Yoga Books

Finding Yoga Books

Finding yoga books is surprisingly easy. Yoga books can be purchased from almost any bookstore or Web site that sells non-fiction books. You’ll find yoga books for beginners, as well as titles that cover specialized topics such as blending yoga with Pilates or doing yoga for weight loss.

If you prefer to try before you buy, most larger libraries should have a few books for you to review. You can also use Amazon.com’s “Search Inside” feature to view an excerpt from most of the popular yoga titles the site has available.

Yoga Basics

If you’re interested in a simple introduction to yoga, check out the following selections

• Yoga Journal's Yoga Basics: The Essential Beginner's Guide to Yoga for a Lifetime of Health and Fitness by Mara Carrico provides a helpful introduction to yoga. Carrico, who is best known as the choreographer to Jane Fonda’s yoga video, has teamed up with the editors of the Yoga Journal magazine to describe the differences between various Hatha yoga styles, provide hints for meditation, and discuss how you can incorporate yoga into your daily routine. In addition, the book provides 140 photographs to illustrate the most essential yoga poses.
• The American Yoga Association Beginner's Manual by Alice Christensen is a step-by-step guide to learning how to safely and effectively begin a yoga practice. However, the focus of this text is more on the physical aspects of yoga. If you’re looking for spiritual guidance, this isn’t the best book for you.
• Yoga Zone Introduction to Yoga: A Beginner's Guide to Health, Fitness, and Relaxation by Alan Finger and Al Bingham discusses beginner postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques in an easy-to-follow format. The authors, both experienced yoga instructors, outline a 20-minute introductory yoga practice as well as a 40-minute routine that includes customization options.

Useful Yoga Reference Books

If you want to build a yoga reference library, check out the following selections:

• The Language of Yoga: Complete A to Y Guide to Asana Names, Sanskrit Terms, and Chants by Nicolai Bachman helps you understand all of the confusing terminology used in a typical yoga class. This essential reference book/CD set contains over 200 asanas and 300 Sanskrit definitions and pronunciations. The author has studied at the American Sanskrit Institute and received his master's in Eastern philosophy from St. John's College.
• Anatomy of Hatha Yoga: A Manual for Students, Teachers, and Practitioners Teachers, and Practitioners by H. David Coulter is an essential reference for any serious yoga student. In fact, this title is often required for yoga instructor training programs. Readers will learn how an understanding of Western physiology and anatomy can enhance their yoga practice.
• Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga by B. K. S. Iyengar gives you a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind yoga. Iyengar, widely considered to be the greatest living yoga teacher, also provides 602 photos to demonstrate both beginning and advanced yoga poses.