From Publishers Weekly
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. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
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. Jane Tuma
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Review

"The author presents [yoga] 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 intructional for anyone. Recommended for public libraries, consumer health libraries, and universities with physical education majors."
-Library Journal, August 2003


Review
"A book for those seeking a more macho road to enlightenment."
-GQ Magazine


Review
"A book for those seeking a more macho road to enlightenment."


Book Description
With its revolutionary approach to yoga and innovative, male-oriented instruction, Real Men Do Yoga will be the definitive guide for both novice and veteran men who are discovering the innumerable physical and mental benefits of yoga. Satisfying the male fascination with sports and admiration for athletes are interviews with more than twenty pros, all of whom are enthusiastic yoga practitioners: football's Eddie George, Shannon Sharpe and Amani Toomer; baseball pitchers Barry Zito (2002 Cy Young Award winner) and Al Leiter, star hockey goalie Sean Burke and NBA superstar Kevin Garnett as well as pro golfers and tennis players. Photos of sports stars doing yoga, such as football greats Dan Marino and Chris Carter, drive home a powerful message. Each chapter offers a combination of stretches and strength-builders that target and benefit specific areas: Conquering back pain (which afflicts an estimated 10 million men) Improving sports performance including yoga for golf, running, basketball, tennis and more Increasing flexibility in the upper body, spine and lower body Building muscle strength Improving sexual performance

In a sea of yoga books aimed at women, Real Men Do Yoga is an easily accessible, "non-New Agey" guidebook that takes something mysterious to American men and offers a reassuringly effective and practical guide that they'll actually use.


From the Inside Flap
Yes, Real Men Do Yoga-including some of America's greatest athletes! "Yoga has made my entire body more flexible, I'm stronger in my upper body, and I'm living proof that yoga prevents injuries.'' -Eddie George, Heisman Trophy winner, NFL running back "I've been doing yoga since 1995, and I practice my breathing and focusing exercises before every game.'' -- Kevin Garnett, NBA superstar "In sports, you need balance, strength and flexibility, and yoga helps so much in each of those areas. It's definitely been a huge part of my success.'' -Sean Burke, NHL All-Star goaltender For these athletes, yoga is the key to peak performance. But you don't have to be a world-class athlete or even a weekend warrior to benefit. Yoga is also the perfect exercise for guys who spend more time on the computer than they do running marathons. A few simple stretches a day can give any man: · Greater flexibility and range of motion · Increased muscle strength, tone and endurance · Improved sexual stamina and performance · More energy and less stress · Sharper focus and clarity · Reduced risk of injuries-including an end to chronic back pain "Yoga saved my career. I was facing back surgery, and tried yoga instead. Now my back is in great shape, plus the yoga is an unbelievable workout. I'm a total convert.'' --Justin Gimelstob, ATP tennis player "Flexibility is the most important thing for a golfer. The yoga stretches made my swing longer-there's no question about it. The added range of motion enabled me to get a better turn and power through the ball.'' -J.L. Lewis, PGA Tour This book's efficient, effective yoga routines target specific areas, including abs, legs and arms. The language is clear and straightforward-no weird yoga jargon, New Age philosophy, or Sanskrit names. This is a man's approach to yoga that will super-charge your performance, whether your game is golf, running, biking, tennis, basketball, skiing, swimming, or just spending some quality time with your spouse. So stop stalling and find out today why 3.5 million real men, men like All Star pitcher Barry Zito, are already working out with yoga-and why you (or the man in your life) should be, too.


From the Back Cover

Yes, Real Men Do Yoga—
including some of America's greatest athletes!

"Yoga has made my entire body more flexible, I'm stronger in my upper body, and I'm living proof that yoga prevents injuries.''
-Eddie George, Heisman Trophy winner, NFL running back

"I've been doing yoga since 1995, and I practice my breathing and focusing exercises before every game.''
-- Kevin Garnett, NBA superstar

"In sports, you need balance, strength and flexibility, and yoga helps so much in each of those areas. It's definitely been a huge part of my success.''
-Sean Burke, NHL All-Star goaltender For these athletes, yoga is the key to peak performance. But you don't have to be a world-class athlete or even a weekend warrior to benefit. Yoga is also the perfect exercise for guys who spend more time on the computer than they do running marathons. A few simple stretches a day can give any man: Greater flexibility and range of motion Increased muscle strength, tone and endurance Improved sexual stamina and performance More energy and less stress Sharper focus and clarity Reduced risk of injuries-including an end to chronic back pain

"Yoga saved my career. I was facing back surgery, and tried yoga instead. Now my back is in great shape, plus the yoga is an unbelievable workout. I'm a total convert.''
--Justin Gimelstob, ATP tennis player

"Flexibility is the most important thing for a golfer. The yoga stretches made my swing longer-there's no question about it. The added range of motion enabled me to get a better turn and power through the ball.''
--J.L. Lewis, PGA Tour

This book's efficient, effective yoga routines target specific areas, including abs, legs and arms. The language is clear and straightforward-no weird yoga jargon, New Age philosophy, or Sanskrit names. This is a man's approach to yoga that will super-charge your performance, whether your game is golf, running, biking, tennis, basketball, skiing, swimming, or just spending some quality time with your spouse.

So stop stalling and find out today why 3.5 million real men, men like All Star pitcher Barry Zito, are already working out with yoga--and why you (or the man in your life) should be, too.



About the Author
John Capouya is an award-winning journalist and yoga enthusiast. He was the health and medicine editor for Newsweek; the editor of the "Sunday Styles" section for the New York Times; the editor for Pro Magazine; and is now the deputy editor of SmartMoney Magazine.

FROM OUR EDITORS

To what does football great Eddie George attribute his peak performance? It's not protein shakes or bench presses; it's the 5,000-year-old discipline of yoga. He and many of his peers swear that yoga not only enhances their physical performance but also helps them focus, reduce stress, and sleep better. Avoiding new age jargon, author John Capouya keeps this guide simple, efficient, and geared toward the man who wouldn't be caught dead in a leotard. With beginner's exercises and play-by-play workouts for individual sports like golf and tennis, any armchair warrior can improve his game.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

For these athletes, yoga is the key to peak performance. But you don't have to be a world-class athlete or even a weekend warrior to benefit. Yoga is also the perfect exercise for guys who spend more time on the computer than they do running marathons. A few simple stretches a day can give any man: Greater flexibility and range of motion, Increased muscle strength, tone and endurance, Improved sexual stamina and performance, More energy and less stress, Sharper focus and clarity, Reduced risk of injuries -- including an end to chronic back pain. No weird yoga jargon, New Age philosophy or Sanskrit names. Just efficient, effective yoga routines for both rookies and veterans to super-charge your performance. Plus sport-by-sport workouts to keep you at the top of your game. So stop stalling and find out today why 3.5 million real men, men like All-Star pitcher Barry Zito, are already working out with yoga -- and why you should be, too.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

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. (Oct.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal