Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones – författare

Located deep within the anterior hip joint and lower spine, the psoas major (usually just referred to as the psoas) is critical for optimal postural alignment, movement, and overall well being. The psoas is the only muscle in the human organism that connects the upper body to the lower body, and its importance extends to the nerve complex and energy systems. As modern-day populations grow more sedentary, psoas-related lower back and hip pain, and the ailment of "sitting too much," are on the rise. Even the most active of athletes can suffer from psoas imbalance and pain. The Vital Psoas Muscle demonstrates how to keep the muscle in balance through specific exercises designed to strengthen and utilize this amazing muscle, and discusses its vital role in the emotional and spiritual state of the human being. The interconnection between the psoas and the root chakra is explored, along with yoga poses and postures that stimulate the psoas. Eighty full-color illustrations depict anatomical details, and show the key stretching and strengthening exercises in this practical and comprehensive treatment of the most important skeletal muscle in the human body.

The Vital Psoas Muscle presents an in-depth look at the most important yet abused skeletal muscle in the human body. Located deep within the front hip joint and lower spine, the psoas is critical for optimal postural alignment, movement, and overall well being. Its function and importance extend beyond anatomical mechanics to the nerve complex and energy systems. Taking a uniquely holistic approach, this book explores how the psoas affects the health of the body, mind, and spirit: Physically, as the only muscle that connects the upper and lower body Emotionally, as a messenger to and from the brain and a vessel of deeply rooted feelings Spiritually, as an integrator within the root of the lower chakras, subtly affecting the flow of life energy throughout the body Understanding and working with the psoas can help: Alleviate lower back pain Strengthen the core Correct posture Reduce trauma Open energy channels No matter our level of fitness or flexibility, how we use the psoas and take care of it is crucial to our life experience.With detailed illustrations and key stretching and strengthening exercises, including complete chapters on the role of the psoas in Pilates and yoga, The Vital Psoas shows readers how to release this muscle to create balance, harmony, and freedom of movement.

Written for yogis of all levels, 'The Anatomy of Yoga Coloring Book' perfectly bridges the gap between anatomy textbook, yoga compendium, and interactive revision tool. The human body is a complex and fascinating machine. Author Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones illustrates just how clever it is by first breaking it down in to its component parts, and then putting it back together in its full glory within the context of yoga movement. Starting with a comprehensive examination of the nervous system, anatomical movement, and all the body systems, the book then truly comes to life as Staugaard-Jones presents over 50 popular asanas describing with color and artistry which muscles are being strengthened (contracting), which are being stretched (lengthened), and which muscles are working as stabilizers to support the pose. Test your knowledge as you color intricate black and white drawings of each asanaThe seven categories of asanas are presented with prompts to color relevant structures and functions, insightful technique tips, and anatomical nuggets that will enhance your understanding of the science behind your practice. You will learn not only the benefits of each pose but also the contraindications, relevant terminology, and how to vary poses where necessary.The healing heart of yogaWhat sets this book apart from others is its inclusion of the subtler realm of yoga - that which is referred to as 'energetic anatomy'. Understanding the unseen energies of the body in terms of fascia, bandhas, nadis, and chakras will take you beyond just muscle and joint mechanics, alignment and technique, and connect you more profoundly to the yogic way of life.

"Psoas-Training" erlaubt einen detaillierten Blick auf den wichtigsten, zugleich aber auch am meisten vernachlässigten Skelettmuskel des menschlichen Körpers. Tief im vorderen Bereich des Hüftgelenks und der unteren Wirbelsäule ist der große Lendenmuskel entscheidend für eine gute Körperhaltung, Beweglichkeit und Wohlbefinden insgesamt. Seine Aufgabe und Funktion reichen über die rein anatomische Funktionsweise bis zum Nerven- und Energiesystem. In einem einzigartigen ganzheitlichen Ansatz wird erläutert, wie der Lendenmuskel die Gesundheit von Körper, Geist und Seele beeinflusst.

Anatomía del ejercicio y el movimiento tiende un puente entre la biomecánica y el ejercicio. Tener conciencia del potencial del movimiento es clave para disfrutar de un cuerpo saludable y prevenir lesiones; este manual ayudará al lector a conservar su salud, el peso, la postura, la fuerza, la extensibilidad y las destrezas físicas. Se hace hincapié en la práctica de deportes, Pilates, yoga y danza, y se potencia la comprensión del funcionamiento del cuerpo durante el ejercicio; cuando se sabe dónde se localiza un músculo y qué ejercicio lo ejercita, entonces es posible diseñar un programa de ejercicios específicos. Para cada articulación se presentan ejercicios apropiados de estiramiento y fortalecimiento junto con las instrucciones técnicas sobre el modo de practicar cada ejercicio y una ilustración que ayuda a comprender los matices y a ubicar en el cuerpo los músculos implicados. Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones es catedrática de Cinesiología y Danza y lleva más de 30 años dedicada a la enseñanza. Es instructora titulada de Pilates y Yoga, tiene un máster en Danza y Educación, y obtuvo sus licenciaturas por las Universidades de Kansas y Nueva York antes de trabajar de bailarina, coreógrafa, profesora y científica del movimiento.