As Yoga has continued to grow in popularity and become more "mainstream" there are more and more books authored by amazing Yogi's and Yoga teachers. With so many options, it can be hard to know what type of Yoga book to choose! Some books focus more on the teachers themselves - their journeys, stories and personal beliefs. Some focus on the body and the physical practice. Some focus on a certain style of Yoga. There really is something on the bookshelf for everyone! Today, I am sharing the Yoga books that I currently own, and who I would recommend them to, as a way to hopefully help you decide what you may enjoy or benefit from at this point in your Yoga Journey.
Slim Calm Sexy Yoga - Tara Stiles
Who I would recommend this to: Beginner - Intermediate Yogi's who want to practice at home.
This was Tara's first Yoga book and was actually the first Yoga book that I purchased in my collection. I am a big fan of Tara and her ideas/philosophies about the Yoga practice which was my reason for choosing this book. This book provides simple and short sequences focusing on stress relief, muscle toning, confidence building, and an array of ailments - headaches, hangovers etc. She also provides great pictures and descriptions of how to move into a wide variety of standing, seated and balancing postures. (Note: Tara is very flexible so although the pictures are beautiful examples you may not look like that in the pose - I sure don't!) It's a fairly "easy to read" and user friendly guide for anyone on their Yoga journey. Tara has since released "Yoga Cures", "Make Your Own Rules Diet", "Make Your Own Rules Cookbook", and "Strala Yoga".
The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga - Bernie Clark
Who I would recommend this to: Yoga teachers and Yogi's looking to start or deepen their Yin practice.
I purchased this book when I took my Yin Yoga training and still regularly reference it when sequencing Yin classes. This book provides helpful information about Yin Yoga and the philosophies behind this practice, as well as breakdowns of the Yin poses. What I really like about this book is that there are photos not only of each of the poses, but also of some modifications. This book also provides in depth information about how to get in and out of the pose, counterposes, and what the benefits of each pose is. Toward the end of the book there are also full sequences focusing on different areas of the body.
30 Essential Yoga Poses - Judith Lasater, Ph. D, P.T.
Who I would recommend this to: Yoga teachers and Yoga Students of all levels
This is kind of the "Holy Grail" of Hatha Yoga in my house. This book has the essential Yoga poses that you will find in a Hatha practice, LOTS of information on how to move into them, how to modify, and what the benefits of each are. I especially appreciate the sections of the book where Judith speaks specifically to Yoga teachers with tips on instructing poses and providing adjustments.
Poser: My Life in Twenty-Three Yoga Poses - Claire Dederer
Who I would recommend this to: Anyone who is interested in Yoga or enjoys great stories
This is a "Yoga book" in the sense that she does talk about Yoga, but it is not instructional. This is a funny, down to earth and thoughtful sharing by Claire about her journey into Yoga.
Your Body Your Yoga - Bernie Clark
I've just added this book to my collection (along with the next book listed) and am very excited to dig into it. What really drew me to this was the idea that it provides alignment cues based on individul needs and individual bodies. The whole idea is that no two bodies are the same and therefore you need to provide different alignment cues - this really resonates with me and the Your Best Yoga program. Once I get into it some more I may provide a bigger review, but from my first looks, I would certainly recommend this to Yoga teachers looking to better meet the needs of their students.
Asanas for Autism and Special Needs - Shawnee Thornton Hardy
This is the other new book in my collection and I've purchased it to further my education on teaching Yoga to children with various and special needs. It had great reviews for being thoughtful and providing breakdowns of each pose as well as how to introduce each pose to children in a meaningful way. I am really excited to get into this book as well!
What have I missed?? Tell me about your favorite Yoga books in the comments below - I am always looking for recommendations!
This post contains affiliate links