New Book Series Provide Direct Access to Science of Yoga, Pilates, Dance, & Ballet

The science of exercise has now become even more accessible to the public, with new educational books by M. Schottenbauer, Ph.D. Written for students from grades 7 through high school, college, and university, these lab manuals feature graphs of the physics and biophysics of yoga, Pilates, dance, ballet, and other popular sports. The data can be used to supplement traditional curricula in a variety of classes, including math, science, health, and physical education.

The following two graphs, excerpted from one of the books, compare electrical signals in the left bicep during two yoga positions.

Discussion Questions:

1) How much variation in electrical activity is present in Graph 1? In Graph 2?
2) Which graph shows a greater increase in electrical activity during the pose?
3) Which pose requires greater effort to produce?
4) What is the activation pattern of the forearm muscles during each pose?
5) Which yoga pose is more relaxing during the pose? 
6) Which yoga pose is more relaxing after the pose?
7) Does this scientific data suggest which yoga pose should come first, in a good routine?


Graphs such as the ones above can be found in the following book series:

Graphs & Data for Science Lab: Multi-Volume Series

• The Science of Yoga, Pilates, & Ballet
• Volume 1: Force & Acceleration
• Volume 2: Biophysics
• Volume 3: Video Analysis

Anthologies of 28 Graphs

• The Science of Yoga
• The Science of Dance & Ballet

Related books, appropriate for younger students, include the following:

Geometry Workbooks

• The Geometry of Yoga
• The Geometry of Ballet 

Additional information on these and related book series is available on the author's blog on Sport Science Education.


Additional Information

Schottenbauer Publishing

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