate here?” These are the questions that will flush out the ego quickly, get you tuned in, and keep you injury free.

That’s it. The 3 Mistakes Yoga People Make. Believe me, there’s a lot more but if you start with these top three, I guarantee that you will see amazing results quickly. In fact, if this happens to you (and it will), contact me at WinterGardenYoga.com because I’d love to hear your story.

All the best,

Brian

PS: Are you a client at Winter Garden Yoga? If not, why? Contact Us for a free consultation so that you can begin making positive changes to your life right now. There’s no obligation. Just give us a call or contact us to see if we’re the right fit for you.

Improve Your Triangle Pose

Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose) is probably the most recognized posture in all of yoga. According to Yoga Journal.com, the benefits include:

"Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, and calves; shoulders, chest, and spine
Stimulates the abdominal organs
Helps relieve stress
Improves digestion
Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
Relieves backache, especially through second trimester of pregnancy
Therapeutic for anxiety, flat feet, infertility, neck pain, osteoporosis, and sciatica"

In this video clip, I demonstrate a great way to "true up" your triangle pose by using a wall.

Enjoy!

Mother of Two and Rock Star Lean

Each month Winter Garden Yoga will feature a client who has achieved amazing results with the methods we teach at our studio. We call this Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break the mold of complacency and to rise higher.

This month we are proud to share Karina's story. How does a mother of two have endless energy, get strong, get toned, and overcome years of back pain?

Read on...

"I joined the Winter Garden Yoga family after an extensive internet search for a good yoga studio in my area. Luckily, I found Brian and Winter Garden Yoga.

Mother of two. Lean, strong, and endless energy

"Since joining the studio, I am a lot stronger. My entire body is toned and I have lost at least eight pounds. The most important thing for me, however, is that I no longer have the back pain, the wrist pain, or the shoulder pain that bothered me for years and years.


"What I like the best about the studio is that I found the ideal combination for good health and long term results. That formula is: yoga + kettlebell + proper nutrition. All of which are supported by wonderful instructors. I love them all.

Karina's formula for success: yoga + kettlebell + proper nutrition + expert instruction

"I want to give special mention to Brian and his expertise not only in being able to see various misalignments in the body, but for also being able to offer corrections to improve movement patterns. This is very important if you want to train safely and continue to get great results. I constantly hear his mantra in my head: 'Zero pain; zero injury.'

"WGY is a very professional setting where you can commit to your goals and you will be among a group of like-minded people who give their support instead of a typical gym environment that is usually very competitive. It’s more than a yoga studio, it is a community."

Have you been nominated yet? We want to hear your story. Please contact us immediately and we will be honored to feature you and your story.

Are you ready for your own life changing transformation? Call us for a free consultation at 407-579-9889.

All the best,

Brian

Slow and Steady Wins The Race

Client of the Month: Lisa McIntyre

Each month Winter Garden Yoga will feature a client who has achieved amazing results with the methods we teach at our studio. We call this Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break the mold of complacency and to rise higher.

This month we are proud to share Lisa's story. How does a yoga practitioner improve her body tone, lose weight, and correct her posture... even though she slumps over a computer all day?

Read on...

"When my husband George and I were ready to resume practicing yoga back in February 2012, the timing of your [special offer] and convenient location got us into your studio. We were immediately impressed by the welcoming, caring, & professional manner of your instruction as well as the operation of your business.

"The noticeable results have been a gradual improvement in my body tone with some weight loss. I think the improvements are due mostly to the power yoga class combined with minor diet changes and staying committed. I also find that my posture is improving and that I am beginning to incorporate good yoga posture at my workplace which is most needed as I am usually at my computer most of the day.



                          Before                                    After



"As stated above, the welcoming, caring and professional manner of instruction and business operation; Consistency and reliability of high quality, structured, and detailed instruction; the variety and schedule of classes to choose from. The helpful hints like "squishing the grape" and "plugging in the neck socket" make it easier to learn the yoga poses. Also, it has been a pleasure to meet and get to know many of my classmates.

"I would say to that person that it is worth the effort and time to attend a few classes to test out the waters and the variety of classes that are available makes it easy to find the right fit."

Have you been nominated yet? We want to hear your story. Please contact us immediately and we will be honored to feature you and your story.

Are you ready for your own life changing transformation? Call us for a free consultation at 407-579-9889.

All the best,

Brian

My First Chin Up at 50

Client of the Month: Kathy Hall

Each month Winter Garden Yoga will feature a client who has achieved amazing results with the methods we teach at our studio. We call this Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break the mold of complacency and to rise higher.

This month we are proud to share Kathy's story. How does a grandmother become super fit, perform chin ups, and overcome the symptoms of an autoimmune disease?

Read on...

“I was looking for a way to de-stress and doctors had recommended trying yoga years ago to help get my [blood pressure] under control. I had turned 50 and had started on the road of weight gain a few years before. I did not want to become my grandmother ( even though I am one!)but I could see it starting! I have an autoimmune disease that has plagued me on and off for years. I decided I wanted to be around when my grandchildren get older and I knew I needed to make a change.  I saw [a promotional offer] for WGY and talked to my friend about [trying it out].  She told me she had tried yoga before and wanted to try again so together we gave WGY a chance. I am so glad we did!

Grandmother. Super Fit.

“I have lost 2 pant sizes, gained flexibility, and toned every muscle in my body. My [blood pressure] is much better. My outlook on life has changed. I don't have to become my grandmother.  After a few months of Yoga I was introduced to kettlebells and I am hooked. Together with yoga and kettlebell I am in the best shape of my life!

Kettlebells and yoga are Kathy's choice for amazing results.

“At 51 I am now able to do a pull up! Imagine that! I couldn't, but Brian could and he showed me how and helped me get there!  The best thing about it is I can do both at WGY with instructors who make learning very accessible and fun!

Yoga is the centerpiece to Kathy's health and well being.

“What I like best about the studio [are] the instructors. There is no match in the world for Brian!  To my friends and coworkers I refer to him as "The Body Whisperer". If you have an issue he can figure out what’s causing it and help you get on track.

“The other teachers that I have worked with in the studio are also top notch! Karen [and Janis] are excellent and have all helped me along my yoga journey.

“The other great thing about WGY is the clientele! I felt so self-conscious! I couldn't even touch my toes or do a forward bend or twist. Everyone was very encouraging. The best thing that someone said to me was we all started where you are!

“If you are thinking about joining WGY I would say stop thinking just do it! You won't be disappointed. There are classes for everyone and there is no better place to begin YOUR journey than with the caring experts here at WGY!  The best thing to remember is everyone starts at the beginning! When will your journey begin? How about right now!”

Have you been nominated yet? We want to hear your story. Please contact us immediately and we will be honored to feature you and your story.

Are you ready for your own life changing transformation? Call us for a free consultation at 407-579-9889.

All the best,

Brian

How to Lose 25 Pounds, Increase Energy, and Decrease Stress

Bridget's Story

Each month Winter Garden Yoga will feature a client who has achieved amazing results with the methods we teach at our studio. We call this Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their stories (in their own words) and their photographs to inspire others to break the mold of complacency and to rise higher.

This month we are proud to share Bridget's story. How does a woman in her 50's lose 25 pounds, improve her cholesterol, and reverse the diagnosis of being pre-diabetic?

Read on... 

"Hey, Brian!  Here [are] the pics you asked me for - not too many "before" pictures!  I hid as much as possible! I've never really looked at [before and after photos] side by side -unbelievable! My story is below.  

"My first time at Winter Garden Yoga was in April of 2011.  I was a wreck at that time - both mentally and physically.  Mentally I was going through some major changes in my life and physically I was so out of shape that it actually hurt to walk. 

"I was terrified to step into [your studio] but I knew I had to do something to fix myself.  As a 50 something couch potato, my main fear was that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the class but I was pleasantly surprised.

"[Brian], teaches the class so that anyone can do yoga, regardless of your physical ability or size.  When he instructs you in a pose, he will usually say, "If you can do this, do this.  If you can't do this, do it this way and if you can't do any of them, just sit and watch.  We'll catch up later."  And in the beginning, I did sit and watch a lot!  And there is no shame involved in not being able to do a particular pose. 

"I took the Beginner's class twice a week for 2 or 3 months before I finally worked up the nerve to take the Power Yoga class.  And again, Brian modifies a lot of the poses to enable you to do what you are able to do.  You can make his classes as easy or as hard as you want them to be.  He doesn't challenge you to move forward but allows you to challenge yourself.  I recently started taking Yin classes with Karen and she does an amazing job also.  I leave her classes feeling like a new person.

"My first signs of physical change came only a few months after I started.  I remember I was driving one day and I looked down at my arm and there was a muscle that had never been there before!  It encouraged me to keep going and try harder and my effort was rewarded.  

"From May of 2011 to December 2011 I lost a total of 25 pounds.  Besides yoga, I also walked and changed my eating habits but I strongly believe that the main reason why I lost the weight was yoga.  Besides being a workout, it encouraged me to think about my body and what I was doing to it and feeding it.  

"Mentally, yoga gives me a place to go and forget about whatever is stressing me out.  It's taught me to learn to concentrate on me - something I never took the time to do.  I've learned how to handle stress much better.  I have more energy now than ever.  Before yoga, when I got up in the morning, it would hurt to walk when I got out of bed.  Not anymore.  Getting up and down from the floor is a breeze, even carrying my granddaughter.   

"I recently went to the doctor for an annual checkup.  At my previous checkup, about a month after I had started yoga classes, my cholesterol was terrible, my blood pressure was high and I was told I was pre-diabetic.  At my last visit, my blood pressure was normal, my triglycerides dropped from 133 to 100, my HDL levels went up and my glucose levels also dropped!

"I cannot believe how much yoga has changed my life.  I can honestly say I'm in better shape now than when I was when I was in my 20's!  But I strongly believe that had I not found Winter Garden Yoga, the results would not be the same.  The patience and understanding shown by the instructors encouraged me to continue and strive to be better.  I plan on being a life-time member at Winter Garden Yoga."

You can do it, too!

Have you been nominated yet? We want to hear your story. Please contact us immediately and we will be honored to feature you.

Are you ready for your own life changing transformation? Call us for a free consultation at 407-579-9889.

All the best, 

Brian

Want to Live Longer?

My friend, Tom Furman, has done it again. He's published some excellent material that is going to help you...

• Improve your upper body strength
• Build your core
• Tone your legs
• Improve your yoga
• And quite possibly give you the tools to live a longer life

If Mr. Furman's name seems familiar to you, it's because I have reviewed his great DVD and ebook called Activate Your Dynamic Range of Motion. I also give him honorable mention in my Class Room Series: Beginner's Yoga DVD.

This time we'll be looking at his new body weight training ebook Armor of War. Please don't let the title throw you. In fact you may think of it as preparation for the war against the damaging effects of old age.

Armor of War is quick, to the point, and packed with easy to use information. Believe me, I've paid twice as much for books that contain half as much usable material. It is definitely worth it's $10 price point.

Mr. Furman gives a brief overview of the history and significance of body weight training. There are stories and quotes from elite athletes who use calisthenics as part of their training to achieve super human results. You'll be in good company once you begin to employ the exercises found within these pages.

The photographs are clear and the instructions are straight to the point. The key to the material is that Mr. Furman takes you through a series of progressions. That means if you can't do a full military push up (yet), Mr. Furman offers a version that is more accessible. If push ups are easy for you, try strapping a backpack with a 25 pound plate on your back. These are just a few of the surplus of offerings in the Armor of War.

I remember an article that made it's rounds across the internet. The study showed that people who cannot get off of the floor without the use of their hands had a higher mortality rate than those who can. Enter the Hostage Get Up. This move, alone, is worth the investment. Here's a secret... I began including the Hostage Get Up in my private client's routines and they love it. I'm teaching them how to get off the ground without their hands and they are raving about the effects on the abs and legs. That's called a "win-win."

What else can I say? Armor of War is a hit. I encourage you to visit Mr. Furman's website, invest in your own copy, and begin to feel the benefits of "augmented body weight training and the art of minimalism."

The Greatest Yoga Resources, Pt 2

Which Yoga Books Are Worth It?

Before we get to the books, be sure to check out my recommendations for yoga DVDs. Believe me, those DVDs are game changers. As an aside, and at the behest of my students, I've added another must have title.

As a yoga teacher and studio owner, I am often asked for recommendations in yoga books. My goal is to share with you some titles that have had the most positive influence on me as an instructor and I was developing my own method of yoga, Functional Yoga Instruction.

My Go To Yoga Books...

I used to have mixed feelings about Dr. Long's series. At first I was a little upset because someone else beat me to the punch. Dr. Long is the first yoga person to capture so many of my ideas on paper. Then a funny thing happened... I realized that Dr. Long saved me a lot of time and trouble. Now, instead of writing all of this stuff down, I can happily refer people to his awesome material. 

Begin with these two as there is a life's worth of study here. 

When you've mastered the contents contained within these pages, check out Dr. Long's Mat Companion Series books.



Leslie Kaminoff's classic is a great introduction to discovering the intent of each yoga pose.



I'm adding this recommendation here to proactively deflect potential emailing...

The truth of the matter is: Functional Yoga Instruction is catching on. Inhale Yoga Studio in Athens, Ohio has made the FYI manual mandatory reading for their 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training.

My guarantee: you will never think of yoga the same way after reading Functional Yoga Instruction.



These recommendations are enough to transform anyone's yoga practice forever. Click on the links, invest in your yoga practice, and let me know what you think.


All the best, Brian

The Greatest Yoga Resources

Which Books and DVDs Are Worth It?

As a yoga teacher and studio owner, I am often asked for recommendations in yoga books and DVDs. My goal is to share with you some titles that have had the most positive influence on me as an instructor and I was developing my own method of yoga, Functional Yoga Instruction.

My Go To DVDs...

This is the first DVD I recommend to anyone who asks. After the first 10 minutes or so, you will see that Barbara Benagh's influence runs deep with me. To my mind hers was the first DVD where slow and controlled movements were the centerpiece of the practice.

Jill Miller is definitely one of my go to yoga people. She is able to put it all together: Yoga, Massage Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, you name it. My goal as a yoga teacher is to heal the human body. Ms. Miller is definitely on the same path.

Everyone should have a Gary Kraftsow DVD in their collection. Period.


ADDENDUM (05/08/13): I received some feedback concerning my "go to" list and was encouraged to add another title...



Functional Yoga Instruction DVD

This is two DVDs in one. Part one is taking the lead in yoga instruction. You will learn how to perform essential yoga postures correctly. Part two is applying your new technology in the context of a led yoga class. Get ahead of the game with Functional Yoga Instruction.

These FOUR recommendations, alone, are enough to transform anyone's yoga practice. Click on the links. Invest in your yoga practice. Let me know what you think.

I'll share some book titles in the next post.

All the best, Brian