Instructing Hatha Yoga 3rd Edition With HKPropel Access

Provide hatha yoga students with welcoming, accessible classes.

The first two editions of Instructing Hatha Yoga are well-loved resources, and the third edition continues the blending of the essential spirit of yoga with as much modern, research-based movement science data as possible.

Yoga instructors are responsible for meeting the needs of diverse student groups, providing appropriate and accessible class experiences for all students. Instructing Hatha Yoga covers all aspects of confident and sound hatha yoga instruction so that teachers can more consciously help students adapt and vary each asana to best meet their needs.

The third edition includes content such as the following:

• A wider range of variations for most asanas, including chair-based seated options
• Updated cues, with an emphasis on an inviting tone and language that is inclusive and accessible
• New guidance on best practices for teaching yoga online
• Simplified kinematic charts to help demonstrate the positioning and muscular recruitment used in each asana
• Updates to the five provided full-class outlines

Master teacher and author Diane Ambrosini retains her original emphasis on simple cues for bringing students into optimal alignment and deeper mental focus and detailed instructions for making safe and effective hands-on assists and variations of yoga poses. The book highlights issues of importance to even the most experienced instructors, including creating a safe and comfortable learning environment, structuring a class, teaching pranayama (breath work), and handling personal integrity and ethics.

Readers will also have online access to 75 instructional video clips demonstrating yoga poses and their variations. The videos include descriptions of how to guide each student toward their most appropriate alignment for each pose.

Every person deserves to feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged in their hatha yoga experience. Instructing Hatha Yoga empowers yoga teachers to develop an authentic voice so that they can provide students with compassionate, mindful sessions.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with all new print books.

Audience

Individuals training to become hatha yoga teachers; instructors in yoga studios and schools, campus recreation, recreation and leisure settings, fitness centers, dance studios, hospitals, and community settings.

Part I. The Practice of Yoga
Chapter 1. The Meaning of Yoga
Types of Yoga
Types of Hatha Yoga
Yoga Lexicon
Standards for Yoga Teachers
Liability Insurance and Employment Classification

Chapter 2. Basics of Teaching Yoga
Qualities of a Yoga Teacher
Becoming a Yoga Teacher
Recognizing Your Students’ Needs
Class Management
Summary

Chapter 3. Creating a Class Environment
Equipment Selection
Safety and Comfort Concerns
Class Atmosphere
Summary

Chapter 4. Breathing and Beyond
Pranayama
Instructing the Breathing Process
Linking Pranayama With Asanas
Summary

Chapter 5. Physical and Energetic Anatomy
Yoga Postures and Major Body Systems
Energetic Anatomy
Human Movement Systems
Mechanics of Asanas
Summary

Part II. Assists and Variations
Chapter 6. Sun Salutations
Chapter 7. Standing Postures
Chapter 8. Seated Postures
Chapter 9. Supine and Prone Postures
Chapter 10. Inverted Postures
Chapter 11. Restorative Postures

Part III. Structuring a Class
Chapter 12. Class Framework
Class Outline
Lesson Plans and Class Descriptions
Summary

Chapter 13. Sample Class Outlines
Sample 30-Minute Class
Sample 60-Minute Class
Sample 90-Minute Class
Sample Prenatal Yoga Class
Sample Children’s Yoga Class
Sample Six-Week Course
Putting It All Together

Diane Ambrosini holds the Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and Movement Science Specialist credentials as well as a master’s degree in exercise science from San Diego State University. Her passion lies in blending yoga asana and philosophy with contemporary mind–body and movement-based practices. She offers an integrative, evidence-informed approach to teaching and practicing yoga.

Specializing in musculoskeletal and energetic yoga therapy, Ambrosini designs safe, accessible, and mindful practices that encourage autonomy, self-awareness, physical function, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. Drawing on a strong foundation in exercise science, her group and private sessions emphasize intelligent, accessible movement while honoring the depth of yoga’s philosophical roots.

In addition to her therapeutic yoga work, Ambrosini is a certified Usui Reiki master and a meditation facilitator. She has led yoga-related workshops across North America and regularly offers yoga and wellness retreats. Her teaching reflects a deep respect for both convention and innovation, inviting students to experience yoga not only as a practice but also as a lifelong path of embodied awareness and personal growth.