Slim Calm Sexy Yoga: 210 Proven Yoga Moves for Mind/Body Bliss

by Tara Stiles

Inside this book is the secret to a new you. A slimmer, calmer, sexier you. The secret? A revolutionary approach to the traditional practice of yoga.

Study after study has shown that yoga offers a multitude of benefits for today's stressedout, busy woman, including a trimmer body, stronger immunity, lower blood pressure, improved mood, better sex, and more!

In this comprehensive manual, you'll find more than 200 body-shaping and lifechanging yoga poses, meditations, breathing exercises, and unique 15-minute routines crafted by yoga superstar Tara Stiles.

In  Slim Calm Sexy Yoga  you'll discover how just 15 minutes of yoga a day can help
- Sculpt a sexy silhouette
- Control diet-busting cravings
- Banish stress for good
- Amp up your sexual satisfaction
- Get smooth, glowing skin
- Sleep better, stay healthy, and have through-the- roof energy

This easy-to-follow illustrated guide to the transformative powers of yoga guarantees a total lifestyle makeover. Let  Slim Calm Sexy Yoga  be your blueprint for a brand-new you!

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Fitness, Sports

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2010

About the author

Tara Stiles is the founder of Strala, the revolutionary approach to being, moving and healing. Strala is practiced in more than 100 countries, and thousands of Guides are leading Strala classes daily around the globe.

Tara has authored several best-selling books including Yoga Cures, Make Your Own Rules Diet, and Strala Yoga. Tara is married to Strala co-founder Mike Taylor and they enjoy practicing yoga and spending time in nature with their daughter Daisy.

Reviews

[Emily Kestrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t tried any of the yoga sequences yet, but I am definitely going to.

[Moe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich mache seit ungefähr einem Dreivierteljahr regelmäßig Yoga, allerdings immer nur im Studio unter der Aufsicht und Anleitung von Lehrerinnen. Ich hatte zwischendurch zwar immer wieder Lust auch mal zu Hause zu üben, auch wenn es nur eine halbe Stunde ist, wusste aber nicht so genau, wie ich anfangen oder was ich machen soll. Dann habe ich zufällig dieses Yoga-Buch von Tara Stiles entdeckt und mal geschaut, ob dies eventuell ein guter Einstieg ist. Tara Stiles scheint in Amerika eine ziemliche Berühmtheit zu sein, ich selbst habe ihren Namen auf diesem Buch allerdings zum ersten Mal entdeckt.

Dieses Buch geht los mit ein paar einführenden Worten und Taras persönlichem Hintergrund, wie sie zum Yoga gekommen ist und welche Schwierigkeiten sie zu Beginn hatte. Schön zu wissen, dass ein Profi nicht immer ein Profi war. ;) Sie erzählt, was Yoga für sie bewirkt hat und das verspricht sie auch ihren Lesern. Diese Behauptungen unterfüttert sie nicht nur mit ihrer eigenen Erfahrung, sondern auch mit diversen Ergebnissen aus der Forschung. Die Sprache ist in diesem Buch typisch für Yoga gehalten, wie sie mir in allen Kursen bisher begegnet ist: ein persönliches und intimes “Du”.
Danach geht es gleich weiter zum großen Kapitel der Asanas (Haltungen). Diese sind sortiert in Kategorien: Asanas im Stehen, Sitzen, Liegen etc. und jede Haltung wird durch mindestens ein Bild gezeigt. Dazu gehören einführende Erklärungen (wie kommt man überhaupt in diese Haltung?) und kleine Kommentare (auf was muss man achten, damit die Haltung gesund ausgeführt wird?). Manchmal werden auch einfache Varianten von schwierigen Asanas erklärt, damit Anfänger auch eine Chance haben diese auszuführen, manchmal allerdings auch nicht. Es werden zudem unglaubliche viele Haltungen vorgestellt, aber natürlich auch nicht alle, die Yoga zu bieten hat. Manchmal habe ich mich gefragt, wie denn überhaupt abgegrenzt wurde. Einige Mal wurden immer schwierigere Asanas erklärt (vom Kopfstand über den Unterarmstand zum Handstand), manchmal nur eine leichte Variante einer Haltung (zum Beispiel die Schulterbrücke, aber kein Rad).

Danach folgen dann die 15-minütigen Übungssequenzen. Hier tauchen die Bilder der Haltungen wieder auf und verweisen mit einer Seitenzahl auf die Erklärungen in den Asanas, damit man noch man nachschauen kann, wie es genau funktioniert. Die Sequenzen sind wiederum in Kategorien eingeteilt und hier findet man auch das Versprechen aus dem Titel wieder: Schlank, Entspannung und Sexy. Dazu kommen noch Fitness, Aussehen und Gesundheit. Für jede dieser Kategorien gibt es einige Übungen mit verschiedenen Zielen. Verdauung und Fatburner bei Schlank, gute Haut bei Aussehen, gut Einschlafen bei Entspannung und viele mehr. Den Übungen sind wiederum Erklärungen und Tipps beigegeben: Was bewirken diese Übungen genau, welche Muskelgruppen sprechen sie an? Auch wenn man Yoga schon länger macht, kann man hier viel erfahren. Ich habe aus jeder Kategorie einige Sequenzen ausprobiert und Gefallen an ihnen gefunden. Ob sie nun das bewirken, was Tara verspricht, würde sich sowieso erst nach vielen Wochen zeigen, aber die Übungen an sich fühlen sich gut an. Die Asana-Abfolgen passen gut zusammen, die Übergänge sind dabei logisch und lassen sich flüssig ausführen. Zudem kann man die 15-Minuten-Übungen auch gut und schnell auswendig lernen, denn in vielen Haltungen ist es dann doch eher schwierig ständig wieder ins Buch zu schauen.
Zudem gibt es zu jeder Übung einen “Tipp von Tara”, der noch mal Schwierigkeiten oder Clous einer Übung beleuchtet, aber im Grunde allgemeingültig für Yoga ist. Wenn man mit diesem Buch trainieren will, ist es also nützlich wirklich alle Tipps zu lesen, besonders als Anfänger.

Zwischendrin befinden sich auch immer wieder kleine Erfahrungsberichte von Taras Schülerinnen (ja, tatsächlich nur Frauen, zumindest in diesem Buch). Hier zeigt sich auch sehr deutlich, dass dieses Buch unglaublich Frauen-orientiert ist, obwohl alle Übungen genauso gut an Männer gerichtet sein und diese sie auch genau so ausführen können. (Funfact: Yoga wurde im alten Indien von Männern zu einer Zeit erfunden, in der es Frauen nicht erlaubt war, so was zu praktizieren. Vielleicht trifft man mittlerweile in Yogakursen mehr Frauen, aber besonders in Kursen für Fortgeschrittene sind in meinem Studio manchmal die Männer in der Überzahl.) Diese kleinen Berichte und auch Taras Kommentare fühlen sich oft leider wie übertriebene Lobhudelei auf Yoga an. Zwar sind sie manchmal durch die Forschung belegt, aber etwas weniger aufgesetzt wäre an dieser Stelle vielleicht mehr gewesen. Zudem hätte für mich der Fokus nicht unbedingt auf dem “perfekten Körper” liegen müssen. Häufig geht es um “schlank schlank schlank werden”, wenn es auch einfach nur darum gehen könnte Yoga zu praktizieren. Einfach so. Yoga ist nun auch keine Sportart, mit der man schneller als mit allem anderen abnimmt, oder nur Mittel zum Zweck. Yoga macht den Körper stärker, das kann ich schon mal versprechen.

“Yoga: Schlank, entspannt und sexy” von Tara Stiles ist ein Buch mit einer tollen Atmosphäre, die typisch für Yoga ist und trotz des “ohne spirituellen Schnickschnack”-Versprechens aus dem Klappentext die Philosophie von Yoga gut überträgt. Die einzelnen Haltungen werden deutlich gezeigt und erklärt und die Übungen sind flüssig ausführbar. Anfänger können aus diesem Buch viel über Yoga lernen, sollten jedoch immer im Kopf behalten, dass ein Buch keinen Lehrer ersetzen kann, der Haltungen korrigiert. Deshalb empfehle ich, immer schön vorsichtig zu üben (Yoga sollte ich nicht wehtun! Schmerzen nicht einfach “wegatmen”, sondern dann lieber die Haltung auflösen!). Als Begleitung oder Fortsetzung zu einem Einführungskurs ist dieses Yoga-Buch von Tara Stiles gut geeignet.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go ahead, laugh or grimace at the title. I did. Then I thought, "I DO want to be calm and sexy!" (I've got the slim part down.) And this is not dumbed-down yoga. The woman on the cover is the author. I'm pretty sure I'll never manage some of the poses, like "crow." As a person with RA, I've learned to modify other challenging poses (due to wrist and knee pain), but don't think it's possible with the above pose! The book opens with chapters concentrating on sitting and standing poses and everything in between. Beautiful high quality photography of author in each pose accompanies easy to understand instructions. She stresses the importance of yoga in terms of strengthening body and mind, without the "namaste," "New-Age" language that doesn't do it for me.

It gets better, as the latter chapters include mostly fifteen minute routines she's put together for specific issues: depression, anxiety, insomnia, allergies, stamina, metabolism, upper/lower/all-over toning, headaches, jet lag, clear skin, and relaxation to those for arousal and desire, orgasms, and couples' bonding (hence the "sexy" in the title). It makes me feel that way and I haven't practiced the "sexy" routines, yet :) I wondered if I'd enjoy practicing yoga with a book "instructor," as I'm used to following a dvd routine. I haven't touched my yoga dvds since checking this out of the library (I ordered a copy--gotta love those cash-back bonus rewards!). As much as I enjoy (seriously) the routines, following her advice on the importance of deep breathing, learning to be mindful of my breathing, and meditation (no incense or "oms" required) has benefitted me as much, if not more. I put on some spa music, unroll my mat, and focus on me, not the person on the TV screen. Highly recommended.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quibble with the title of this book. I wouldn’t have picked it up under normal circumstances because it sounds like the too-good-to-be true self-help book that will help you be slim! Be calm! Be sexy! In just two days and by not changing your lifestyle at all! But I’ve been enjoying Tara Stiles’ youtube workouts, so I thought I’d give it a try despite the title.

It’s exactly what I want in a yoga book. The book is divided into chapters like “Fit Yoga” and “Calm Yoga” so that you can choose your workout based on what you’re hoping to achieve. The beginning of each chapter has exposition about how yoga fits with that particular theme, citing studies of the proven benefits. Following the intro are several workouts designed specifically to support that theme. It’s the perfect balance of the “why” of yoga without being too preachy. You get a little encouragement in every chapter to remind you why you’re doing this, but it’s still more yoga than talk.

There is also a chapter of essential poses, outlining how to perform each pose featured in the book. I have the ebook version of this title, so if I forget how to do a pose in the middle of the workout, I can just tap the pose name and it takes me to the directions. I don’t think this book could be a replacement for yoga classes, but I think it is the perfect supplement, and coupled with Tara’s youtube videos makes for a great at-home experience.

[Steph LaPlante · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I ever owned that got me into yoga. What attracted me was, of course, the title I saw the word Slim and was sold. After getting into the book I realized how much more yoga really was. The sequences in this book are incredibly helpful and you can pick and choose based on what you think your body needs.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been active in yoga off and on for about 4 years now (wow, that long already?), but have always been doing home practices. Sure, I've had a class here or there, but yoga classes are an expense that a college student like me can't afford. I found Tara Stiles on Youtube, and since she has become, in a sense, my personal yoga instructor. Eventually, I bought this book, and I must say, I love it. It's clear, concise, easy to follow and use (outside of the having to prop it open to remember the next asana, but hey, it's a book). Tara makes yoga rather... cool. She divides the book into sections, with an engaging intro, a comprehensive pose chapter (includes every pose used in the book), and then we have chapters on how to be fit, slim, sexy, sex-fulfilled, calm, healthy, and have an overall sense of well-being. It's a wonderfully written, explained, and encouraging book. Sure, I can't do every single pose, but Tara makes me want to try, and helps me remember to breathe. I encourage others to pick up this book, and you can even find it used for about half-price (I did.) Yoga doesn't have to be a mental wrestling match, nor is it just for the naturally skinny, former-ballerinas (like some reviews snark on about Tara). This book helps make yoga be for everyone. Pick it up! :)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'll get some use out of the book's various sequences designed for different purposes. I wish the book had less focus on being thin, looking younger, gorgeous, etc. But the information about the poses is useful and I like the way she breaks down how to achieve some more difficult poses in baby steps, particularly the inversions.

ETA: I just went to her YouTube channel to look for a bedtime routine and she has seven videos uploaded which are interviews with AYN RAND. Aaaagggghh! I do not want to know that my yoga instructor is into Ayn Rand. That just seems so WRONG.

[Jayme · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are so many great yoga books out there, filled with postures, sequences and guidelines for yoga practice - find them! Don't get sucked in by the sleek celebrity glossiness of this one. I read a review copy and chose not to review it because I was so underwhelmed, I didn't feel that I could possible be fair about it.

[Shana's Reading Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with yoga right now and Tara Stiles is one of its masters! This book has scientific evidence that backs up yoga's benefits as well as routines for specific health problems. The pose section includes over 200 poses I can't wait to try some of these! A must read for anyone into fitness, yoga, meditation, or just plain old relaxation :)

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick takeaway: If you're trying to decide which Women's Health yoga book to buy, this one or the one by Kathryn Budig, buy the Budig one. This is basically a Women's Health magazine that's all about yoga (featuring a former dancer). There are better and worse introduction to yoga books. This is geared to women under 40. This one is definitely attractively designed. If you're new to yoga, avoid inversions, other than legs up the wall. Work with yoga teacher in person when learning inversions.

Review:

Women's Health publishes books with engaging titles and attractive layouts, and this is such a book.
The layout of the book is one of the highlights. It's attractive and well designed.

Even the table of contents reads like a magazine filled with articles:

15 Minutes to a Slimmer, Calmer, Sexier You!
Bring On the Yoga Buzz!
Essential Poses
Slim Yoga
Calm Yoga
Sexy Yoga
Fit Yoga
Gorgeous Yoga
Healthy Yoga
Take It to the Next Level

As attractive as it is, it's not the best book for someone new to yoga. People can get hurt when doing poses, especially with inversions.

What I liked:

Clear photos. Short series of poses for different needs. Modifications for some poses are shown. The index.

The "Take It to the Next Level" chapter is the smallest and probably the most important. It includes a "What's Your Yoga Personality?" chart, which is a nice comparison. It also has tips on what to expect with a live class.

Yes, I bought it. I'm a sucker for a great layout. Tara Stiles has great marketing.

[Hannah Fullerton · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are more traditional schools of yoga, and then there is Westernized yoga.
This book falls squarely in the second category.
I would also be remiss in mentioning that I cannnot find a trace of a certification in teaching yoga asides that the author owns a studio and instructs yoga classes. With that said, it would be difficult for someone who is new to yoga to introduce many of these movements into their practice safely and with correct form- which is essential for preventing injury.
I would give this a pass unless you are more experienced in yoga and have enough awareness in your body to know what will and will not cause injury.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

First yoga book I have brought to learn yoga moves. I have been using this book for a month now and reading and learning the poses. I definitely will not get to the model's level, but this has helped me
learn to do the Yoga Stretches . I like that she shows the poses and has notes on how to achieve this position. I will continue to use this book to keep learning more.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara's approach to starting a yoga practice made yoga fun again for me! I love her laid-back approach and sequences for Sexy Yoga, Fit Yoga, Calm Yoga, etc. Nice pictures & very clear descriptions. A must for yoga fans looking for a beautifully laid out book. Highly recommend!

[Christina Widmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein sehr umfangreiches Lehrbuch mit vielen Übungen und Übungsreihen, ohne Spirituelles.
http://nouw.com/cwidmann/yoga-nur-fur...

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronique française sur Sous ma Couverture

[Julie Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the first yoga books I ever owned, and 8 years later, I still reference it.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm currently keen to read as much stuff about yoga as I can and this one came up on my radar so I figured i'd read it. I really liked the layout of this book, it was pretty easy to follow and had good clear pictures. One thing I didn't think was the best was that some of the more advanced poses weren't pointed out as being advanced. That being said it's not too hard to figure out. Another thing I liked about this book was that there were heaps of different sequences for various things. I tried a few out and found them to be pretty challenging but also fairly rewarding. I really like this book and can definitely see myself referring back to it often. I look forward to reading more by Tara Stiles in the future.

[Manya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reference book for the basic asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing) and meditation techniques to practice at home, and which asanas sequences to apply for various results (getting slim, getting calm, getting sexy).

I was pleasantly surprised when Stiles' suggestions in a routine to help allergies actually made my symptoms disappear literally overnight! I independently asked my Indian yoga teacher to suggest a technique for allergies, and she too recommended the bellows breathing technique which Stiles recommends in the book. So while some reviewers have their doubts about the routines to address hangovers, allergies, etc., I find that some of them actually work for me. Looking forward to reading Yoga Cures as well.

The only thing that bothered me is that while practising the routines, it's difficult to smoothly transition from one asana to another from reading this book. Also, a lot of the asanas are not basic ones and could use more explanation of simpler variations. However, the fact that Stiles has so many excellent free videos on youtube makes it easier to figure out the transitions and easier variations from watching her demonstrate similar routines in person. Nothing makes up for seeing the real thing done well, and then attempting it yourself.

[Sundry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I've finished reading this book, but I haven't finished using it. When I decided to start practicing yoga at home as well as doing my usual 1-2 hour-long classes, I asked the instructor how to go about it. She suggested finding a book that illustrates a lot of poses. This book certainly does that!

I think it's especially good if you've had some experience with yoga because a book can't really show you how to transition from one pose to another.


The issue-specific sets of poses are meant to be done in 15-minute practices. This is great for days when I don't have a lot of time but need a yoga hit. I tend to use the routines as guidelines for my practice, which tens to last more like 30-45 minutes. Sometimes I choose two or three, but usually I incorporate poses from the class I take, and I always start and finish with breathing.

Each pose in the routines has a number next to it referring to the page where the pose is fully described. Wonderful.

When I showed the book to my instructor, she was very excited about it. Even picked one she wasn't familiar with, did it, and incorporated it into the next week's class.

[Amy Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Tara is my all time favourite yoga instructor from the cyber world, I had high hopes about this book. It didn't disappoint. Tara Stiles has such an amazing presence and I could feel this just through reading the book.

I already practice yoga moderately frequently, but since I have been training for a half marathon, it has become less of a priority. Therefore, I planned on getting back on the bandwagon to improve my strength and flexibility after race day...so I bought the book to start me off!

It begins with a couple of chapters on the overall benefits of yoga (already knew the info but I suppose handy for beginners) with research literature to back up claims. There is then a section of 'essential poses' which I loved! It included photographs of Tara demonstrating the poses and includes written instructions, variations and tips. She then breaks down a vast range of 15 minute routines into 'slim', 'calm', 'sexy', 'fit', 'gorgeous' and 'healthy' yoga. Which all again have photographs and written instructions. Finally tails off about equipment, getting started etc...

Really easy read. Will be using it a lot to refer to while I start to build up my progress. LOVE!

[sara frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

when i first looked through this book, i LOVED it. so much that i was actually considering buying, which means a lot because i NEVER buy books. but then when i actually tried to do some of these workouts and my enthusiasm for this book dropped quite a bit. this shit is HARD. the workout to help ease hangovers involves standing on your head. really? i feel like ass and i think i'm still a bit drunk and you want me to stand on my head?!

another thing that bugs me about this book is some of the workouts have a sort of snake oil feel to me. there are workouts in here that are suppose to help orgasms, clear skin, allergies, and infertility. i mean, maybe i'm just a skeptic but i'm totally not buying it.

[Melissa Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate(d) yoga, but there's too much science out there telling me that I should do it for me to fight it any longer. I've tried DVDs, and found that I never could get past the irritating host/hostess. This book talks about yoga very realistically and conversationally, and I fully intend to buy my own copy after I return it to the library. The instructions are clear, with excellent pointers and photographs. The workouts are HARD. This isn't for the totally out of shape person who wants a quick fix, but for someone who wants to change their thinking and their lifestyle for the better--PERFECT!

[Bonnie Brzozowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book because it is so easy to follow along with. Her instructions are clear and the pictures are informative and helpful (this girl has some amazing flexibility!). I think it's probably ideal for a yoga beginner or novice. I do yoga sometimes with the help of a few DVDs I have at home, but this taught me so much more and had me trying poses I hadn't yet seen and/or ever thought I could attempt on my own. The back section of the book is full of routines mixing up all of the poses she presents. Anyway, the pic on the cover and the title of this book made me think I'd be super annoyed with it, but I will likely be coming back to this one again and again.

[Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Although there are a lot of yoga poses throughout this book, I don't think the actual sequence on how to do them is explained well enough. As a yoga practioner since I was a kid I find it may be a bit difficult to understand for people who don't know.

The workouts she suggests are good for the everyday practioner, but I think a guidance for beginners would be good to have.

Another point that I would've liked to see developed at least a bit is food guidelines, and also a bit more on pranayama.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book with a lot of sequences in the back for home practice. Some of the descriptions for getting in and out of particular poses could be more thorough, but the photos accompanying each pose are terrific and the sequences provided offer a lot of ideas for creating your own vinyasa flows at home. I think the title is a little unfortunate because I think it keeps men from wanting to read it; the information would benefit everyone. An attractive book that offers endless possibilities for your practice.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book talks about different ways that yoga can make you happier and healthier - it addresses stress, insomnia,aches and pains, relaxation, anxiety, weight loss, toning, skin, etc. For each situation Tara Stiles has included a sequence of moves - about 8 - to do. I also really like that the book includes "Intervention" stories throughout it, which highlight a person who had a change in their life because of yoga.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the BEST yoga book I've ever read. There's no names of poses I can't pronounce, just simple descriptions or the English translation of the asana. There are clear pictures (in color!) and directions, lots of great 15-minute routines so you don't get bored, a variety of goals (slim, calm, sexy, general health), and science to back up many of the claims. I may actually have to buy this one.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big fan of Tara's!! As someone who regularly practices yoga, in the studio locally, thru Tara's videos online or practice on my own, I find this book a great reference for any yogi, whether you are a newbie or a seasoned yogi, the photos are beautiful photos and the book is packed with some great information to keep healthy and stay motivated.
I completely disagree with all the negative vampires out there against Tara.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book! Such a great reference book, I flip through it constantly to be inspired to create my own yoga sequences (or pick ones that are set up as sequences already). Great info on what poses will help you with certain issues. Love the simple format and easy to read/look at while you're in the midst of yoga. Hooray for Tara Stiles!

[Teacatweaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best part of this book is that it guides you to build up each pose, and then pull them together in sequences for specific issues. Being able to change-up a routine is really important to keep interested in an exercise program, and this book does this for yoga. I just wish it was in a ring binder format - foresee a broken book spin as I make it through the actual doing!