Kilted Yoga: Yoga Laid Bare by Finlay Wilson

by Catherine Van Bergen (follow)

Non fiction (105)      Mindfulness (4)      Exercise (1)      Fitness (1)      Yoga (1)      Scottish (1)     

When I first came across Kilted Yoga, I thought it was intended to be a joke book, paying out the often-contorted poses of yoga. The fact that the yoga guru in question is a 30-year-old Scottish man wearing nothing more than a kilt while posing, only accentuated this belief, making me believe that this was a comedic tribute to the mindfulness-based exercise.

But I have since learnt that this is not the case.

This is actually a serious yoga book, outlining posing instructions and breathing techniques, and taught/demonstrated by a real yoga teacher who just happens to be wearing a kilt and not much else.

Capitalising on the popularity of his YouTube videos (and embracing his Scottish heritage), Finlay Wilson encourages yoga participation for health, recovery and mindfulness. And while this book may be a good gag gift for someone who loves a buff, semi-naked kilted man (a person who enjoys Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, perhaps?), it is also a good reference for those interested in a serious yoga session to improve stability, mood and general health.

Opening with an introduction and information about his Scottish heritage and yoga experiences, Wilson explains his motivations for producing this book. As a founder of Heart Space Yoga & Bodyworks, Wilson strives to teach people how to embrace their bodies and celebrate what they can do. As part of his program, he also teaches people with disabilities- adapting poses to help them work on their strength.

In this book, each pose sequence has written instructions on how to work the muscles and position your arms and legs, with accompanying photos illustrating this. Some poses even have variations for easability, illustrated by his friend and fellow yoga mate Tristan. There are four progress levels of yoga planned throughout this book, with the intent for each level explained as you work through them. At the end of each physical exercise is a mental exercise to help you focus and reach a suitable level of contentment.

Kilted Yoga adds a new dimension to the exercise, creating interest and setting it apart from your average yoga instructional book. While the photos were taken in a forest setting in freezing conditions, yoga enthusiasts who purchase this book are more than welcome to practice the poses in the comfort of their own home. Perfect for yoga-lovers and those looking for some eye-candy, this book would make an informative, slightly cheeky and undoubtedly unusual addition to your personal library.


Rating: 3/5
Published: November 2017

#Non Fiction
#Exercise
#Fitness
#Yoga
#Mindfulness
#Scottish

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