Accessible Ashtanga: An All-Levels Guide to the Primary and Intermediate Series

(Paperback)

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Description

A bold, much-needed guide for Ashtanga yoga practice, useful for all levels and illustrated with 250 color photos, by one of yoga's best known and respected teachers, Kino MacGregor. This offers an updated, more accessible view of the traditional series, adapting it to serve a wider range of practitioners. Even experienced practitioners find the challenging style of Ashtanga Yoga to be daunting. Whether you're a beginner, living in an unconventional yoga body, or need modifications for any reason, this book will make you feel empowered, inspired, and confident to make the adjustments and modifications that feel right for your body. Kino posits that the Ashtanga Yoga method needs a systemwide reset and reevaluation to make it viable and beneficial to all students. She reframes the guru model and re-envisions the method in a way that will truly make Ashtanga available to all, while maintaining the integrity of the traditional teachings. She also presents a brief theory of movement mechanics that can help prevent injury, optimize physical mobility, and tap into the natural intelligence of the body. The practice section presents each of the poses of the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series-plus some of the poses in the Ashtanga Yoga Second Series-in traditional, modified, accessible, and adaptive forms (including using blocks and a chair). Not only will you see how to modify the pose, you will learn how best to work the pose for your unique need. Teachers will find plenty of reference material to update their teaching methodology.

Reviews

Accessible Ashtanga is a book that I never expected to see in my lifetime. Its a testament to the power of the yoga teachings to continue to expand like waves in the ocean and reach every shore, touching the lives of people of all abilities all over the world. After all, yogas fundamental teaching is that we all share the same heart, so how can we practice the fullness of yoga without recognizing that it needs to be adapted to reach everyone I applaud Kino MacGregors bravery for jumping into the ocean of accessibility and throwing us a lifeline. Her insights are simultaneously new and traditional, which is a balance that only a masterful teacher can find. The call to share yoga with all is not a simple oneespecially for teachers of specific yoga traditions. As Kino explains, When the rules stop working for you, its time to either change or break the rules. The ability to adapt the series and poses to better fit a diversity of students is the hallmark of this special moment we are in right now.
Jivana Heyman, author of The Teachers Guide to Accessible Yoga

Thank you, Kino, for providing a valuable resource for both Ashtanga enthusiasts of all levels as well as lovers of yoga from other disciplines to feel welcome and encouraged to pursue their unique path and personal expression of practice. With a multitude of photos, clear instructions, inspiring quotes, and philosophical insights, your presentation is a welcome contribution to the rich heritage of yoga.
David Swenson, author of Ashtanga Yoga

Accessible Ashtanga is a must-read for students brand new to yoga, as well as long time practitioners. It reveals the deep therapeutic and contemplative potential of the Ashtanga Vinyasa practice, where the breath, feelings, emotions, and all thought patterns are treated as interwoven and sacred. Kinos direct and clear teachings put Ashtanga within reach for anyone wanting to experience the joys and benefits of a personal practice that supports daily life.
Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, authors of When Love Comes to Light

In Accessible Ashtanga, Kino MacGregor tackles a task many might think of as impossible: sharing the primary series in a way that connects to more bodies and experiences while preserving the depth of the practice. She provides solid foundations, and then she gives us many variations and options for practice. While there is never going to be one definitive way to create accessibility, Kino gives us many different options and provides us with clear, informative examples to deepen our understanding and practice. Im thrilled that in Accessible Ashtanga we have a guidebook for how to practice and teach the primary series in a more accessible, heartfelt, and connected way.
Susanna Barkataki, author of Embrace Yogas Roots

Accessible Ashtanga is a book everyone will benefit froma thought-provoking, revolutionary, and innovative approach to the Ashtanga practice. While still maintaining her firm belief in the tradition, Kino MacGregor challenges the popular discourse of modern yoga, which correlates physical ability with spiritual progress. Instead, Kino offers practical techniques, creative advice, and invaluable wisdom with which to create and foster a more inclusive space for all!
David Robson and Jelena Vesi, yoga teachers

Author Bio

KINO MACGREGOR is the founder of Omstars-the world's first yoga TV network (www.omstars.com)-and the Yoga Inspiration podcast. With over two million social media followers, Kino's message of spiritual strength resonates with yogis worldwide. She is a master teacher, an inspirational speaker, the author of four books, the producer of numerous yoga videos, and the cofounder of Miami Life Center. A Miami native who is happiest on the beach with a fresh coconut, you can find her teaching online, in Miami, on retreat, or at one of the many seminars she gives worldwide.