Yogascent - Eng

YOGA CLIMBING
The connection between the discipline of Yoga and conscious climbing

This manual aims to illustrate the connections between yoga and climbing, exploring not only the aspects linked to awareness of the body, breathing and our mental dynamics, but also contextualising them within the spiritual path of this age-old discipline. The objective is not only to show how yogic techniques can be aimed at climbing both on a physical and mental level, but also to demonstrate how climbing, experienced with an adequate approach, can itself become a form of yoga.

After an introduction in which the principles of Yoga are presented and its link with climbing is summarized, the book dedicates a substantial part to the description of the most important yogic postures (Asanas) and various sequences designed for climbers, explaining in depth their usefulness in climbing. Subsequently, various breathing techniques (Pranayama) that can be applied in climbing are described, to then analyze what the foundations of meditation are and how climbing can become a meditation in movement. This is followed by a chapter dedicated to yogic relaxation techniques and an explanation of how the ethical/moral codes (Yama and Niyama) of yoga can actually find a very current application in the world of climbing. Finally, various insights will find space in a vast appendix.

This guide is aimed both at those looking for a complementary practice in yoga to improve as climbers, and at those interested in entering the heart of yoga and having a deeper vision of their vertical passion. The second edition presents a notable revision and expansion of the previous one, in which those who appreciated the first version will be able to find many other techniques and food for thought.

Alberto Milani, born in 1980, started climbing at the age of 13. In the first years of his activity he dedicated himself to sport climbing on crags and partly to mountaineering and then devoted himself mainly to bouldering from the end of the 90s. Alongside his outdoor activity, from 2003 to 2010 he participated in the major Italian bouldering competitions. Having sensed the closeness between climbing and yoga, he approached the latter in 2002 and then practiced it continuously since 2007, starting in 2010 the multi-year training path to become a teacher at the Jiva Yoga school in Como. In 2014 he concluded this journey, graduating as a teacher recognized at national (CSEN) and international level (E-RYT®200/ RYT®500/YACEP®). Since 2019 he has been an ordinary member of YANI (Yoga National Association of Teachers) and since 2017 a FASI climbing instructor, currently at the Manga Climbing gym in Milan. Since 2014 he has been teaching yoga and yoga for climbing, regularly holding weekly courses and organizing dozens of seminars, workshops and retreats throughout Italy. He is also one of the teachers responsible for the multi-year teacher training course of the Jiva Yoga Academy (www.jivayoga.it).

Cristine Spiezia Since her childhood, she grew up in a daily context in which yoga, holistic disciplines and spirituality were part of her life, within yogic communities. Her love for nature and eco-sustainability led her to obtain a diploma in Aesthetics in 2004 at the CFP in Como and then to delve further into eco-organic cosmetics, also collaborating with InLight Beauty – Cemon. In this context he developed the holistic "Naturopathy for the skin" approach, combining knowledge of the MTC meridians in synergy with self-massage, yoga and skin care techniques. Her interest in psychology led her to the path and title of "Community Manager" in 2009. In 2014 she graduated as a yoga teacher at the Jiva Yoga school, with an international RYT®500 certification. She regularly teaches yoga, particularly for pregnancy and post-natal, holds holistic consultations and collaborates with professionals from different sectors. He is also part of the team of teachers of the Jiva Yoga Academy teacher training course. Since 2013 she has approached climbing, which she practices regularly.