Comprehensive yoga

American Fitness, May-June, 2004

Human Kinetics has published yet another invaluable resource, this time on yoga. The hardbound Hatha Yoga Illustrated (Human Kinetics; $24.95) by Martin Kirk and Brooke Boon is an easy-to-use instructional manual for beginners and handy reference book for yogis and yoginis of all levels. The authors begin with a primer on yoga, its roots, different styles and art of the practice that includes breath, meditation, mudras, chakras and bandhas.

The majority of the book, however, is devoted to teaching 77 standard Hatha yoga poses based on the alignment principles of John Friend, the founder of Anusara yoga. A color photo accompanies each of the step-by-step instructions. Sidebars suggest counterposes and drishti, list the physical and mental benefits and warn of contraindications. Kirk is an Anusara-certified instructor and co-owner of Yoga Village in Phoenix, Arizona. Boon trained under Baron Baptiste and is the owner and director of Studio Om in Phoenix.

Senior Statistics

Most popular sports in 2002 for seniors age 55 and older,
based on frequent participation in various activities

                  Frequency   Number of
Activity          per year    seniors

Fitness           100  days   6,515,000
Walking

Stretching        100  days   4,107,000

Treadmill         100  days   3,887,000
Exercise

Golf              24  days    3,646,000

Freshwater        15  days    1,903,000
Fishing

Recreational      15  days    1,736,000
Vehicle Camping

Free Weights:     100  days   1,735,000
Hand Weights

Bowling           25  days    1,725,000

Day Hiking        15  days    1,545,000

Weight/           100  days   1,513,000
Resistance
Machines

Stationary        100  days   1,298,000
Cycling:
Upright Bike

Abdominal         100  days   1,185,000
Machine/Device

Free Weights:     100  days   1,040,000
Dumbbells

Running/          100  days   870,000
Jogging

Calisthenics      100  days   827,000

These statistics come from the SGMA International analysis of the
Superstudy[R] of Sports Participation. SGMA International is the
global business trade association of manufacturers, retailers and
marketers in the sports products industry.