Extra Love: The Art of Hands-On Assists - The Definitive Manual for Yoga Teachers, Assistants and Advanced Students, Volume One

I am not a yoga teacher, but as a yoga student for many years I can say that this book contains valuable information that I have been able to incorporate into my practice. The descriptions of the poses detail the benefits that each one offers as well as anecdotes, which make it a fun read. More importantly, I've found the descriptions of common misalignments and the assists to rectify them extremely useful. They give me an idea of what to look out for during my yoga practice, so that I can adjust myself as necessary. And, when I'm lucky to have a teacher assist me, I have a better understanding of what they're trying to help me do!I have been to hundreds of yoga classes with all types of teachers, and I can truly say that Jill is the best teacher I've ever had. She has a calm that permeates her classes, and you can feel the connection she has to yoga, which in turn is very inspiring to me as her student. Jill is a gem, and this is book is an extension of the knowledge, care, and love she applies to yoga and her students.

Jill Abelson has successfully translated her highly effective and engaging workshops on assisting into user-friendly books. The photos and text successfully convey the feeling of "extra love" that comes from giving and receiving high quality yoga assists. Jill presented a full day intensive plus several workshops at the 2013 Iowa City Yoga Festival. She got rave reviews from the attendees -- so much that we are bringing her back for the 2014 Iowa Yoga Festival!In addition, I have adopted her books for our yoga teacher training. It seems that every student wants more education in hands-on assisting. I feel confident in recommending these books during training - knowing that they will serve our students well for years to come. The art of hands-on assisting is one that continues to deepen and grow over time. It is clear that Jill has continued to develop her passion and expertise in assisting, and has generously shared her knowledge through these books.

I rate this book 5 hearts: <3 <3 <3 <3 <3! ~This thoughtful book is full of great advice on the peaceful & healing art of assisting. Jill is a teacher's teacher and I extra love that I invested in this book. Cannot wait for the next one! My confidence in assisting students has grown tremendously after applying the techniques she describes in such informative detail. The photos are very educational & well-composed, with new variations I had not seen before for students with less flexibility or strength in some of the trickier poses like Hanumanasana (Splits) or Parivritta Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Standing Spinal Twist). The "Common Misalignments" list for each pose is invaluable as a road map to assess where to meet students. If you are new to assists or are wondering how to improve in this area of your teaching--or just want to learn more about certain poses for your personal practice, this book will bring on the extra love!

I was recently blessed to attend a workshop with Jill and was so inspired by her teachings that I ordered this book straightaway. It is a fantastic resource. As a new yoga teacher, this book provided me with a depth of knowledge that dovetails with, yet substantially builds upon the assisting instruction I received during yoga teacher training. I was able to apply much of what I learned instantly. I was immediately able to better see where a hands-on assist could be helpful (and not so much). I also felt greater confidence in offering assists, inspiring me to offer even more "extra love"! I think this book has a great deal to offer for both new and experienced instructors alike, it will definitely add to your toolkit.

Great book to work through with a partner. When you start teaching, you have so much incoming information it takes being more comfortable with teaching before being comfortable and confident giving assists. This book puts the basics back together in an easy to digest format.

i've train others in hands on assists and was very excited to find good books that address the issue. page wise, i'm more impressed with volume 2 than volume 1 (especially since they are both $35) but content wise, these are solid books. i have added them to the "must read" books for my new trainees.

I recently took an assistant training workshop and was looking for a nice book that I would be able to use for reviewing. I thought the book was rather costly but figured it would be worth having.I was very disappointed to receive the 1/2" paperback that didn't even have assists for downward dog, warrior poses, triangle pose or even childs pose. What a huge disappointment to not have even the basic poses in the book.Had I had the opportunity to see what the book entailed I never would have ordered it. I have never written a review before but I am honestly so disappointed I felt I needed to. I truly wish I could return the book

Bought both volumes 1&2. Unfortunately, the books barely cover the basics with almost no useful information for practicing teachers. Adjustments such as "making sure the hips face forward" are not unique, inspiring, or anything more than you would receive from any of the hundreds of basic yoga manuals on the market. Each posture contains several photos with only one being large enough to actually examine. The rest are nothing more than thumbnail size fluff. If you are truly looking for material on adjustments and safe body alignment for teaching, this is probably not the resource you want.Pro: pretty photos, heavy weight paper, nice looking design.Cons: photos not useful, material is nothing more than you'd find in a cheaper basic yoga manual.

Jill Abelsons "Art of Hands-On Assists" is written in a structured, precise, clear and practical way. She gives short and detailed descriptions about principles of assisting, followed by the different poses and ends up with ethics/safety considerations.In the part of assisting poses she gives knowledge, commentaries and examples for the particular pose from her long lasting experience as a advanced yoga teacher. Jill builds up with common misalignments and assists.The assists are great. She offers assists for beginners/intermediate/advanced students. This is a invaluable enrichment when you start with teaching yoga classes. It builds up your confidence. I highly recommend Volume One: Hips, Twists and Forward Bend and Volume Two: Standing Poses, Back Bends & Surya Namaskar.I was lucky and had the great opportunity that Jill was my mentor during the Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training in NY this year.Getting hands on assists from her was a amazing and seldom experience, it felt like two energy rivers melting in one. Jill works not only with knowledge and experience, she has a great skill to be very sensitive in the art of energetic flow.Thank you very much, with "extra love", Diana