♦ Review: Anywhere, Anytime, Any Body Yoga by Emily Slonina

I often do yoga in my home. I’m definitely not the type of gal that trudges off to some gym to watch the muscle bound men and women sweat their hearts out and pump iron. In all honesty the gym reeks to high heavens. No matter how much you pay for your gym membership, they all pretty much smell the same. So… I exercise in the privacy and splendid smelling quarters of my own home. Or I ride my bicycle outdoors. Either way, I’m not subject to the dreary meat market that they refer to as the gym.

Hunter House Publishers, recently sent me for review a copy of,  Anywhere, Anytime, Any body Yoga by Emily Slonina. This book is incredible. It shows the reader yoga moves for absolutely every body type. Emily Slonina is a person of knowledge in the industry, and has credentials to prove it. She’s a certified hatha yoga instructor, and laughter yoga leader. She’s also a Trager Neuromuscular Re-Education Practioner, a Reiki Master, and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

In the introduction of this book, we meet all of the models that were used in this book. Each model shares with us, the reader, the reasons as to why they practice yoga. All of the models are of mature age and older, and some of the models even have disabilities. Emily then moves on to inform the reader of the starting notes before taking part in yoga exercise. Stretching first and foremost, followed by breathing. Emily then covers various breathing exercises that will aid the body in cool downs as well as with chest congestion.

Chapter one - Anytime Neck and Shoulder De-Stressers. Stress is almost inevitable for me.  I harbor it and rarely speak out. Leaving my shoulders often tense, and my neck pained. In the first chapter, Emily shows us various stretches to alleviate tension harbored in the neck and shoulders, due to stress and bad posture. I’ve referred to these stretches many times over for relief of a tense neck, and they work!

Chapter two - Warm-Ups. As with all exercise, it’s essential to warm up before starting any exercise routine. In this chapter Emily shows the reader many ways to warm up the entire body; feet, ankles, hands, fingers, wrists, and eyes.

Chapter three - The Yoga Poses. This chapter is the heart of the book. Emily covers three dozen yoga poses, and also shows variant poses for those with limited abilities. With the help of a chair and a scarf, the reader is offered 91 pages, dedicated entirely to making yoga possible for every body type. I personally was able to do each pose without issue, and I will say that I definitely got a very nice workout thanks to this book. I’ve had fun practicing my poses, and I’m sure that I look like a total novice, but I’m exercising in my own home and I don’t have to worry about people staring at me and my unskilled yoga posture. Which is perfect for me.

Chapter four - Relaxation and Meditation. This chapter hath become my reference for relaxation. Five different methods of meditation are presented. I do not take enough time out of my day to relax. I often feel the need to stop and take a breather, but then I feel guilty for not doing something productive at that time. I blame it on my upbringing. My father was/is a work, work, work, kind of man, and it rubbed off on me and my sisters at a very early age. This chapter has helped me ease my insomnia on the evenings that I can’t seem to fall asleep, therefore I’ve deemed it as invaluable information. Anything that can help me sleep [without having to take meds] is a fabulous choice for me personally. I hate taking sleep medication, or any meds for that matter. I often wait a headache out until it passes on it’s own. Recently, since receiving this book, I’ve started doing yoga when I feel a headache coming on, and it’s helped me time again.

Anywhere, Anytime, Any Body Yoga by Emily Slonina is a fabulous guide to help just about everyone take part in yoga exercise. No matter their age, or body type. I’ve absolutely loved trying all of the poses shown, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in starting a yoga regimen.

Anywhere, Anytime, Any Body Yoga by Emily Slonina receives the Femenina Deliciosa Hot Product rating!

Thanks Hunter House!