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msdebbiebee's review against another edition
4.0
This book served its purpose. I learnt a lot :). I do wish the Anatomy section was a little more detailed and clear, but this is still a text I will refer to again and again. Namaste 🙏🏼
books_lover42's review
4.0
When I initially purchased this book I think YTT was a distant idea....Reading a book of this nature was really a starting point for me to learn about yoga. Very soon afterwards, my interest was thoroughly peaked and I was enrolled in YTT. This book was the most informative book that I found at the time to cover all aspects of teacher training and I particularly enjoyed the history of yoga section and modern styles and influences.
Mark Stephens also explained yogic energy, chakras, pranayama and meditations with an accessible approach to the subject material. I found this information helpful and naturally, it formed the foundations for which I could seek out alternative resources to delve in deeper on those subjects.
The section on anatomy was a bit more difficult and I read it prior and after my advanced anatomy training. I felt that the approach was perhaps a bit more clinical than my training and didn't enjoy this section as much. I utilize other resources often to add depth to my understanding of the anatomical structure and posture modifications however the best training resource is your own practice on the mat and teaching students and encountering modification requirements etc on your own. At least for me, the practical application of anatomy is the best teaching method.
I was also disappointed that there was a lack of information in respect to modifications. Mark Stephens did go into more detail regarding pregnant students and generally touched upon different segments of the populations (working with injuries, students with depression and teaching in alternative settings) but he unfortunately, did not cover specialized teaching pertaining to dealing with students that are heavier set and/or overweight, children, older adults and there was no mention of any variations/challenges on dealing with male students. And although there was a section on props and their basic use, I would have enjoyed more explanation as to how to modify poses for beginners etc to reduce risk of injury. As as a teacher, these are considers and the above listed groups can be challenging and this is where most teachers require more assistance in modifications, and advice on best practices. I certainly would have appreciated insight into how to approach teaching these segments of the population however for those studying YTT they should receive additional training on these matters during their YTT journey.
The information on sequencing and the section on teaching asanas was helpful. I felt that I had a more in-depth understanding of how to sequence my classes however my YTT covered this material off very thoroughly as well. If I hadn't had the YTT though, I feel that this book (and Mark Stephen's other book, which I also have "Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes") would have been sufficient as I have naturally developed my own style from teaching and learning what works/what doesn't etc. There is a basic arc structure to a class and Mark Stephens also covers off sequences in other styles which I enjoyed since there are some styles of yoga that are not taught in my community.
For any serious practioner or student heading into YTT this is definitely a book worth having on your bookshelf and I anticipate referencing it many times over the course of my yoga teaching career.
I also encourage students to check out Mark Stephen's website that includes instructional video as well.
Mark Stephens also explained yogic energy, chakras, pranayama and meditations with an accessible approach to the subject material. I found this information helpful and naturally, it formed the foundations for which I could seek out alternative resources to delve in deeper on those subjects.
The section on anatomy was a bit more difficult and I read it prior and after my advanced anatomy training. I felt that the approach was perhaps a bit more clinical than my training and didn't enjoy this section as much. I utilize other resources often to add depth to my understanding of the anatomical structure and posture modifications however the best training resource is your own practice on the mat and teaching students and encountering modification requirements etc on your own. At least for me, the practical application of anatomy is the best teaching method.
I was also disappointed that there was a lack of information in respect to modifications. Mark Stephens did go into more detail regarding pregnant students and generally touched upon different segments of the populations (working with injuries, students with depression and teaching in alternative settings) but he unfortunately, did not cover specialized teaching pertaining to dealing with students that are heavier set and/or overweight, children, older adults and there was no mention of any variations/challenges on dealing with male students. And although there was a section on props and their basic use, I would have enjoyed more explanation as to how to modify poses for beginners etc to reduce risk of injury. As as a teacher, these are considers and the above listed groups can be challenging and this is where most teachers require more assistance in modifications, and advice on best practices. I certainly would have appreciated insight into how to approach teaching these segments of the population however for those studying YTT they should receive additional training on these matters during their YTT journey.
The information on sequencing and the section on teaching asanas was helpful. I felt that I had a more in-depth understanding of how to sequence my classes however my YTT covered this material off very thoroughly as well. If I hadn't had the YTT though, I feel that this book (and Mark Stephen's other book, which I also have "Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes") would have been sufficient as I have naturally developed my own style from teaching and learning what works/what doesn't etc. There is a basic arc structure to a class and Mark Stephens also covers off sequences in other styles which I enjoyed since there are some styles of yoga that are not taught in my community.
For any serious practioner or student heading into YTT this is definitely a book worth having on your bookshelf and I anticipate referencing it many times over the course of my yoga teaching career.
I also encourage students to check out Mark Stephen's website that includes instructional video as well.
dominiqueisageek's review against another edition
4.0
I wish that I'd finished this earlier in the year. Oh well.
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