Yoga is a practice that has many physical and mental benefits that improve your health. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there is always room to improve and push yourself further with your practice.
Developing your yoga skills often means reading anything and everything you can get your hands on (apart from practicing).
This, however, can be a bit overwhelming. Especially when you are a total newbie in the world of yoga, as there are so many yoga books to choose from.
Where to start with so many options available, how do you know what to choose and what resonated with you?
As a yoga practitioner, I have sought many yoga books to get a better understanding of the asanas, discover new poses, and learn about yoga philosophy.
So before you spend hours searching for your first or next yoga book, check out this review list, which contains my favorite yoga books of all time, yoga books for beginners, yoga philosophy books, yoga pregnancy books and more!
Enjoy trying out these books, and if you wish, let them be a source of inspiration for developing and improving your own personal yoga practice!
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Best Yoga books for everyone
Yoga has been around for thousands of years, so it has had time to develop and perfect. But don’t worry, you won’t have to wait that long to become a pro! Here are some of the best yoga books out there that even the most advanced Yogis can’t go without.
1. Light on Yoga – B.K.S. Iyengar
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Light on yoga is created by the world-famous Yogi B.K.S Iyengar and has been described as the Bible of Yoga by Yogis around the world.
The book is filled with breathing exercises, asana descriptions, detailed illustrations and the ancient art of Yoga philosophy. Added together, this provides an ideal yoga book to allow you to master the poses and meditation straight from home!
Perfect for anyone from beginners to masters, this yoga book gives you weekly step by step guides for your practice, including specific poses and methods if you have health problems (one of B.K.S. Iyengar specialties).
All you need now is dedication and within weeks you will start to see major differences happening to your body and mind!
To conclude, this exquisite piece of reading will deepen your practice by connecting your body and mind and creating balance in your life.
2. Yoga Anatomy – Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews
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This best selling yoga book is written by advanced yoga educators Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews, both taught by the famous T.K.V Desikachar who is considered the father of modern Yoga. It’s one of my favorites, that I come back to over and over again!
The book contains extensive descriptions of the anatomy and structure of yoga asanas, including the effects and benefits they have on your physical well-being.
From breathing methods to joint movements, to muscle stretches to bone structures, this literature covers everything you need to know to learn about your body’s capabilities.
With many 4 and 5 star reviews, this yoga book has been described as essential for all yoga practitioners and is often included as must-read literature during TTC’s (Yoga Teacher Training Courses).
3. The Yoga Bible – Christina Brown
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The Yoga Bible is a well-known yoga book for both beginners and people in an advanced stage of yoga. Providing over 170 asanas with in-depth descriptions to help you find the ideal yoga sequence to fit your needs.
It contains good exercises for every level, clear guidance lines to improve your practice and technical descriptions on each pose. This will help you learn how to recreate the pose with the build-up, the counter-poses and how to lighten the pose without having to pay loads of money into yoga classes.
Described as an excellent, highly informative and easy read, this yoga book has been given so many good reviews. And with its small size, it’s perfect if you are on the go and want to practice away from home! Give it a go and find that perfect balance for your body and mind.
4. Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit – Donna Farhi
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The first holistic guide to yoga written by Donna Farhi, a registered movement therapist and yoga teacher includes practices from all yoga traditions and the ethics and principles behind Yoga.
Donna Farhi gives in-depth descriptions of the connections between mind, body, and spirit by giving the principal factors to consider when trying to achieve yoga poses. These principles to follow are breathing, yield, radiate, center, support, align, and engage.
They allow anyone to eventually achieve even the most difficult asanas and will help you to understand all the motions of the human body.
The yoga poses are divided into sections such as standing asanas, arm balances, restorative poses and backbends to make learning an easier process. In addition, the 240 photos and illustrations of yoga positions and philosophy on the ethics of yoga, will help you explore your body and mind even more.
Described as the best yoga book you will ever find, and an excellent read for dedicated people, you almost can’t go wrong buying and reading this book.
5. Yoga as Medicine – Timothy McCall
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This yoga book focuses on helping you heal or improve your body. For instance, if you have chronic back or shoulder pain, there are specific poses that will help you reduce or even expel this pain completely.
Through this practice, it is said that not only will you heal your body but you will also achieve mental serenity. Described as a ‘must-have in your library’, this book is perfect for anyone interested in mind and body healing.
6. Your Spine, your Yoga – Bernie Clark
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If you have ever experienced back problems or spinal injuries this yoga book can help you get back on track!
The author of this book, Bernie Clark, explains the specific details on the connections between the spine and the body and backs this up by scientific principles.
In his book, he focuses on the importance of the spine in mobility and stability and this can help anyone improve their posture and reduce back pains, or even just better your practice.
7. 2100 Asanas – Daniel Lacerda
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Who knew that there are 2100 different poses in Yoga! That’s because there are so many different forms and traditions, that have developed over centuries. Daniel Lacerda has created this beautiful yoga book containing a wide variety of yoga poses for any level.
Described as one of the best, complete, modern asana manuals, this book will help you create your ideal routine. It has many variations of each pose to assure that you achieve the full pose at a slow pace to avoid injury.
When learning yoga in a taught class, sometimes you can feel lost, however, this yoga book will allow you to advance at your own pace by choosing poses that fit your body and routine best. Not only does it have all the yoga poses in but it also includes sections on yoga philosophy, to help you understand the principles behind your practice.
8. Light on Life – B.K.S Iyengar
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Another incredible read by B.K.S. Iyengar, this yoga book’s motto is “By persistent and sustained practice, anyone and everyone can make the yoga journey and reach the goal of illumination and freedom”.
Don’t feel intimidated by yoga, it is a practice that anyone can do no matter your size, it just takes practice and dedication like most other things in life. This yoga book will give you all the wisdom and confidence you need to improve your practice.
Described as beautiful and inspiring, this is a must-have in your yoga library. A quote from the book says “This is not yoga for the body by the body, but yoga for the body by the mind”, A beautiful quote written by a yoga legend to inspire everyone with a passion.
9. Yoga for Everyone – Dianne Bondy
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This book truly is ‘for everyone’ says Diane Bondy, who has taken it upon herself to distinguish 50 yoga poses that anyone at any level can accomplish. No matter your abilities, weight or size Yoga for Everyone has all the methods and advice demonstrating how easy it is to do yoga. The book also includes stunning photos of poses with modifications and alternatives.
Instead of you having to change yourself to fit a yoga routine and achieve poses, just shape them to fit your needs! Diana says ‘Yes! You can do yoga!’ and that ‘ Yoga is for everybody!’. Readers describe this book an inspiration and highly inclusive. You don’t need to be small and dainty to do yoga, you just have to be determined and motivated!
10. The Heart Of Yoga – T.K.V. Desikachar
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According to the Sunday Times, “you will begin to understand what yoga is all about if you read this book cover to cover”.
Written by one of the oldest and wisest yogis of our time, this book truly takes you to the heart of yoga. T.K.V. Desikachar has an aspect of compassion, gentleness, and inspiration in his teaching methods, making you feel at ease but pushing you to improve at the same time.
He believes that yoga should be adapted to the needs of the individual and not the other way around. Yoga should benefit everyone.
The ideas of T.K.V. Desikachar have influenced many modern yoga teachers who use his book to direct their classes. Therefore I consider this as an essential yoga book to deepen your practice and feel more connected to your mind and body.
Best Yoga Books for Beginners
Just starting up or curious about yoga? Well here are some yoga books for beginners that will help you get started. Learn about the yoga basics, including tips, guidelines, methods and modifications combined to help you become a seasoned yoga practitioner in no time!
1. The Yoga Beginner’s Bible – Tai Morello
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Well as it says in the title, this is the BIBLE for yoga beginners: with chapters on breathing practices, asanas, meditation, and much more, it covers everything you need to know about yoga.
The book gives clear step-by-step instructions for each pose, as well as modifications. In addition, it has photos of people in the poses, which as a beginner I found way more valuable than the drawings in other yoga books.
Overall, I believe this well-scripted book perfect to push newbies in the right direction at a steady pace.
2. Every body Yoga – Jessamyn Stanley
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Another book promoting body positivity and acceptance, Every Body Yoga is an inspiring book to help you begin your journey to become a yoga pro! This book really does show that yoga is for anyone who is committed, no matter if you are a size 2 or a size 20. Due to current issues with size, class, race, and abilities, people feel intimidated to try new things, but this book aims to make you appreciate yourself and your own capabilities.
Described as a beautiful, heartfelt and well-written book, Stanley has been painted as a ‘National treasure’ by her readers. She encourages not only to be more accepting of who you are but to break the social norms and prove people wrong through dedication. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and let go of fear and intimidation.
3. Yoga for Beginners – Susan Neal
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With over 30 years of yoga experience and having gone through personal health issues, Susan Neal has combined her yoga practice with her spiritual practice to create an encouraging book for people of all ages. By sharing personal experiences, you are able to really connect with the author, helping you to relax and feel more at ease when practicing.
This yoga book for beginners includes a wide variety of yoga poses, multiple breathing exercises, warm-up routines, methods to release anxiety and pain, meditation techniques and eating regimes.
Readers describe this book as ‘more than just a read’ and ‘a wonderful yoga instruction manual’. It has been written with simplicity and care to ensure readers that yoga is possible for anyone and also serves a great refresher book if you haven’t practiced for a while.
Best Yoga Philosophy Books
If you are more interested in learning about the connections between mind body and spirit, then yoga philosophy books are what you need. Yoga philosophy emphasizes on both physical and spiritual benefits to the individual, through the combination of multiple yoga techniques. I have researched the best yoga books on philosophy to help you decide which one is right for you.
1. Autobiography of a Yogi – Yogananda
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This is one of the most well-known yoga philosophy books, written by the famous Yogi Yogananda. If you are searching for more than just a physical practice, this book will help you to deepen your spiritual practice
Yogananda is praised as ‘the father of yoga in the west’ and has many explanations and ideas on the truth of our existence. His religious explanations for certain theories is what attracts people to this book. However, although most non-religious people would be turned away from this, it helps readers gain insight into his/her self.
Readers have described this book as ‘a simply written yet profoundly impacting book’ and ‘one of the most unbelievable yoga books’. Yogananda explains the importance of understanding the philosophy and principles of yoga, and his book launched the spiritual revolution around the world through his thousands of followers.
By reading this book you will deepen your spiritual practice through learning the Yogis insights and further your physical practice with the help of Yogananda’s ancient yoga techniques.
2. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Sri Swami Satchidananda
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This yoga philosophy book is written by one of the first Yogis to introduce yoga into the western world, Sri Swami Satchidananda. With his knowledge and insights into the spiritual philosophy of yoga and his master of ancient yoga techniques, he taught a whole new way of life to Westerners in America.
With many techniques on Pranayama (breathing), asanas and meditation, this yoga philosophy book will guide you towards a healthier lifestyle and a clearer mind. A highly recommended read described as essential for anyone practicing yoga, and an easy way to learn about yoga and beyond.
This manual provides a full study on Raja Yoga with 4,000-year-old sutras to help you achieve the balance of mind and body you are searching for.
3. The Secret of the Yoga Sutra – Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
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Pandit Tigunait has created a book on the knowledge he has gained through decades of practicing various forms of yoga and learning the different philosophies and beliefs behind these practices. Described as articulate, erudite and easily accessible, readers say this book has completely changed their yoga and meditation practices.
4. The Journey Home – Radhanath Swami
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Follow Radhanath Swami on his pilgrimage through India and you will uncover the true needs of the human body and mind, to guide you on your path to spiritual discovery! By finding self-awareness and learning the ancient art of yoga from masters in the depths of the Himalayas, Swami has become a world-renowned Yogi and is now teaching about spirituality in many countries across the globe.
In his world-famous spiritual yoga book, author Radhanath Swami seeks to indulge his readers in the mystical adventures of his journey through the Himalayas. Swami explains why everything happens for a reason, by describing his personal experiences in life.
Described by readers as ‘an adventure you won’t believe and a journey you will want to experience again and again’. This book has been recommended by therapists and yoga instructors to help people answer questions about themselves and the world around them.
5. Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation – Stephen Mitchell
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This world-renowned book is one of the greatest spiritual masterpieces ever written. A translation of Hindu mythology, and one of the most sacred of Hindu Sanskrit, Bhagavad Gita is a beautifully written piece of work that should be read by everyone.
Bhagavad Gita translates to ‘the song of the lord’, and through knowledge and wisdom, this book aspires to help people along their path to self-discovery and acceptance.
The book tells the tale of Arjuna and Lord Krishna and the challenges they face throughout their lives and how they overcome them. Described as thought-provoking, uplifting and mind-opening, this translation makes it easy to read but remains a poetic piece of art.
Bhagavad Gita is so inspirational and well known that the famous Gandhi used this yoga philosophy book as a handbook for life. By telling tales of the battle between good and evil, it helps you resonate with the truth and make peace with the obstacles that get thrown at you during your journey through life. A must-have for anyone interested in Hindu mythology and a gateway book to reading other translations of the Gita.
6. Perfectly Imperfect – Baron Baptiste
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Baron Baptiste is the creator of Baptiste Yoga, after practicing and learning for over 25 years. In his book, he covers the importance of recognizing everything that happens to your body and mind during transformations from yoga.
It is common that people just think of yoga as stretching, however, the mental aspects are just as important. The principles of yoga are essential knowledge when practicing as you become more aware of the effects happening to your body and mind.
Yoga is a form of art, and this book will allow you to see your practice through a different mindset and open you up to new discoveries about yourself. Baron has inspired millions of people around the world so why not give it a try!
7. Spiritual Graffiti – MC Yogi
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After being a rebellious teen, MC Yogi is now one of the most famous Yogis in America. In his yoga book, he describes personal experiences of struggle and loss, through a continuous downward spiral until he was introduced to yoga philosophies and ancient Indian teachings on life.
He proves that yoga has transformative powers and that it can truly change your life for the better. A beautifully written autobiography and absolutely heartwarming, this book will inspire you to start your own practice of yoga and meditation.
With many 5-star reviews and described by readers as a ‘beautiful tale told by a wonderful storyteller’, ‘full of energy’ and ‘so inspiring’ this book will get you doing yoga in no time! Or if you aren’t interested in practicing yoga, the life lessons and principles described will help you to reach self-acceptance and serenity.
8. The Living Gita – Sri Swami Satchidananda
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Another translation of the Gita, describing the tales of the great Arjuna and Lord Krishna in their journey through battle. It is a story of division, where Arjuna represents the human soul and Krishna is the inner spirit. It explains how we can only find peace and the answers we are searching for once we rise above the division and destruction of humanity.
This yoga book is considered a different take on the Hindu mythology and ancient Sanskrit, and a must-have for anyone interested in yoga philosophy, Hindu mythology, and spiritual inspiration. It will give you the spiritual insight and the practical wisdom you need to deepen your practice.
Best Yoga Pregnancy Books
Before anything, Congratulations! If you are interested in taking up yoga but are worried it may be difficult due to your pregnancy, then here are some yoga books to guide you.
1. Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful – Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa
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This inspiring book was written by Gurmukh Khalsa, a world-renowned yoga instructor who has been teaching for the last 30 years. Proving that pregnancy should not limit you physically or mentally, Gurmukh has created step by step instructions, covering each trimester of your pregnancy to help you prepare for the pregnancy, the delivery and taking care of your baby.
This yoga pregnancy book includes sections on suitable yoga positions, meditation techniques and breathing exercises to help you through the body transformations you will encounter. Not only will these exercises help you physically but also mentally, as it will help soothe those anxious and uneasy thoughts about pregnancy.
Gurmukh was described as ‘Hollywood’s favorite pregnancy Guru’ by the Los Angeles Times, and this book as ‘an all-time favorite yoga pregnancy book’. Gurmukh sheds a different light on pregnancy and birth, to put mothers at ease and remind them of the strength that comes with being a woman.
2. Birth Wisdom Yoga Remedies & Journal – Julia Piazza
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Considered more of a preparation guide for your birth, Julia Piazza writes about her personal experiences to guide you through the trimesters of your pregnancy. Julia is famous for her 8 birth wisdoms, which will reassure you when practicing prenatal yoga.
Pregnancy can be a scary time, therefore it is important to keep a clean and healthy mindset. With breathing techniques, meditations and affirmations, this yoga book helps you with your daily or weekly yoga sessions and pregnancy prep.
The book is highly recommended by readers, especially if you’re in your first pregnancy because of to the amazing tips and awareness in the writing. It also includes asanas for specific pains and special exercises you can take into the labor room when giving birth, for a more controlled and relaxing birth.
3. Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood – Geeta S. IYengar
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Written by the daughter of the world-famous Guru Iyengar, this is a must-have for any woman enduring pregnancy. Geeta provides step by step guidance, for mothers wishing to begin or continue yoga through their pregnancy.
With a high focus on safety and reassurance, this yoga pregnancy book explains why certain poses are recommended and others should be avoided. Including which poses are suitable for which periods of your pregnancy, specialized diets, meditation and pranayama techniques to assure your stay healthy physically and mentally.
The book also contains beautiful illustrations of the asanas to show you exactly how to move into the poses correctly without injury. Overall, I consider this an essential guide if you want to do yoga during your pregnancy.
4. Yoga Mama – Linda Sparrowe
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Focused more at experienced yoga practitioners, this guide will help you to continue your practice, whilst giving you advice on modifications. Falling pregnant should not be considered a block of your practice but more of an obstacle or challenge that you can overcome.
There are many physical and mental challenges included with pregnancy, and Yoga Mama was created with a combination of yogic wisdom and modern knowledge to prepare you for this incredible journey.
With advice from Holistic and ayurvedic medicines to help women answer those questions about the changes happening to their bodies and minds. Having this book will almost feel as if Linda Sparrowe is next to you supporting you along the way, with her compassionate and encouraging writing.
Promoting self-awareness, body positivity and balance in your life and body, This is a guide you can not live without. Described by readers as ‘Great pregnancy support’, ‘THE prenatal book to buy’, and ‘Great for Yogis who are pregnant’.
5. Yoga Mama: 18 Easy Yoga Poses – Patricia Bacall
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To truly achieve that physical and spiritual connection with your baby, Patricia Bacall created this book with 18 easy and safe yoga poses with modifications. She emphasizes attacking problems such as stress, lack of sleep, aches and pains, strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and above all calming your nerves.
The healthier you are as an expecting mother, the healthier your baby will be. Described as ‘a great simple yoga book for expectant mothers’ this guide is perfect for people at all levels of yoga.
The Best Yoga Books If you want something different
Bored with your same old yoga routine? Why not try something totally different? Here are a few wacky yoga books I’ve found to give your yoga session that bit of pizazz.
1. The Little Book of Goat Yoga – Lainey Morse
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Everybody loves goats, and who better to have as a yoga partner. Trending across the globe, goat yoga has become a furry sensation!
Lainey Morse started up her small business of goat yoga in Oregon, US, where people from all over the world travel to her farm to have the experience of practicing yoga with goats.
If you don’t own goats or don’t have any goat farms near you don’t worry, you can still follow the yoga routines provided, whilst admiring the adorable pictures of our furry friends. This book is also perfect if you have children who would like to learn yoga in a fun way too!
2. Brew & Asana – Adrienne Rinaldi
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If you love beer and yoga then this book is perfect for you! Brew & Asana, is a light introduction to yoga with beautiful descriptions of the poses and pairing craft beers from around the world.
Obviously we don’t mean that you have to drink a whole beer with every pose you do.. You wouldn’t be able to finish your routine! This is more of a combination of two totally different things that most people love, to make your yoga experience more interesting!
Adrienne Rinaldi began to teach her passion for yoga in breweries to combine her love for beers and yoga and share them with the world. Described by readers as ‘a unique book topic with fantastic illustrations, this guide will help you learn about 2 passions at once. I mean let’s be honest, if there’s a pint involved, why not ey!
3. The Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book – Kelly Solloway
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Coloring is a great way to relax and is very therapeutic, so why not learn your yoga anatomy whilst having a bit of fun? This yoga anatomy coloring book aims to teach you about the connections between yoga and the body through your bones, joints, muscles, and organs in an entertaining but educating manor.
When learning yoga it is important to know about how it is affecting your body, which will help you improve with your poses. It is well known that using methods to remember your lessons is very effective, and coloring is one of them. By using this coloring book, you will be a pro on yoga anatomy in no time, and who knows, it may even bring out your artistic side.
So many Yoga Books: Now the choice is up to you
Hopefully, this guide has helped give you the information you need to choose your perfect yoga books. Don’t feel intimidated or afraid to try something new, as this could be the start of a new life for you. Yoga has helped people across the world to overcome physical and mental issues, so whatever your problem is, give yoga a try and you won’t be disappointed.
With everything from learning basic poses, yoga anatomy, Hindu mythology, or even yoga with goats, this guide should help you find the yoga book to fit your needs. If you never try you’ll never know!
If you want to give an extra boost to your yoga practice, read my articles about how to use Tibetian Singing Bowls and crystals during your yoga practice.
Not done with reading? I also have in-depth posts on tarot books, palmistry books, and chakra books, so I’m sure you don’t get bored:)