Contents

1. The Moving Body

Guide to the Nervous System

Anatomical Orientation

Skeletal System

Synovial Joints

Guide to the Muscular System

Muscle Mechanics

2. Muscles of Respiration

Yoga and Breath

The Act of Breathing

3. Muscles of the Face, Head, and Neck

Muscle Relaxation and Contraction: The Motor Unit

Agonist Versus Antagonist Muscles

4. Muscles of the Spine

Spinal Functions

Spinal Actions

5. The Deep Core and Pelvic Floor

The Superficial Versus Deep Core

The Pelvic Floor: Where the Physical Meets the Spiritual

Yoga Philosophy: Bandhas, Nadis, Chakras, and Limbs

6. Muscles of the Shoulder and Upper Arm

Shoulder Girdle

Shoulder Joint

Rotator Cuff

Elbow Joint

Summary for Upper Body Stabilization Muscles: The King of Asanas

7. Muscles of the Forearm and Hand

Radioulnar Joint

Wrist Joint and Hand

8. Muscles of the Hip

Hip Joint

Main Hip Flexors

Main Hip Abductors

Main Hip Extensors

Main Hip Adductors

Six Deep Hip Outward Rotators

Hip Inward Rotators

9. Muscles of the Knee

Knee Extensors

Knee Flexors

Knee Outward Rotators (Knee Flexed)

Knee Inward Rotators (Knee Flexed)

10. Muscles of the Lower Leg and Foot

Lower Leg

Foot

Appendix 1: Final Poses

Appendix 2: “Cueing” in Yoga Asanas

Bibliography

Index of Asanas (Sanskrit)

Index of Asanas (English)

Index of Muscles