POWER yoga. - Review - book review

"Bodies are meant to move, bend, twist, arch, stretch, and strengthen," states Geo Takoma in his book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Power Yoga (Macmillan USA/Alpha Books, $18.95). "Power Yoga helps you get back in sync with your body's natural motion," Takoma explains.

Power Yoga is a flowing series of poses and counterposes that, according to the author, will stimulate, strengthen, stretch, twist, focus and balance every gland, organ, vessel, muscle, joint and bone in the body. Regular practice can keep the metabolism stoked and ready to burn.

Power Yoga, developed by Takoma, evolved out of years of traditional yoga practice--holding a pose for a long time. "At some point, those parts get strong enough and don't need that much time, pressure or strengthening anymore," states Takoma. The body has a memory of the poses that allows the well-trained physique to move quickly through them, making the routine a movement- and breath-based practice that is dynamic and cardiovascular. "A 20-minute Power Yoga workout every morning, especially when combined with a walk in the fresh air, is enough to [help] keep anybody healthy and fit for life," declares Takoma.

Takoma's guide contains a variety of energetic poses demonstrated in clear black-and-white photos and accompanied by easy-to-understand instructions. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Power Yoga is available at your local bookstore.