Yoga for Bendy People: Optimizing the Benefits of Yoga for Hypermobility

Yoga for Bendy People was written for yoga teachers and practitioners who want a deeper understanding of hypermobility syndromes and how to optimize the benefits of yoga for people who have them.

A well-designed yoga practice not only avoids injury, but leaves the body better supported, the nervous system better regulated, the mind clearer, and the heart more connected to its purpose.

Author Libby Hinsley is a long-time yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and physical therapist. As a person living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she is passionate about raising awareness about hypermobility in the yoga community and beyond. She has experienced the chronic pain, joint instability, and yoga-related injuries so common among bendy practitioners.

In this book, she offers guidance on how to develop a sustainable yoga practice tailored to the unique needs of bendy practitioners - body, mind, and spirit.

Readers will: * Learn about the latest hypermobility research and most common syndromes
* Discover how to avoid the common injuries bendy people face in yoga practice
* Understand how asana, pranayama, meditation, and more, can support bendy people

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"With Yoga for Bendy People, Libby Hinsley offers an invaluable and long-overdue perspective that can deliver to practitioners and teachers the benefits of yoga practice, while saving them from the all too familiar suffering endemic to the hypermobile. Libby's clear, engaging writing style makes the up-to-date technical information both accessible and digestible. Because asana practice attracts such a high percentage of bendy people, this book should be required reading for everyone who teaches yoga." -- Leslie Kaminoff, co-author of Yoga Anatomy

"This book should be required reading in every teacher training and for every bendy yoga practitioner. Inside, Dr. Hinsley reveals challenges and opportunities unique to people on the hypermobility spectrum who practice yoga. The content is rich, nuanced, and accessible as it balances an evidence based focus with respect for the roots and traditions of yoga."
-- Mado Hesselink, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, and host of the Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

"As a physical therapist and yoga instructor, Libby provides a unique perspective on the utilization of yoga for those with hypermobility and related disorders. This text provides valuable information for those wanting to learn more about these important conditions and how yoga can be an important tool in their toolbox for improving functional capacity and quality of life." - Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD, The Hypermobility MD

"Bendy people are often attracted to yoga because it's so easy and it feels so good. But there are hidden risks and long-term consequences of practicing while hypermobile. Libby Hinsley has broken it all down beautifully here - with profound expertise, humor, and kindness. You need this book!" -- Kristine Weber, Founder of Subtle Yoga

"Yoga for Bendy People is an excellent resource for students and teachers who want to learn more about how to navigate hypermobility when practicing yoga. It provides important information and actionable ways about how to continue your asana practice with a decreased risk of injury, if you are hypermobile, but love yoga. I will be recommending this book to all of my hypermobile students!" - Trina Altman, author of Yoga Deconstructed

"Finally a book that tackles the problems that people with hypermobility disorders face when it comes to exercise. Useful and relevant information about the power of yoga for people with these disorders is sprinkled with deeply honest and real accounts of the author's personal journey. A must read for anyone who has a hypermobility disorder or who works with clients with these conditions." - Dr. Andrew Beaumont, MD, C-IAYT

"Libby transformed how this hypermobile yogi moves through the world. As my teacher and physical therapist, she helped me end a decade-long cycle of pain and discomfort. Whether you're a yoga teacher or student, you need Libby's book!" -- Stepfanie Romine, RYT 500, co-author The No Meat Athlete Cookbook

"Libby Hinsley brings western science to the ancient practice of yoga in a welcome contribution to the sparse literature directed to hypermobile individuals in search of a better understanding of the unique qualities and needs of their body. The joint hypermobility that may make yoga an attractive practice may also predispose some to injuries. Libby Hinsley combines the mind of a physical therapist with the experiences her own hypermobility have brought her, and leads the reader not only to a safer, but also more meaningful practice." - Lilian Holm, PT, DPT

"Libby approaches the complexities of hypermobility with deep familiarity and artistry. She skillfully weaves the personal, scientific, and pragmatic together- elucidating the complexities of a largely unacknowledged epidemic to healthcare providers, bendy people (like yogis and gymnasts) , those with chronic pain, and their family members. Well worth the read!" -- Will Hamilton, PhD; Clinical Neuropsychologist

"Libby Hinsley's book unpacks the complexity of hypermobility syndromes in an accessible and caring way. She offers empowering/powerful and actionable advice for teachers and practitioners. Her knowledge on the subject and her passion for helping people breathes through the pages. A must-read not only for bendy people and yoga teachers, but also a required reading at YTTs." --Zorayda Cocchi, OTR/L, RYT-500, PrP Read more Continue reading Read less