Exercise is known to be an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. But what about those of us who work 25 hours a week and go to school full-time? Some young professionals work upwards of 50 hours a week to prove themselves. When do they have time to exercise? Hatha Yoga offers one possible solution to their problem.

Hatha Yoga is one of six branches of Yoga. The postures, or ‘asanas’, used in Hatha Yoga focus mainly on regulating breathing. It is a beneficial workout that can fit into even the busiest person’s schedule.

The resources below offer general information to help busy students and professionals guide themselves through several Hatha Yoga workouts. The result can be an altered, less stressful lifestyle.

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Scope

This pathfinder was developed to provide a guide for busy students and young professionals searching for do-it-yourself Yoga workouts focusing on stress-relief as well as fitness. The resources outlined are chiefly electronic, keeping in mind that busy students and professionals want the most current information at their fingertips. Some print materials are included for their useful illustrations and outlines of basic Hatha Yoga workouts.

The most useful browsing areas and print resources are found in the Durham County Libraries and Chapel Hill Public Library. Some of the electronic resources can be accessed via any Internet connection; however, some are best accessed from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Library Web Page.

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LC Subject Headings

Yoga.
Yoga, Hatha.

Browsing Areas

General how-to books

Durham County Public Library – 613.704 (Dewey)
Chapel Hill Public Library – 613.7046 (Dewey)

Further reading about the philosophy and history of Yoga

Davis Library, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (LC) B132. Y6 A24 – B132. Y6 Y4912

*This browsing area includes books more intensive in coverage of philosophical
and historical aspects of Yoga.

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Monographs

These books are available at the Durham County Libraries. Some of these titles, in
addition to others, are also available at the Chapel Hill Public Library.

20-Minute Yoga Workouts [613.704 Christensen]

• This book outlines a 20-minute do-it-yourself Yoga workout. It also offers alternative methods for at-home or away-from-home workouts.

• Photographs accompany descriptions of the exercises and poses.

• Includes index and references for other American Yoga Association resources.

The American Yoga Association’s Easy Does It Yoga [613.704 Christensen]

• Christensen guides users through a Yoga program that includes the basics of Yoga breathing and meditation, specific postures, unique benefits for alleviating health problems.

• The book outlines a six-week program to help develop a basic understanding of essential movements.

• Includes bibliographical references and an index.

Yoga for Dummies [613.704 Feuerstein]

• This resource offers advice from two experts in the Yoga field about how to design and follow your own Yoga program. Stress Relief is one of the major focuses.

• Helpful illustrations and photographs are included for self-guidance.

• Includes index and bibliographical references.

Classic Yoga for Stress Relief [613.704 Lalvani]

• In this resource, Yoga exercises designed specifically for stress-relief are
outlined.

• Yoga principles are explained, along with the benefits of each posture and breathing exercise.

• The index covers exercises and ailments so users can locate exercises
appropriate for specific injuries or problems.

Desktop Yoga: The Anytime, Anywhere Relaxation Program for Office Slaves, Internet Addicts and Stressed-Out Students [613.704 Lusk]

• Lusk mainly focuses on simple stress-relieving exercises that can easily be done while seated at work, at school or on the couch. While these exercises are not considered ‘traditional’ Yoga, they are loosely based on Yoga principles.

• The author gives suggestions about redesigning your workspace to make it more comfortable and relaxing.

• Includes index and bibliographical references.

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Encyclopedias

Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia
Electronic access available through UNC Libraries Web Page:
http://eresources.lib.unc.edu/eid/

This encyclopedia allows users to search for information about a wide variety of topics. Using advanced search, users can combine several keywords to get more specific results.

When looking for a basic explanation of Yoga, the best results are found in a keyword search for Yoga. This provides several entries about Yoga exercise and Yoga philosophy.

Abstracts and indexes

Academic Search Elite
Electronic access available through UNC Libraries Web Page:
http://eresources.lib.unc.edu/eid/

Expanded Academic ASAP
Electronic access available through UNC Libraries Web Page:
http://eresources.lib.unc.edu/eid/

Users can search these indexes for articles in journals or popular periodicals covering several subject areas including social sciences, humanities, general academic, business and general science. For the best results, use the advanced search and type in “Yoga” and “stress.” This search will produce results citing articles including testimonials and examples of people using Yoga as a stress-relief workout.

SPORTDiscus
Electronic access available through UNC Libraries Web Page:
http://eresources.lib.unc.edu/eid/

SPORTDiscus indexes journal articles, magazine articles, books, book chapters and conference proceedings related to Health, Physical Education, Sport and Recreation. For best results, search with the terms “Yoga” or “Hatha Yoga” to find a variety of articles about Yoga’s benefits.

Journals

Yoga Journal
Available at Durham County Library in the Periodicals section.

Produced bimonthly, Yoga Journal provides current information about trends in Yoga, including exercise techniques, clothing, mats, props and videos. The publication is targeted at instructors; however, amateur Yoga enthusiasts can benefit greatly from its content.

Directories

Yoga Journal
Available online at: http://www.yogajournal.com/

This Web Site is an excellent resource for beginners. It offers detailed information on Hatha Yoga poses, including illustrations, tips for correct posture and benefits associated with these poses. It also provides a link for online Yoga directories to help users find yoga studios, teachers, resources and associations.

Yoga Directory
Available online at: http://www.yogadirectory.com/

Yogadirectory.com provides users the opportunity to search for information about several subject areas. There are comprehensive directories for books and publications, centers and organizations, entertainment and media, health and healing services, references and resources and Yoga traditions. This Web Site is also useful for beginners.