The Yoga Handbook
An Inspirational Reference for Teaching and Home Practice

This is the only book of it's kind, loaded with information and inspiration for teachers and those serious about a home practice. This 240 page reference book contains over 260 photographs in it's extensive asana gallery. It is the only book on the market to give photos and details of the variations of 70 main poses. There are many tips and treasures you wont find anywhere else. Take a look at the wide encompassing table of contents below. Some of the gems include:

What people are saying

Excerpts from the book :

Table of Contents (pdf), (html)
First 4 pages of Ailment and Injury Chapter (pdf)
Last page of Spirituality Chapter (pdf)
Page 11. Ethics (pdf)

What people are saying

Dear Stephanie- I have just finished reading your wonderful book, and I wanted to thank you for sharing yourself with me in the text. My copy is hilighted,dog eared and full of sticky notes--signs of my interest and being touched deeply by many of your words. I have never been fortunate enough to take one of your classes or visit your yoga center, but I hope to do so sometime in the near
future. Sincerely, Elizabeth Sadler, Davidson, NC

"This is a MUST have book for teachers of yoga. Stephanie has managed to crystallize her fabulous teachings into one well-written and succinct text. You have in your hands not merely another of the myriad yoga texts. This wonderful treasure offers much you may not have considered; I actually studied it for an hour to get new ideas for last night's 90 minute class presentation! And here I thought after 900 classes taught I knew what I was doing. Thank you, dear Steph, yet again for helping me along my path. Namaste".....Tom Hamilton, June 2002 graduate of 200 hour teacher training

Stephanie--I have been taking yoga from one of your students Lisa Zaytoun (New Bern,NC) for many years now and have learned so much from her. Since purchasing your handbook , I can see why she is so enthused about you and your trainings. I own so many yoga books but yours is the one I turn to when I need to look something up. You should be very proud of this accomplishment, I do teach yoga but am not yet certified. I receive your mailings and maybe one of these days................

Stephanie, I am really enjoying your book. I feel much better about teaching and my practice due to information that is relayed in the book. Some of the practices and tips I am doing already and some I am incorporating. Being a new teacher/student I love the challenge yoga presents to me and passing that on to others. I have heard good comments about your workshops as well and would love to participate in the future. Thanks again for your commitment, it keeps the practice alive and well! Namaste! :-)
----- Kirsche Dickson

The Yoga Handbook by Stephanie Keach is a reference book without typical reference book pitfalls. It hits upon every area germane to the the practice and teaching of yoga in America today, from the biological-anatomical to the ethical/spiritual to the economic, asthetic and practical, and yet it is neither didactic or trivializing in its comprehensiveness. Throughout, it maintains the open but serious spirit of "invitation" so crucial to the yogic tradition. It never professes, but always invites the reader to go deeper and points out possibilities and resources for doing so. Perhaps most importantly for those already lucky enough to have studied with Keach, the book is infused from cover to cover with the she-roic love so central to Keach's teaching style: She's razor-sharp and yet as soft as a cloud. Stephanie's teacher training truly did change my life. I left feeling lighter, stronger, wiser and more in touch with myself and everything around me. She facilitates a loving, safe learning atmosphere that is more effective than any teaching style I've ever experienced. I will be forever grateful to her for her kindness and generosity as a teacher and a being.
---- Victoria Morehead

I am astounded at the amount of information in this book. A full array of poses are presented with plenty of modifications and variations for the absolute beginner as well as advanced practitioners. This book covers the eight limbs of yoga, information for yoga therapy, and also has an excellent section on the business of yoga. A book like this is a rare find. Thank you for publishing this.
---- Renee W. Gahan

Beautiful in its simplicity, Stephanie's book inspires both the student and the teacher in an informative, yet playful way. Namaste
---- Adrienne

Stephanie Keach's new yoga handbook is one of the most satisfying to use from a teacher's point of view. It gives ideas for lessons, it gives some terrific suggestions for themes in teaching--eg: "hip openers", "strengthening the psoas muscle", etc. --it gives valuable insights into how to approach different levels of yoga experience among students, it has a segment on history and philosophy which underpins the yogic discipline and it has photographs to keep us yogis happy --as seeing a pose beautifully done is always an attention grabber!!-- and the photographs help to reinforce the importance of correct placement and the value of modifications. It is a book that either the teacher or student of yoga will love to own ...it's like owning about five yoga books in one! I love this book, as it is truly a handbook for the student and teacher of yoga.
---- Caroline S. Garrett
a newly converted yogini

Ok...I'm gonna schmooze here. I love the book. Not only does it remind me of the life changing days I spent with an amazing group of people but it brings me back to items of attention that I need to remember. This book is more like a yoga encyclopedia...it has everything you need. It is readable and easy to use for both the student and the teacher, the novice and the advanced. The photographs show poses as well as modifications of the pose which is extremely helpful in adapting to special needs of different types of individuals. It includes the use props-that is something that I previously have had difficulty in finding. It's reference area is a wonderful resource in itself. I have found especially helpful the section that connects the pose to a specific condition, such as poses for the back, poses for headaches. These have been especially helpful to me as I grow in my yoga life and in my teaching. Thank you Stephanie, for providing such a wonderful environment in which to learn; for sharing your knowledge, your kindness, and the sweet spirit that you are with me and so many others. I am looking forward to returning to Asheville for another training or retreat and hope to see you there. PS...my
psoas says hello. Peace, Caroline

After studying with Stephanie and knowing the depth of her integrity, I ordered the book as soon as I could and thoroughly enjoyed reading it practically all the way through when it arrived by mail. It is a wonderful study guide for certification classes and I keep referring to it for details of pose modifications. The little tips throughout are rich reminders of what yoga really is all about: compassion and how to share it. Chrystal Stefani

" A wonderful well rounded Yoga reference book that covers topics for the student, teacher or studio owner. Full of spiritual insights and practical wisdom." Steve Nelson

I got the manual yesterday. I have already immersed myself in it. It is well organized, has clear and concise directions for the asanas, and compassionate advice about being a yogi. And, I discovered I use some of your sequences for back care and beginners! Yes! Thank you for writing this book. Most of us will use it for many years. Ellen

Stephanie,
Thank you, your book is absolutely wonderful!!! I read the entire book the day it arrived. I am a Hospice nurse with a passion for yoga, currently teaching at a local health club in Savannah. I will be visiting Asheville July 18th-21st, looking forward to participating in classes at AYC during my stay. Namaste,
Mary

Hey Steph~
I think your handbook is an excellent mixture of things and information a person needs to really set up a strong home practice. I feel like going through that process before teacher training will really help me ground and center my energies and be able to do a lot more work with my practice before I start my teacher training in November. I'm super excited, and the information in the handbook has helped me to connect the dots with yoga, feeling free to be creative and put postures together, and tying that to core work, meditation, and pranayama. The lists of the asanas and pictures are helpful for doing work in other variations of the same pose that I maybe didn't know or had forgotten. I'm loving exploring different options and just learning so much and having fun on my mat every day. Thanks!
cody b.

The Yoga Handbook is such a breath of fresh air, finally some one tackles some "real" topics in regards to "teaching" yoga. This is more than just the usual information on philosophy and asana variations. Stephanie shares her valuable experience on topics like; setting up your classroom environment, student relations, vocal tone while teaching, adjusting students in postures, reading students bodies, class sequencing, recommended practices for various aliments, and setting up your business. In just a couple hours you can benefit from Stephanie’s years of experience as a yoga practitioner and teacher.
~Karen Prior, RYT
Dallas, Texas

In a time when yoga is taught to students in a stagnant style that causes students to doubt their intuition, the amazing Ms. Keach gives her readers the courage to listen to their own bodies and apply yoga's wisdom to individual needs. I had the opportunity to share a weekend with stephanie a year ago and I miss her wisdom! This book is like having a conversation with her in your own living room. It captures her way with words and her unique out look on yoga. Hope this helps
Chris

Hi Stephanie!
I really enjoyed my time in Asheville and look forward to returning soon. As for the book, I have nothing but great things to say. I am an avid reader and feel like I have many books on yoga. Your book does a really nice job of "pulling it all together". Nice pose detail, class design information, yogic principles, studio design and so much more! I have already recommended the book to several of the staff here at the Lake Norman YMCA. Perhaps we can have you here for a workshop sometime next year? Namaste!
Christy Gepfert-McCormick

Hello,
I have found the book very helpful as a teaching aide. Stephanie's pose sequences have helped me to expand my teaching repertoire. The tight/weak area chart has also provided me with a great reference for recommending poses to my students in order to help them expand their practice. Yoga is a labor of love and Stephanie has proven that through this book. THANK YOU!
Jennifer Beyt
Co-Director, Side Crow Vinyasa Yoga
Knoxville, TN

Hey, Stephanie, I hope all is well with you and your family. I use your book all the time. I study it before each class, particularly the weak, tight, chart. Also the practices. Then I start with your openers and kind of let my intuition work with what I've studied. I have been giving simple homework sheets for my students (non-Y) to practice on their own. The most recent ones are written for each student and their needs as I perceive them. Your example of the thirty minute consultation with a new student was a huge help. They love these practices and actually do them. Also, I didn't explain that they were all different. I simply gave them out with their names on their sheet. When a couple of women got together to practice they noticed they were different. Fun!
Thanks. Great help, your book. Love, Danny

Stephanie -
wow what an amazing book! this is truly a treat if you are a solitary practitioner of yoga, like me, with no teachers to nurture your passion. Thank you so much with sharing your wisdom with me. Blessed be
Chris

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The Yoga Handbook table of contents

Part One:
Yoga foundations
History and Philosophy
Ethics of a Yogi
Yoga in America

Part Two:
Setting up
For Home Practice or Classroom Instruction
Self Setup

Part Three:
Pranayama and meditation
Four Primary Breathing Practices
Four Primary Meditation Practices

Part Four:
Asana
Asana Application
The Breath in an Asana
Props - Offering Support for Physical and Emotional Release
Variations - Tapping into Your Creativity
The 70 Basics
Gallery of Asana, Modifications, Variations

Part Five:
Instructions for teachers
Verbal Instructions
Visual Adjustments
Manual Adjustments
Partner Adjustments

Part Six:
Body reading & basic anatomy
Know Your Anatomy
Skeleton chart
Muscle Man Chart
Reading Energy in Students’ Bodies

Part Seven:
CHART FOR TIGHT/WEAK AREAS

Part Eight:
Q & A
Questions and Answers for Teaching
Questions and Answers for Home Practice

Part Nine:
Sequencing a class or practice
The Art of Sequencing
Themes
Sequencing
Counterposes
Templates: Allowing for a Natural Flow

Part Ten:
Ailment and Injury Chart
How to Address All walks of Life
Over 120 Physical Ailments

Part Eleven:
LIFESTYLE GUIDELINES
Living a Pure Life:
Daily Practice
Food and Other Ingested Substances
Sleep
Emotions
Consumerism
SEVA

Part Twelve:
Women's issues
Honoring the Rhythms of the Womb:
Cysts - Ovarian or Uterine
Eating Disorders
Emotions
Hormones
Hysterectomy
Infertility
Mastectomy, Breast Surgeries
Menopause
Menstruation
Osteoporosis
Postpartum
Pregnancy

Part Thirteen:
MEN'S ISSUES
Anger Management
Flexibility vs. Strength
Injuries, Athletes, and Recovery
Other Emotions
Prostate Health
Sexuality

Part Fourteen:
SPIRITUALITY
Devotional Practices
Tapping into Isvara-Pranidhana

Part Fifteen:
The business of Yoga
The How To’s
Insurance/Liability
Marketing
Ethics
Templates of Sample Forms

Epilogue:
Grace in Every Moment
Tips for Teaching

Appendix One:
YOGA RESOURCES

Appendix Two:
RECOMMENDED READING

Appendix Three:
SANSKRIT GLOSSARY
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