Real Men Do Yoga

August 4, 2003
This is an excellent introduction to yoga for men, although sportswriter Capouya is a little too concerned about reminding his male readers that yoga "isn't a chick thing." By keeping his book's focus on "yoga's fantastic physical and mental benefits, without getting into the more cosmic stuff," Capouya shows what yoga enthusiasts have known for years—that yoga is a "complex, sophisticated exercise system" that can be used to increase flexibility, build muscle energy and functional strength and help prevent sports injuries. The clever thing about this book is that it takes traditional and well-known yoga moves such as the Cobra, the Cat Stretch and the Eagle along with other basic yoga breathing techniques, and shows how they can fit into other body-building programs such as weight-lifting for better overall result. But the book's subtitle is a bit misleading. The book does feature short and direct page-long testimonials by "yoga jocks" like pitcher Al Leiter, as well as comments by other pros such as golfer David Duval and star running back Eddie George ("Yoga definitely builds strength. I've noticed it mostly in my upper body"), whose well-chiseled frame is featured on the cover in a yoga position. But the book's strength is its easy-to-handle introductory program of yoga techniques that can be applied to existing workouts for any other sport.

August 1, 2003
Using as examples male sport celebrities who condition and train with yoga, including Eddie George, Barry Zito, and Kevin Garnett, Capouya (deputy editor, SmartMoney magazine) attempts to dispel common misconceptions about men and yoga by outlining the practice's "fantastic physical and mental benefits, without getting into the more cosmic stuff." After briefly covering the basics, Capouya then presents exercise progressions (yoga poses and positions) for flexibility, muscle strength, core body strength, back pain, specific sports, relaxation, and sex. Each exercise comes with step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and an explanation why that particular exercise or group of exercises is beneficial. The author presents these exercises in a logical progression that not only makes sense to readers but also involves them in performing the exercises before having to finish the book. While aimed at reluctant males, this well-organized and engagingly written book would certainly be instructional for anyone. Recommended for public libraries, consumer health libraries, and universities with physical education majors.-Howard Fuller, Stanford Health Lib., Palo Alto, CA

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2003
Capouya presents a fun and useful guide to yoga that combines clear instructions with humor and that uses a normal-looking American man as its primary model. Beginning versions of classic yoga poses are explained along with "super charged" versions for those wanting more of a challenge. To appeal to the "inner athlete," there are numerous testimonials from well-known professional athletes with some impressive photos of football stars Eddie George and Dan Marino, among others. Also included are testimonials from "real men"--normal guys with normal lives--explaining how yoga has helped them deal with physical problems and stress. Capouya's guide emphasizes the physical benefits of yoga to improve strength, flexibility, and stamina and offers tips on improving performance in various sports and sequences of poses for both rookies and veterans. A solid primer for men interested in giving yoga a try.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)