Yoga Beyond Boundaries

Not every body is the same, but every body can benefit from yoga.

Honoring the tradition of yoga while embracing accessibility is the mission behind Yoga Beyond Boundaries: The 26 & 2 Series for Modern Practitioners. Written for new students and experienced practitioners alike, this book reimagines the 26 & 2 series with an emphasis on inclusive guidance for the modern yogi.

Making no distinction between teacher and student, Yoga Beyond Boundaries opts to bridge the gap between the traditional methods and the modern need for more flexible options. With precise anatomical guidance, clear instructions, and general modifications, this text will help you practice independently anytime and anywhere. Here’s what the book provides:

• Introduction to fundamental pillars of yoga practice
• Explanation of the 26 & 2 series
• Expert instruction in the 26 postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayamas)
• Six sample sequences with varied timing
• Specific modifications for students with disabilities
• Modifications for prenatal and postnatal practitioners
• Variations, refinements, advancements, and adjustments for each pose

Understanding the complex nature of your anatomy is essential to leading yourself through safe and effective practice. While understanding anatomy and alignment is crucial, you will also be encouraged to think about how this practice goes beyond the physical asanas. You will gain an understanding of not only the yoga fundamentals but also the ways that poses and practices can be adapted to meet the needs of your students or your own body. 

With guidance from a yoga champion, teacher, and practitioner with over 20 years of experience, this text invites all: You are welcome in this space, no matter what your experience with yoga looks like. Yoga Beyond Boundaries welcomes you to the mat with compassion for your body, your background, and your unique journey.

Audience

Yoga practitioners and enthusiasts seeking a nondogmatic, accessible approach to an effective yoga practice. Each posture also includes sections for variations and refinements, appealing to both intermediate and advanced practitioners.

Part I. Foundational Concepts
Chapter 1. History and Lineage of the 26 & 2 Series
Chapter 2. Beyond the Postures: Inner Maps of Yoga
Chapter 3. Anatomical Foundations

Part II. The 26 Postures and 2 Breathing Exercises
Chapter 4. Pranayama: Beyond Breathing
Chapter 5. Warm-Up Series
Chapter 6. Balancing Series
Chapter 7. Separate Leg Series
Chapter 8. Hip-Opening Series
Chapter 9. Spine Strengthening and Flexibility Series
Chapter 10. Kneeling Series
Chapter 11. Seated Series

Part III. Sequences
Chapter 12. The 26 & 2 Sequence: A Fixed Path to Transformation
Chapter 13. Sample Sequences

Glossary

Joseph Encinia is a yoga champion, teacher, and practitioner with over 20 years of experience. He has overcome significant health challenges, including rheumatoid arthritis and a heart attack, through disciplined yoga practice. As a global teacher and former international asana yoga champion, Encinia brings unparalleled expertise, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering others through yoga. Encinia began competing in the Asana Championships to take his practice to the next level and, after four years of hard work, he placed first in the United States and second in the world in 2009. He is a three-time national champion and the 2011 male international champion. Encinia served as the board president of the USA Yoga Federation from 2014 to 2017. He also created a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called the Yoga Youth Movement, dedicated to inspiring yogis to be strong future leaders who possess the attributes of confidence, determination, and focus in creating a world with global peace through yoga.