Beth J. Shaw - Beth Shaws YogaFit

Shaw, Beth, 1966

[YogaFit]

Beth Shaws yogafit / Beth Shaw. -- Third edition.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Physical fitness. 2. Hatha yoga. I. Title.

RA781.7.S446 2016

613.7046--dc23

2015020535

ISBN: 978-1-4925-0740-6 (print)

Copyright 2016, 2009, 2001 by Beth Shaw

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E6514

It is an honor and a pleasure to recommend to you the third edition of Beth Shaws wise, helpful, and constructive book titled Beth Shaws YogaFit, Third Edition.

In this third edition, Beth Shaw, a woman who transplanted from New York to Los Angeles, a prodigious writer, promoter, teacher, and inspirer, has written a text that is at once accessible to those who are just beginning their yoga journey and instructive for everyone eager to advance further on that journey.

Beth has given lectures and presentations on yoga in Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Sweden, Singapore, Turkey, Costa Rica, India, England, and Cyprus. She has taught her unique blend of yoga and fitness to many of the worlds leading fitness companies including 24 Hour Fitness; Equinox; New York Sports Clubs; Spectrum; the YMCA; Golds Gym; the International Dance and Exercise Association (IDEA); the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA); FILEX; AsiaFit; and the Taiwanese Fitness Conference.

So, what is it about Beth Shaws approach to yoga instruction in this book, as in so many other of her teaching venues, that puts her in such demand? I would answer that question in three ways.

First, she is a superb writer and teacher. She teaches with her text, which is always clear and never dull, and she teachers with her pictures, which are always optimally illuminative of what she is describing with her writing.

Second, and even more important, she has an obvious passion for her subject, and for how the practice of yogafor the young as well as for the less young, and for the already adept as well as for nascent beginnercan enrich the lives of every one of us. This text is instructional, but it is also inspirational. You cannot read Beth Shaws YogaFit without wanting to become more involved with yoga.

Third, and most important, this is a wise book. Beth is always supremely conscious that the people for whom she is writing are part of a broad spectrum of yoga practitioners from beginners to those who have practiced for many years. Ever so wisely, she is continually advising her readers that every body is different and every day is different so that all of usno matter where we might be on our respective yoga journeysneed to observe and listen to what our bodies are telling us.

In this way, she operates, as it were, as a skilled and experienced physician for her thousands upon thousands of students, telling them that the real joy of yoga is the journey itself and not how much (or little) you can do on this day or that, or this year or that. I admire teachers such as Beth who, while they dont compromise on the depth and breadth of what they are teaching, they stilland at the same timecontinually counsel us all that our own bodies are our most important yoga teachers.

No matter where you are on your yoga journey, read and enjoy Beth Shaws YogaFit, Third Edition. It will deepen your love of and practice of yoga, at the same time moving you forward on your own unique journey.

John McCarthy

Executive Director Emeritus

International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association

YogaFit provides an easy-to-follow format for incorporating yoga into your lifestyle today. You dont need to learn Sanskrit (the original language of key yoga texts), chant, become vegetarian, do a headstand, or even be able to touch your toes to enjoy the multidimensional benefits of this ancient practice. Yoga and yoga products are everywhere in todays marketplace. People are realizing that it enhances their daily lives and generally makes them feel better; it increases range of motion in the joints and calms the mind. YogaFit is effective for everyoneactive people, serious athletes, those who are sedentary, and any age groupbecause it is adaptable. YogaFit allows everyone to be successful in a yoga practice. Whether you are just beginning to discover the benefits of exercise or you have been working out for years, YogaFit will enrich and balance your exercise program and your ability to enjoy life. Most people discover that the more they study and practice YogaFit, the more they want to make healthier choices and alter their lifestyle to support feeling and living better.

As with any lifestyle change, slow and steady wins the race. As you read this book, take time to absorb what captures your attention. Stop and savor, just as you would during a YogaFit pose (as you will learn). Instead of rushing through the process just to get to the last chapter, stop and experience a breath or a pose that appeals to you. Observe your body and your mind even after just a few minutes of deep breathing or small, comfortable movements. Reread the book often, knowing that each time you will absorb more layers of information to bring into your practice. Embrace the idea that once the process of growth and change has begun, it will see itself through to the end. Be patient with yourself and the process.