Slim, Calm, Sexy Yoga: The 15-Minute Yoga Solution for Feeling-and Looking - Your Best from Head to Toe Book

Go ahead, laugh or grimace at the title. I did. Then I thought, "I DO want to be calm and sexy!" (I've got the slim part down.) And this is not dumbed-down yoga. The woman on the cover is the author. I'm pretty sure I'll never manage some of the poses, like "crow." As a person with RA, I've learned to modify other challenging poses (due to wrist and knee pain), but don't think it's possible with the above pose! The book opens with chapters concentrating on sitting and standing poses and everything in between. Beautiful high quality photography of author in each pose accompanies easy to understand instructions. She stresses the importance of yoga in terms of strengthening body and mind, without the "namaste," "New-Age" language that doesn't do it for me.

It gets better, as the latter chapters include mostly fifteen minute routines she's put together for specific issues: depression, anxiety, insomnia, allergies, stamina, metabolism, upper/lower/all-over toning, headaches, jet lag, clear skin, and relaxation to those for arousal and desire, orgasms, and couples' bonding (hence the "sexy" in the title). It makes me feel that way and I haven't practiced the "sexy" routines, yet :) I wondered if I'd enjoy practicing yoga with a book "instructor," as I'm used to following a dvd routine. I haven't touched my yoga dvds since checking this out of the library (I ordered a copy--gotta love those cash-back bonus rewards!). As much as I enjoy (seriously) the routines, following her advice on the importance of deep breathing, learning to be mindful of my breathing, and meditation (no incense or "oms" required) has benefitted me as much, if not more. I put on some spa music, unroll my mat, and focus on me, not the person on the TV screen. Highly recommended.