Yoga for Paddling

by Anna Levesque

Overview

Yoga for Paddling is a visual, instructional guide designed to walk readers through 30 -35 yoga poses that are effective in stretching the muscles that paddlers use most, and strengthening the muscles that they use least. The book includes chapters on anatomy and alignment principles specific to the movements of paddling for kayakers, canoeists, and SUPers, and includes tips on proper paddling technique, performance focus, relaxation, and short stories about paddling injuries healed via yoga. One to three photos demonstrate each pose, with clear, concise text on how to get into and hold the poses.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781493028689
Publisher:	Falcon Guides
Publication date:	04/15/2017
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Anna Levesque is the leading expert on kayak instruction for women and yoga for paddling. Named one of the most inspirational paddlers alive by Canoe and Kayak magazine, she has been featured in landed Time, Shape, and Self magazines. She is an American Canoe Association (ACA) Whitewater Kayak Instructor Trainer, Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor Trainer, and a 500 RYT (500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher) with Yoga Alliance. She is a Level 4 certified ACA whitewater kayak Instructor Trainer, a Level 5 certified ACA whitewater kayak instructor, a Level 2 certified ACA stand up paddleboard Instructor Trainer, an ACA SUP Yoga Teacher Trainer and a member of the ACA SUP Standards Committee, and is the founder/director of Girls at Play and Mind Body Paddle. As an athlete Anna was a member of the Canadian Freestyle Whitewater Kayak Team from 1999 to 2003 and earned a bronze medal at the Freestyle Kayak World Championships in 2001.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Foreword ix

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 What Is Yoga? 1

Chapter 2 Anatomy of Paddling 11

Chapter 3 Alignment Principles 23

Chapter 4 The Breath and Stress Reduction 39

Chapter 5 Props and Self-Care 53

Chapter 6 Warm-Ups 57

Chapter 7 Low Back, Hips, and Legs 77

Chapter 8 Side Body 127

Chapter 9 Neck, Shoulders, and Upper Back 143

Chapter 10 Core Strengtheners 169

Chapter 11 Twists 175

Chapter 12 Relaxation 185

Chapter 13 Sequencing and Home Practice 195

Chapter 14 SUP Yoga Basics 201

Notes 218

Index 219

About the Author 221

Editorial Reviews

Anna has sold me on Yoga for Paddling for sure. I need to balance my body to keep paddling into my sixties and Yoga for Paddling provides clear and well-written information to help me accomplish that.” –Sean Morley, accomplished coach, expedition and surf kayaker who completed the first solo circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland by sea kayak in 2004, was crowned Masters World Surf Kayak Champion in 2007 and broke the record for the fastest circumnavigation of Vancouver Island in 2008

“Anna has been a huge mentor for me and pushes every human to be the best human they can be. Yoga for Paddling is a great addition to paddlers’ libraries for helping to reduce the aches and pains of everyday life and kayaking. Keep this book close by both on your paddling trips and at home.” —Adriene Levknecht, Canoe and Kayak magazine’s 2016 Female Paddler of the Year, seven-time Green River Race Champion, Bronze Medalist at the 2013 World Freestyle Championships, First Descents lead staff and kayak instructor at Nantahala Outdoor Center

“Yoga for Paddling has inspired me to bring more balance to my body by making time for yoga practice in my fitness routine. Anna’s book provides helpful information and guidance to help me get started and develop an effective practice.​” —Travis Grant, two-time Molokai to Oahu SUP Champion, Baddle of the Paddle SUP long distance champion and accomplished outrigger and SUP racer, surfer, and paddler

“As an avid canoeist for over thirty years, I sometimes worry about how my body will handle the next thirty. With Yoga for Paddling as a guide, I am confident that I can balance and maintain the strength and flexibility I need to continue in the sport I love. Thanks to Anna's well-laid out book, I look forward to canoeing with my grandchildren someday.” —Eli Helbert, Open Canoe Freestyle Rodeo World Champion, 1999-2003, 2006, North American Open Canoe Slalom Champion, 2005-present, 1st Open Canoe to race the Green River Narrows, over 30 US National Championship titles in Open Canoe Freestyle Rodeo and Open Canoe Slalom  

From the Publisher